This week I will begin to carry out my one-on-one interviews for my inquiry. I must admit - I'm a little nervous. Thoughts keep swirling around my head that I need to ask the 'right' questions in order to get the best possible answers from my candidates. However, I know that this is not the point of these interviews. The main point is to LISTEN to what my candidates have to say and to their stories. As this is a qualitative study, there really is no such this as a 'right' or 'wrong' answer therefore there is no such this as the 'right' or 'wrong' question. Bearing all this in mind, I want do want to acknowledge my ethical duties at the interviewer. As my inquiry topic has to do with Identity and Disability politics, I need to ensure that my questions are respectful. From the research I have done on interviews here are the top things I am currently doing to ensure I conduct a successful interview:
1. Be prepared. Having done scrupulous research into the topic, as well as the candidate and their experiences. For each candidate I have prepared a list of different questions - some are generic questions and others are specifically tailored to their experiences.
2. Listen. Try to focus in. Don't be thinking of the next question while the candidate is still talking as you may miss vital information. Use the answers the candidates give as the jumping off point for further questions.
3. Follow-Up. By listening to what the candidate is saying, follow-up on any interesting points they may bring up that require further explanation.
4. Read the "intangibles". Take note of physical and verbal cues given by the candidate when telling their story. This brings through the very 'human' aspect to the conversation. If you can see they are nervous, unsure or uncomfortable it could be beneficial to steer the conversation in a different way or rephrase the question. Similarly, read when they are passionate and use to carry the conversation on further.
5. Don't step on their answer. Try not to interrupt - give the candidate the time they deserve to answer the question (I feel as though this ties in with listening). Also do not try to anticipate their answer, or steer them in a way that makes them want to change their point of view.
It is always important to make the candidate feel comfortable. This will ensure they give genuine answers.
These are just some general points I have come up with leading into my interviews. I will be doing another post after the interviews to share any other things I picked up whilst actively conducting the conversations.
I pass the question off to you - do you think there is anything missing off of my list for conducting interviews?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDOQBPYEaNs
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