Profile interview

Definition

A profile interview is a specific type of interview that focuses on revealing the personal story and unique characteristics of an individual, often highlighting their experiences, achievements, and personality traits. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of the interviewee, making it relatable and engaging for the audience while offering insights into their life journey and motivations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Profile interviews often emphasize storytelling and personal anecdotes to create a more engaging narrative.
2. These interviews may include questions about the interviewee's background, influences, and pivotal moments in their life.
3. The format allows for a more conversational tone, enabling interviewees to express their thoughts and emotions more freely.
4. Profile interviews are commonly used in journalism, marketing, and content creation to humanize subjects and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
5. Effective profile interviews require preparation and adaptability, as interviewers may need to follow up on interesting points raised during the conversation.

Review Questions

• How does a profile interview differ from other types of interviews in terms of focus and approach?
  • A profile interview differs from other types of interviews by concentrating on the personal story and unique attributes of an individual rather than solely gathering factual information or conducting an investigation. This approach emphasizes storytelling, allowing interviewees to share their experiences in a more relatable way. While other interviews might prioritize specific questions or topics, profile interviews aim for depth and connection by exploring the interviewee's life journey and motivations.
• Discuss the importance of narrative structure in crafting a compelling profile interview.
  • Narrative structure plays a crucial role in creating an engaging profile interview because it helps organize the interviewee's story in a way that captures the audience's attention. By effectively structuring the narrative with elements like character development and thematic focus, the interviewer can guide readers through the subject's experiences. This not only enhances understanding but also fosters emotional connections with the audience as they relate to the individual's journey.
• Evaluate the impact of effective interviewing techniques on the outcome of a profile interview.
  • Effective interviewing techniques significantly enhance the outcome of a profile interview by fostering an environment where the interviewee feels comfortable sharing personal stories. Techniques such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and building rapport allow for deeper conversations that can uncover rich details about the individual’s life. When executed well, these techniques help produce a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences while ensuring that the essence of the interviewee's character is authentically represented.

Related terms

Feature Story: A feature story is a piece of writing that explores a topic in depth, often focusing on the human interest aspect, providing background information, and painting a vivid picture of the subject.

Interview Techniques: Interview techniques are various methods used by interviewers to elicit information from subjects, which can include open-ended questions, active listening, and building rapport.

Narrative Structure: Narrative structure refers to the organized way in which a story is told, including elements like plot, character development, and thematic focus that help engage the reader.