Pre-interview research

Definition

Pre-interview research is the process of gathering information about a subject and their background before conducting an interview. This preparation helps in formulating relevant questions and establishing a rapport, which can lead to a more effective and engaging interaction during the actual interview.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pre-interview research can include reviewing articles, books, social media profiles, and previous interviews to understand the subject's perspective and expertise.
2. Having a solid understanding of the subject's background allows the interviewer to tailor questions that are both insightful and relevant to their experiences.
3. Conducting pre-interview research can help in building trust and rapport with the subject, making them more comfortable during the interview process.
4. This research can also reveal potential biases or controversial topics related to the subject, allowing for thoughtful navigation during the interview.
5. Effective pre-interview research can lead to a more dynamic conversation, as the interviewer can ask follow-up questions based on the subject's responses.

Review Questions

• How does pre-interview research enhance the quality of an interview?
  • Pre-interview research enhances the quality of an interview by equipping the interviewer with essential background information about the subject. This knowledge enables the interviewer to ask relevant and insightful questions that resonate with the subject’s experiences. Moreover, it allows for better rapport-building, as the interviewer can reference shared knowledge or interests, leading to a more comfortable and open dialogue.
• Discuss how pre-interview research can help manage sensitive topics during an interview.
  • Pre-interview research is crucial for managing sensitive topics because it helps identify potential areas of discomfort or controversy related to the subject. By understanding these nuances beforehand, an interviewer can approach such topics with care and sensitivity. This preparation allows for the framing of questions in a way that respects the subject’s feelings while still addressing important issues, thus maintaining a respectful interaction throughout the interview.
• Evaluate the impact of inadequate pre-interview research on interviewer-subject interactions.
  • Inadequate pre-interview research can significantly undermine interviewer-subject interactions by leading to poorly formulated questions that may miss critical aspects of the subject's background. This lack of preparation can create awkward moments and hinder engagement, making it difficult for the subject to feel valued or understood. Additionally, it may prevent the interviewer from recognizing sensitive issues or biases that could affect the tone of the conversation, ultimately resulting in a less productive interview experience.

Related terms

Background Check: The process of verifying an individual's personal, professional, and educational history to gather insights into their character and experiences.

Questionnaire Design: The practice of creating structured sets of questions to elicit specific information from interview subjects, guiding the conversation.

Active Listening:

A communication technique that involves fully focusing on the speaker, understanding their message, responding thoughtfully, and remembering key details.