Pre-interview planning

Definition

Pre-interview planning is the process of preparing for an interview by gathering information, setting objectives, and strategizing how to approach the conversation. This involves understanding the subject matter, anticipating challenges, and developing a clear structure to guide the interview, which is especially important when dealing with sensitive or reluctant sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective pre-interview planning can significantly increase the chances of obtaining useful information by ensuring that the interviewer is prepared for various scenarios.
2. It's essential to set clear objectives during pre-interview planning to know what information you want to gather from the source.
3. Anticipating possible resistance or hostility from sources allows interviewers to develop strategies for addressing those challenges during the conversation.
4. Pre-interview planning should include formulating open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses rather than simple yes or no answers.
5. Incorporating flexibility into the interview plan enables interviewers to adapt based on the flow of conversation and the source's reactions.

Review Questions

• How does pre-interview planning contribute to effectively interviewing reluctant sources?
  • Pre-interview planning helps in effectively interviewing reluctant sources by allowing interviewers to anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to address them. Understanding the background of these sources enables the interviewer to approach sensitive topics more tactfully. By having a structured plan that includes objectives and flexible questioning, interviewers can create an environment that encourages reluctant sources to open up and share valuable information.
• Discuss how background research plays a role in the pre-interview planning process and its impact on the outcome of the interview.
  • Background research is a critical component of pre-interview planning as it equips interviewers with essential context about their sources. Knowing a source's past statements, behaviors, or any pertinent controversies can help tailor questions that are relevant and engaging. This preparation can lead to deeper insights during the interview, making it more productive and informative, as the interviewer can navigate discussions with informed sensitivity.
• Evaluate the importance of flexibility within pre-interview planning when dealing with hostile or reluctant sources and its effects on gathering information.
  • Flexibility in pre-interview planning is crucial when interacting with hostile or reluctant sources because it allows interviewers to adjust their approach based on real-time feedback during the interview. Being adaptable helps in recognizing when a source becomes defensive or uncooperative, enabling interviewers to pivot their line of questioning or employ different techniques to diffuse tension. This adaptability often leads to better rapport and ultimately results in more substantial information being shared, as sources may feel more at ease when they see their concerns being acknowledged.

Related terms

Background Research: The investigation into a source's history, public statements, and context to inform the interviewer about relevant issues and potential biases.

Interview Structure: The organized framework that outlines how an interview will progress, including the order of questions and key topics to be addressed.

Building Rapport: The technique of establishing trust and a positive connection with a source to create a comfortable environment for open communication.