Interviewing the Source

Karmelle V. Pique

After all the necessary preparations have been done, the moment has finally come to interview your source or informant. Some people dread the actual interview but don’t be. You can make that interview a success as long as you practice the tips given here on what to do during the interview proper.
Basically, you need to establish rapport with your source, observe proper etiquette in interviewing and ask good and follow-up questions.

How to establish rapport?

1. Stand and greet your source or informant with a warm –not bone-crushing- handshake.

2. Establish a friendly atmosphere by acting confidently and comfortably in front of your source. Avoid being jumpy and jittery.

3. Make your source feel comfortable as well by smiling and looking into the informant’s eyes. These gestures also show that you are sociable and interested.

4. Build up a good impression towards your source by being polite and pleasant not only on the beginning of the interview but at all times.

What are the etiquette during an interview?

1. Greet your source by his/her name and/or with the use of the more formal “Mr.” , “Mrs.”, “Ms.”

2. Wait for the source to sit down or invite you to sit down before seating yourself.

3. Sit comfortably. Do not slouch rather maintain a good posture.

4. Don’t lean back. Instead, relax and lean slightly forward to show interest and attentiveness.

5. Keep your feet flat on the floor so as not to cause some noise or distraction to your source.

6. Listen carefully to what your source is saying. Pay attention to it and be attentive and interested.

7. Always maintain good eye contact.

8. Smile and nod at appropriate times when the source is talking, but don’t overdo it.

9. Don’t just interrupt or butt in if it is not necessary or if the source is midway in his/her discussion.

10. Do not smoke or chew gum as this shows disrespect towards your source.

11. Don’t laugh unless the source does it first to show courtesy. Also, by doing so, you'll be able to avoid embarrassment in case your source doesn't find the topic humorous.

12. Stay calm. Even if you had bad experiences at a previous interview, keep your emotions to yourself. Do not show anger, irritation or anxiety.

13. Not sure about your hands? Hold a pen or notepad or rest an arm on the chair or on your lap to look comfortable.

14. Take your nervous energy and translate it into enthusiasm. Relax and enjoy the conversation between you and your source.

When asking good and follow-up questions?

1. Don’t ask dumb questions like "what's your name?". You are expected to know the basic information of the subject or about the source.

2. Don’t ask silly questions or those lacking common sense.

3. When asking, don’t sound presumptuous.

4. Communicate effectively by speaking clearly and avoiding “uhs,” “you knows,” and slang.

5. Use appropriate technical terms in your question when discussing a certain a subject or topic.

6. Jot down key points that need clarifications to address them as follow-up questions.

7. Use proper grammar. Your credibility also depends on what and how you are saying.

These are some of the practical tips on what to do during an interview. I hope these steps can help you in making your interview a success.