How to Conduct an Interview With a Veteran Teacher

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

It's sometimes hard interview experts as a student. You may feel intimidated or inferior to the interviewee.

Steps

1. Research. Before even contacting the person you wish to interview, you should do some research on the subject of the interview. This will give you some basic knowledge on the subject.
   
2. Contact the interviewee. While a phone call might not be appropriate for scheduling an interview with one of your high school teachers, this is often the way to go when interviewing almost anyone else. Tell your interviewee why you wish to interview them, and establish a time and place for the interview. Ask for about an hour, even if you won't need a full hour.
   
3. Devise a list of questions. While you probably won't follow the list exactly, it will give you a basic outline to work with.
   
4. Arrive on time. If you show up five minutes late for an interview, your interviewee will not take you seriously.
   
5. Introduce yourself, and remind the interviewee why you will be interviewing them.
   
6. Begin the interview. Be sure to take notes, even if you choose to use a recorder. Taking notes will show that you are serious. While you have to look down while writing notes, look up often to keep good eye contact.
   
7. DO NOT use yes or no questions, or questions which suggest an answer. Ask short questions which allow the interviewee to answer in their own words.
   
8. When finished with the interview, ask if there is anything else that the interviewee would like to say.
   
9. Be sure to thank him/her for their time.
   

Tips

• The workplace is generally not the best place for an interview. Business will continue whether or not you're there, however beggars can't be choosers. If they can't leave the office, go to them.
  
• Use a tape recorder to keep from missing anything.
  
• Use shorthand in your notes to keep from writing until your hand falls off, but quickly transfer it into longhand soon after the interview.
  
• Dress to impress.
  

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