Interviewing Tips for Successful Interviews Successful interviewing is

Interviewing Tips for Successful Interviews

Successful interviewing is an art and should not be treated as a mechanical process

• Each interview is a new source of information, so make it interesting and pleasant. • The interviewer and the respondent are strangers to each other and one of the main tasks of an interviewer is to establish rapport.

Make a good first impression • Make the person feel at ease • SMILE • Begin with the words written at the top of the household questionnaire

Always have a positive approach • DO SAY: – I would like to ask you a few questions. – I would like to talk with you for a few moments. • Do NOT say: (too apologetic) – Are you too busy? – Would you share a few minutes? – Would you mind answering some questions?

Stress Confidentiality of Responses when Necessary • If the respondent is hesitant or asks what the data will be used for, explain that all the information is confidential • No individual names will be used • All information is pooled for the report • Never mention other interviewers or show completed questionnaires to other interviewers • Do not show completed questionnaires to supervisors in front of other people in the community

Answer Any Question from the Respondent Frankly • Be direct and pleasant when answering questions • Give a realistic estimate of the time the interview will take • Be willing to return to the household at another more convenient time - hopefully that same day • Feel free to answer questions before and after the interview

Be Neutral • Be neutral in your expression and tone of voice • Never approve or disapprove of an answer • Probe in a neutral way: – Can you explain a little more? – I did not quite hear you, could you tell me again? – There is no hurry. Take a moment to think about it.

Never Suggest Answers to the Respondent • Never read the list of coded answers to the respondent even if she has trouble answering • Do not reinterpret a response: do NOT say “I suppose you mean that. . . Is that right? ” Often times the person will agree even if that is not what they meant

Read the questions as written • The wording and sequence of the questions must be maintained. • If someone misunderstands, repeat the question slowly and clearly. • If they do not understand again, carefully reword the question - do not alter the meaning.

Handle Hesitant Respondents Tactfully • What do you do when someone says: – “I don’t know” to every question, gives irrelevant answers, acts bored or detached, contradicts themselves or refuses to answer • Listen to answers - if they are irrelevant, steer the person back to the survey questions • Act friendly, sympathetic and responsive • Maybe try to find a more private place • If you have tried everything, write REFUSED on the question and keep going with the next part. Try to go back at the end of the questionnaire

Do Not Form Expectations • Always behave and speak in a way that puts the person at ease so that they are comfortable talking with you.

Do not Hurry • Ask the questions slowly so that the person understands. • After asking the question, pause and give the person time to think. • Feel free to say, “There is no hurry. Your opinion is very important so consider your answers carefully. ”

SAY THANK YOU!!!!