How I Prepare for Interviews After 20+ Years In Journalism

If you’re anything like me, you probably spend a lot of time scrolling through content on your phone. You skim tweets, scan headlines, and if a title doesn’t hold your attention… you scroll on to the next thing.

But every now and then, something gets you to stop scrolling.

Which stories are compelling vs. boring? Take these headlines we found from real news stories in today's "Business" section.

For me, personality profiles tend to do the trick. I love reading through articles that unveil a person, revealing insights about their life story one detail at a time.

You may wonder how skilled journalists can write an article that good. Perhaps you’ve even tried to do the same. But when you interviewed your company’s CEO, you may have stumbled as she was clearly just trying to run to her next call. After half an hour of speaking in circles, you may have looked at your notes and realized that they contained nothing of value.

So how do you persuade sources to reveal themselves? How do you even begin reaching beyond basic facts and capture those ineffable nuances and minute observations?

Great writers know how to interview. And they know that an effective interview begins long before the conversation even starts.

If you can learn how to properly prepare for an interview, then you are halfway there. Your initial work should help you:

• Research to increase your chances of landing an interview

• Prepare informed initial questions to guide the conversation

• Handle necessary logistics before they can get in the way.

Even if you have never interviewed anyone, you can quickly implement the preparation techniques that I’ve honed over 20+ years as a full-time journalist.

With these tips, your interviews will actually become enjoyable. And once the call is over, you’ll have everything you need to write a story gripping enough to stop readers from scrolling by.

Background knowledge will land you the interview

Research your subject before requesting an interview.

When I began my journalism career, I discovered that landing the interview can be the hardest part.

After all, most people aren’t obligated to say yes. So to get that interview, you have to convince the person to speak with you first.

You can improve your chances by doing thorough background research in advance. Reaching out to people will get easier if you first go through the basics:

• Search for the person and their organization on Google and social media

• Read other articles on your subject or similar stories

• Familiarize yourself with the context around your subject’s work.

Before you write a single email, make sure that you’re able to articulate why you want to interview that person in the first place.

Polina Marinova of The Profile swears by the importance of research:

“I typically start with secondary research,” she said during her appearance on the Creative Elements show. “I try to read, listen to and watch everything about this person and everything that they’ve done. I immerse myself into their world.”

A community organization sent me these facts in advance of the interview. I used these to learn more about the organization and their work. Highlighted phrases indicate topics I would ask them about during the interview.

People want other people to be interested in them.

By being well-informed you’ll show the other person you’re interested in them. And if they can see that you care, then they are a lot more likely to say “Yes”.

The logistics of a successful interview

Great interviews can happen anywhere

Choose the right location to enhance your interview.

If you’re able to speak in person, consider how the location could spark conversation.

If you’re interviewing an architect, interview them at a building they designed. For an article about an ecologist, meet them in a natural place that is important to the story.

Choose a location that’s safe and comfortable for both you and your source.

Virtual interviews can be great too

A virtual interview can be just as effective as a physical one.

I conduct many of my interviews over Zoom and phone calls. Terri Gross, host of the Fresh Air radio show and podcast on NPR, has been conducting revelatory phone interviews for decades.

Schedule enough time to talk

Whether you are interviewing someone in person or virtually, inform people how much of their time you’ll need.

Since I often write about life-changing events, my interviews are typically an hour long.

Your conversations may take less time, but either way remember to inform your subject about the length in advance. This way, you’ll avoid rushing through questions right as you finally get to the juicy details.

Prepare to be interested

Preparation is key to good questions, conversations and insights.

You’ve done a great job showing your interest and landed the interview. Now they’ll tell you everything, right?

Probably not.

But by doing a little prep, you’ll set yourself up for interview success.

Once the interview is scheduled, I ask the source to share whatever they think is important to the story. Complementing my earlier research with their answers, I will then start thinking of basic questions.

The day before the interview, I jot down a few questions on my phone. These questions are based on what I found interesting or whatever seemed confusing.

The initial questions I wrote down for my recent interview about Zero Waste Ithaca.

I will then glance at these questions at the start of the interview to spark conversation and again at the end to ensure I didn’t miss anything.

You’re ready to set up an interview

You nailed the interview preparation and are set to tell a great story.

By now you have enough background knowledge to frame conversational questions that will reveal authentic answers.

Remember: your source is more likely to speak honestly and openly if the interviewer—you!—is interested in them.

Even if your interview is for a dull work assignment, well-researched questions ready will set you up for an informative and engaging conversation. After all, it’s your job as the interviewer to get your subject to speak honestly and openly.

Great interview preparation is simple:

• Familiarize yourself with your subject by doing background research before requesting an interview

• Determine where to meet, preferably in a location that’s relevant and comfortable

• Set aside ample time for the interview

• Prepare a few simple questions to help start the conversation.

Now that you know how to prepare, read my guide on conducting your interview.