Interviewing - Preparation

The interviewing process involves several distinct steps:

Preparation

Scheduling

Opening Conference

Conducting Interviews

Closing Meeting

Recording

In preparing for the interview, an understanding of the area is necessary:

Know the business (via "analytics," etc.)

List known problems

Recognize personalities involved

Identify technical skills, etc.

Define the purpose of the interview:

Obtain information vs. conveying

Learn about ...

Specific inquiry

Confirm ...

Identify and prioritize most important issues

Anticipate the unexpected - worse case scenario

Depending upon (1) purpose of the interview and (2) personalities involved, determine appropriate interviewing technique/approach to use:

Direct

Indirect

Structure

Direct

Cover maximum amount of information in least amount of time

Good for Compliance Auditing

Negative: opinions and judgements NOT solicited

Indirect

Encourages client to ramble

Time Consuming

Wander off subject

Structured

Focused

Stick to Plan

Negative: does not let client stray

Establish an Agenda for the opening meeting

Purpose of meeting

Purpose of audit

Topics to discuss

Attendees - determine