Notes from an Editor: How to Get the Interview You Want!

Posted by Lima Al-Azzeh Apr 30, 2009

Lisa Nichols, Section Editor for Business & Finance at Suite101, recently shared some tips on how to “Get the Interview You Want” over in the writers’ forum. We’ve asked her to share her expertise on this matter right here in the Limelight Blog. Over to you Lisa!

“If you’ve been going along, writing informative articles, you’ve got house style down to a T, and you’re feeling good about your SEO efforts, congratulations! Consider stretching yourself as a writer and exploring new territory by conducting interviews with industry experts.

When you need to interview someone for a print or online magazine, getting the information you need out of your subject can be tricky – if not downright impossible. I’ll be sharing a few tips on how to handle certain interviewer/interviewee scenarios in this short series.

Scenario #1 How to Get the Interview You Want: When You’re Not Sure What You’re Going to Write.

This situation happens all the time, It’s perhaps not the most efficient or ideal way to interview someone, but here’s a tip on how to get the information you need.

‘John, I understand that your role in the junk bond scandal was pivotal to many of the high profile arrests in the late 80’s. I’d like to ask you some questions about that time period. But first, why don’t you just tell me what happened in your own words. I think that will answer a lot of my questions. And then if I need more information, I’ll follow up with questions after you’re done.’

Then, I take notes like mad the whole time they're talking. If I’m interviewing them in person, I assure the subject that they shouldn’t worry about my frenetic writing; I’ll only use pertinent information in the magazine. If we’re on the phone, I’ll turn on the speaker and just keep writing.

Usually, when you give people the opportunity to speak, they’ll talk. And talk and talk and talk. So this method is a little madcap, but it should get you the key points you need for your article.

When I’m interviewing a subject for an article, I usually already know what I want to write about. A simple outline is all you need to stay on track and to prevent cumbersome follow-up calls and emails. And if your subject matter expert is light on details, you can go back and ask them topic-specific questions, to lead them in the right direction.”

Stay tuned for more of Lisa’s helpful tips and scenarios on how to “Get the Interview You Want” right here in the Limelight Blog.