Step 1: Print the assignment CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW CO I A, Assignment 4 STAPLE THIS COVER PAGE TO THE ASSIGNMENT. Points will be deducted if this cover page is NOT attached to this assignment. ( -1 point for each day late) Name FOR ADMINISTRATIVE USE ONLY CO Coordinator or CO Assistant will fill in the date turned in below: STUDENT! DO NOT fill this in. Date Turned In C.O. Staff Initials Many of our students the past few years have requested an assignment where they can interview a professional in the student s chosen career field. We believe there is value in an activity of this type, so we have updated an activity we used previously and incorporated it into the schedule of paperwork for CO I A. This assignment has two parts: first, a short informational study on interviewing; and second, a summary of the information gathered in the interview. Part 1: Read the information and answer the questions on the question sheet (50 points) Part 2: Conduct an interview and write an informational summary of the information you gathered. Include as many details as possible. Your summary must be at least 7 paragraphs (50 points) Please follow the directions exactly and complete both parts of the assignment. You may expect your grade to reflect: 1. punctuality in turning this assignment in by the due date 2. how well you followed instructions provided 3. the amount of effort you demonstrated in completing the assignment.
How To Conduct an Interview The Basics of What You Need to Know Interviews have four stages that precede the writing of a story: arrangements, preparation, the actual interview and the reconstruction. Stage 1 ARRANGEMENTS Once you have decided to interview someone, call in advance to make an appointment. Identify yourself by your name and explain your assignment. If you are interviewing several persons in connection with your assignment, interview the most important person last, because you will be better prepared for the key interview based on what you learn from the earlier interviews. Stage 2 - PREPARATION Do as much research as possible in advance on the person and/or topic you are working on. Sources might include the library, public records, the internet and people you know who can provide background information. Prepare your questions in advance in writing and bring them to the interview. Refer to them but don't show them to the interviewee, because it creates too formal an atmosphere. Ask other questions as they might arise, based on what the interviewee says or something new that might come to you on the spur of the moment. Bring two pencils (or pens) and paper. A stenographer's notebook is usually easier to handle than a large pad but use whatever is comfortable. Bring a tape recorder if you can but be sure to get the permission to use it from the person you are interviewing. You also should take notes, because it will help in the reconstruction phase, and, yes, tape recorders fail occasionally. Stage 3 - THE INTERVIEW It is inadvisable to launch right into the interview unless you are only being given a few minutes. Some casual conversation to start with will relax both of you. Questions should be as short as possible. Give the respondent time to answer. Be a good listener. If he or she prattles on, it is appropriate to move on as politely as you can. You might say something such as: "Fine, but let me ask you this ". Try to draw out specifics: How long, how many, when, etc.? Absorb the atmospherics of the locale where the interview takes place, with particular attention to what might be a reflection of the interviewee's personality and interests, such as photos of children or bowling trophies or a paper-littered desk or a clean one, etc. Note characteristics of the interviewee that might be worth mentioning in your story, such as pacing, looking out the window to think, hand gestures and the like.
Try to make sure you write down at least two direct quotes. Ask to verify a quote before you move on if you are not sure you have it word for word. Invite the person to call you if she/he thinks of anything pertinent after the interview. It often happens, so be sure to provide your name, email address and phone number on a card or piece of paper before you leave. If a photo is needed and is not taken during the interview, be sure to make arrangements then to have one taken at a later time. Stage 4 - RECONSTRUCTION As soon as it is practical after the interview, find a quiet place to review your handwritten notes. In your haste while taking notes, you may have written abbreviations for words that will not mean anything to you a day or two later. Or some of your scribbling may need deciphering, and, again, it is more likely you'll be better able to understand the scribbles soon after the interview. Underline or put stars alongside quotes that seemed most compelling. One star for a good quote, two stars for a very good one, etc. It will speed the process when you get to the writing stage. One other thing to look for in your notes: the quote you wrote down might not make a lot of sense, unless you remember what specific question it was responding to. In short, fill in whatever gaps exist in your notes that will help you better understand them when writing. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. http://stringers.media.mit.edu/interview.htm
QUESTION SHEET CONDUCTING AN INTERVIEW 1. Name the four stages of conducting an interview: a. b. c. d. 2. Once you have decided to interview someone, what is your next step? 3. Should you explain your assignment? 4. If you are interviewing several persons in connection with your assignment, who should you interview last? Why? 5. How much research should you do in advance? 6. What might you use as sources for this research? 7. Should you prepare your questions in advance? 8. Why shouldn t you show your questions to the interviewee? 9. What would be the reasoning for bringing two pencils or pens? 10.Should you have some casual conversation in the beginning to relax both of you? 11.What are some of the specifics you want to get details on? 12.Try to make sure you write down at least direct quotes. Ask to verify a quote before you move on if you are not sure you have it word for word. 13.What might be the reason for observing the room or location for items such as photos of children or bowling trophies or a paper-littered desk or a clean one? 14.Why should you review your handwritten notes soon after the interview?
PART 2: CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW Because Career Outreach is a worksite learning career exploration class, interviewing one or more persons in the job or career you anticipate working at in the future can be a very valuable tool for you. Your assignment is to arrange an interview with one or more people in your first or second career choice. If you have not made a firm career choice, we recommend you interview your trainer. You may use this page and the other side of this page to take notes, or use a notebook of your choice. Just make sure your notes are attached to this assignment. When you have conducted the interview and reviewed your notes, write up a summary of the information you gathered. Try to make it story-like and interesting to read. Include as many details as possible and demonstrate what you learned about the pros and cons of working in this career in your interview. Your write-up must be at least 7 paragraphs.