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Interviewing Tips

Posted - May 6, 2015

When interviewing, investigators should keep these key tips in mind:

  • Build rapport with the Interviewee: Interview subjects will cooperate and be more useful when they are relaxed and comfortable with the interviewer.
  • Go from general to specific: Allow the interviewee to tell his or her story in full; then funnel down to clarify by asking more specific questions.
  • Assist interview subjects with reference points and information that will allow them to put situations and past events into context.
  • Avoid inappropriate questions: Do not ask leading questions or questions that imply the answer.
  • Never coerce or threaten an interviewee: It is wrong to make promises or frighten a person into providing information.
  • Stay calm and carry on: Never lose your cool and demonstrate anger or frustration with an interview subject.

All of Benard + Associates workshops on investigation skills contain components on interview tips. Click here to view our upcoming workshops. 

This post originally based of a presentation by Dean Benard at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Attorney and Investigator Conference.