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Preparing for an interview

• Prepare
  
• Points to remember for a successful interview
  
• Things you should never do in an interview
  
  

Prepare

If a reporter contacts you for an interview, offer to call him or her back so you have some time to prepare. Make sure you obtain the following information:

• What is the deadline?
  
  
• Who is the reporter requesting the interview and what publication or program do they represent?
  
  
• What is the contact’s phone number?
  
  
• What kind of questions will you be asked? You will want to have a sense of the focus or theme of the interview.
  
  
• What is the interview format? By phone, in person, a panel discussion?
  
  
• Will it be videotaped or live?
  
  
• Will others be involved or be interviewed for their comments?
  
  
• When, where, and how long will the interview be?
  
  
• When will the information be made public or released?

Points to remember for a successful interview

During the interview itself, follow these guidelines:

• Practice. (In front of a mirror or ask a friend to listen to you).
  
  
• Be yourself.
  
  
• Set out three key points before the interview, and repeat them a number of times.
  
  
• Use clear, simple language.
  
  
• Keep your comments short and precise ‑‑ no more than 20 seconds. There is a greater chance of being quoted accurately if a reporter can use your entire answer.
  
  
• Listen to the question. Never answer a question you don’t understand. Always ask for clarification if you aren’t sure of the meaning.
  
  
• Answer a multi-part question one step at a time. After you have answered one part, wait or ask to have the other parts repeated.
  
  
• Stick to the facts and correct the reporter if the facts presented are wrong.
  
  
• Avoid jargon.
  
  
• Answer only those questions about which you have direct knowledge ‑‑ never guess.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid to pause briefly before you answer a question.
  
  
• Stay on topic.

Things you should never do in an interview

• Never repeat an offensive phrase or inappropriate term that is embedded in a question. That will only reinforce it.
  
  
• Never give argumentative responses like “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
  
  
• Never give your personal opinion when you are speaking for your organization.
  
  
• Never exaggerate, mislead, use inflammatory words or lie.
  
  
• Never speak off the record.
  
  
• Never answer hypothetical questions.
  
  
• Never speculate.

If you are seriously misquoted or there is an error in the news item that appears or is aired after the interview, ask the reporter for a correction and follow up with a letter to the station or newspaper, restating the correct information. Always monitor the coverage you receive.

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