“I love to interview people – so can you!” Workshop for better interviewing skills

A request for an interview can be flattering but it also makes people a bit nervous. They are afraid that they are not good enough, that they look silly or that you as an interviewer get disappointed in them. How can we make them relax? It is important, because relaxed persons can be more open and answer your questions in more detail. 

Journalist Kaisa Viitanen, a speaker for Confidants, teaches individuals and groups to be better in interviews. As a journalist and people lover, that is her passion. 

Three tips from Kaisa to make a better interview:

1. Wait, don´t start asking yet.

At first, it is worth taking a moment to tell the interviewee your goals. Canadian interview trainer John Sawatsky compares this first moment to a doctor's appointment: an empathetic doctor introduces their tools before tucking them into patient´s ear. The interviewer should do the same. Explain what you do and why. You notice when your interviewee visibly relaxes. 

2. An interview is not a conversation. 

It's really an unequal interaction situation. Although the interviewer appears as neutral as possible, they always control the situation with their semi-secret tricks. (Let´s meet in my workshop so I can teach them to you).

3. There will be troubles.

Some people stick to their childhood memories, others can tell the whole world’s history in 5 minutes. You need to evaluate what sort of person your interviewee is and what sort of method works with them. There are good tools to control these difficult situations. When you know what you are doing, you will enjoy the ride. 

Does this resonate with you? It is captivating to compare and learn from each other. We are all a bit different and that makes our work so special. 

Good interview methods can make a meaningful difference to your skills as a professional. Making a successful interview as an interviewer can help you in finding the missing facts or selecting the right candidate to your project. Kaisa has educated professionals in commercial media and non-profit organisations as well as individuals in various fields. 

Invite Kaisa Viitanen, an educator, journalist and curator to host a workshop Better Interview. You can book her workshop on book a speaker page here

KAISA VIITANEN

Written by Kaisa Viitanen