| Interviewing occupies a large part of the typical private | | | | * Explain the reason for the interview. Don't keep your |
| investigator's day, and is one of their most important | | | | interviewee in the dark. He will want to know why you |
| tasks. Good interviewing generates the greatest | | | | are asking him questions, why you need the |
| amount of information in the least possible time, causes | | | | information, and how you intend to use it. |
| nobody any aggravation, and helps wind up a case | | | | * Create rapport as soon as you can -- no matter |
| quickly and efficiently. Here are a few hints and tips for | | | | whom you are talking to or what position they hold. |
| any new or aspiring private investigator to help | | | | 'Holier than thou' is not a good attitude to have if you |
| improve their interviewing skills... | | | | want people to open and warm towards you. Be |
| * Prepare for interviews ahead of time. Don't expect | | | | friendly but not over-friendly. Be professional. |
| someone to change their plans to suit yours simply | | | | * Allow the other person time to answer your |
| because you failed to plan properly. Of course, there | | | | questions, and try not to do much talking yourself. Ask |
| will be times when urgent meetings are needed, in | | | | 'open' questions which give the subject a chance to |
| which case say so, and arrange a time to suit the | | | | expand, rather than closed questions, which can simply |
| interviewee. | | | | be answered 'yes' or 'no'. Allow him to finish before |
| * Make a list of questions you will ask before the | | | | asking another question. Don't interrupt or cut him short. |
| interview starts. Try to stick to this, but be aware that | | | | * Avoid distractions. Not everyone likes recording |
| unexpected questions may arise during the interview. | | | | equipment or obvious note-taking. Ask before doing |
| Have your questions printed out in a list, with plenty of | | | | either. Many people will refuse to be recorded, but |
| space between each item for notes. If an unexpected | | | | most expect you to take notes. Make notes as brief |
| question arises a different colored pen can be used to | | | | as possible, and try not to spend too long looking away |
| record the new question and your interviewee's | | | | from the other person. |
| answer. | | | | * Don't try to impress or intimidate your subject. This |
| * Arrange interviews early in the day if possible, when | | | | will simply create an 'us and them' situation which will |
| interviewees are fresh and not yet in a routine which | | | | make your interviewee feel threatened or undermined. |
| they might find hard to break later. | | | | Either way, you are less likely to get the information |
| Arrive early. Never keep your interviewee waiting. | | | | you require. The best approach is natural and |
| Nothing annoys people more than being taken for | | | | straightforward. |
| granted. It also creates a bad first impression, which | | | | If you run out of time, suggest a follow-up interview, |
| can make your subject withhold information or be less | | | | but remember you are encroaching on someone else's |
| forthcoming than he otherwise might. | | | | time. Arrange a follow-up that suits the other person |
| * Dress as if the interview mattered. As it does -- | | | | best, not you. |
| something that isn't always obvious if you turn up with | | | | * Leave cordially. Shake hands and thank your |
| dirty jeans and a tatty tee shirt carrying stains from a | | | | interviewee for his time and effort. If necessary, say |
| recent hurried meal. | | | | you will get back to him. Give him your card, and |
| * Introduce yourself as soon as you arrive and when | | | | suggest he contacts you if you can be of any |
| you meet your interviewee. A friendly hello and a | | | | assistance to him in the future. |
| handshake go a long way towards creating credibility | | | | * When the interview ends, write up your notes as |
| and reducing the awkwardness of 'official' interviews. | | | | soon as possible. It's amazing how quickly rough notes |
| Look your subject in the eye, and try not to look shifty | | | | get lost, or you simply forget what you meant. If the |
| or attempt to gather background information while the | | | | matter ends up in court, such a lack of professionalism |
| other person is talking. Give him your full attention, | | | | can be embarrassing and costly. |
| always. | | | | |