How To Write an Interview Essay (With Steps)

1. Identify the purpose of the paper. …
2. Research the subject. …
3. Prepare your questions. …
4. Contact the interviewee and prepare for the interview. …
5. Conduct the interview. …
6. Format the paper. …
7. Create an outline and write your paper. …
8. Proofread.

How To write an Interview Article | Flipsnack.com

Interview essay vs. interview paper

The terms “interview essay” and “interview paper” may be used by different professors. These expressions are frequently used interchangeably, and you can typically expect the same things from each. You can ask the person who assigned the essay or paper for more details if you are unsure of the requirements. You could inquire by going to your instructors’ office hours or by sending them a formal email.

What is an interview essay?

A piece of writing known as an interview essay enables the reader to learn more about the interview subject and any pertinent background information. Depending on the circumstance, an interview essay may serve a variety of purposes. For instance, a social media influencer interview for a lifestyle website will differ from an interview essay focused on a person who witnessed a historical event. This style of writing is frequently employed in educational settings and given to students in both general education classes and journalism-focused courses.

How to write an interview essay

Here are some steps you can follow if you’re writing an essay based on an interview:

1. Research your topic

It can be simpler to come up with interview questions if you are aware of the interview’s surroundings. Prior to the interview, learn as much as you can about the person you are speaking with. By doing this, you can utilize your interview time to ask questions that begin with “how” and “why,” as opposed to using it to go over fundamental biographical information. For instance, if you were planning to interview your favorite author about their career, you could look up details like their birthplace, where they attended school, and how many books they have written in advance on the internet.

2. Brainstorm questions

You can fill in the gaps in your knowledge about your interview subject once you’ve determined what you already know about it. Prepare a list of questions to ask them in advance of your meeting. If you are anxious before the interview, think about practicing your first few questions with someone else. You may feel more assured about the interview itself if you read your questions aloud to yourself.

3. Arrange your interview

Be sure to use professional courtesy when arranging your interview. Respecting the time of your subject, who may have a busy schedule, will enable you to set up a time that is convenient for both of you. To make it simple to sync your calendars, think about scheduling an interview via email. You might also want to send them your inquiries in advance, depending on the circumstance. To encourage more genuine responses, it should be noted that many journalistic publications have a policy of not sending their questions in advance.

4. Interview your subject

You can use direct quotes and paraphrase later, when you are writing your essay, if you take notes during the interview. It is polite to first ask your subjects permission if you decide to record the audio. Even if you do record your interview on audio or video, make notes so you can recall when your subject said certain things. This can make it easier for you to locate specific sections of your recording later. Consider recording your own thoughts and reflections as you go, being careful to differentiate them from the thoughts of your subject in your notes.

Listen carefully to the responses to your interview questions. Pay close attention to any information that shocks you or may contain additional nuances. Utilize what you hear to come up with impromptu questions as the interview progresses.

5. Organize your ideas

Review your notes after the interview to reflect on what you learned. Think about whether your subjects’ responses were what you expected or a surprise. Analyze your notes for patterns, and then use those patterns to create an essay outline. You might use anecdotes from your subject’s college days, for instance, if you wanted to structure your essay around them. They might make a strong focus for your thesis if they refer to certain values repeatedly.

6. Draft your essay

You can draft your essay after reviewing your interview notes and organizing your thoughts. Consider how your essay’s sections relate to one another. To connect your ideas and make it easier for the reader to follow your reasoning, use transitional phrases. Use the proper format for any quotations you use, please.

7. Revise

There will almost always be at least one revision round as the final step in writing an essay or paper. Examine your interview essay carefully for areas that require more detail and extraneous information you could omit. Look for typos, spelling errors and grammatical issues. Your level of professionalism in writing may be reflected in your attention to detail.

Example interview questions

Your interview essay likely serves a specific purpose, and you can use a variety of question types to accomplish this. When conducting your own interview, think about using these questions or adapting them:

Take note that the majority of these inquiries begin with “why,” “how,” and “what” Asking open-ended questions necessitates a more nuanced response than a simple yes or no, which can assist you in obtaining enough information for your essay.

FAQ

How do you write an interview format?

1. Introductory stage. | estimated length of a few minutes. …
2. Information from the interviewer to the candidate. | estimated length of a few minutes.
3. Questions from the interviewer(s) to the candidate. …
4. Opportunity for you as interviewee to ask questions. …
5. Conclusion.

How do you start an interview essay?

1. Share Biographical Information. …
2. Include Interesting Anecdotes. …
3. Tell a Captivating Story. …
4. Use Poignant Quotes.

How do you write a perfect interview?

1. Research the industry and company. …
2. Explanation of your “selling points” and motivations for applying for the position
3. Anticipate the interviewer’s concerns and reservations. …
4. Prepare for common interview questions. …
5. Line up your questions for the interviewer. …
6. Practice, practice, practice.

What are the 5 parts of an interview?

• Introductions.
• Small Talk.
• Information Gathering.
• Question/Answer.
• Wrapping Up.