5 Tips for Setting up an Interview for a Profile Article / Human Interest Story

Mastering the Art of Profile Writing: From Research to Interviewing Techniques.

1. Set up your environment for your needs.

Before you get on the phone for an interview, it’s important to take a look at where you will be when you make the call. Make sure you are sitting in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Are there any windows you should close in case outside traffic noise comes in? Is there a TV or music player nearby that might interfere with the sound quality of your call? Sometimes, there are elements we can’t control, like a neighbor’s barking dog or nearby construction noise. If that’s the case, you can let your interview subject know that there’s noise to anticipate during the call. Invite them to give you a heads up if the noise is too loud.

Set yourself up to be comfortable while talking, so you don’t need to relocate. Make sure you choose a space that’s conducive to talking on the phone; take into consideration your ideal temperature, furniture and more. These seem like small things, but it’s best not to relocate during your call if you don’t have to do so.

2. Find the right tools.

There are plenty of apps and tools for recording your phone call. You’ll be using that audio recording to transcribe the interview, then getting quotes to use for your article. You’ll also use that conversation as a source of information for your article, even when you don’t use direct quotes. I use a tool called Rev, and there are many similar ones out there that will record a phone call and turn it into an audio file. Decide which tool you are using, and practice the process of utilizing it properly before the official interview.

3. Double-check your devices and apps.

Don’t forget to look at your phone battery and make sure you have enough juice to get through the call. If you’re using Zoom or similar web apps, check that you don’t have any pending updates; if you do, install updates and make any changes to your background or audio before you start the interview. You can also practice the process with a friend, ideally while you are in the exact location where you will conduct the interview. How’s the sound? The internet connection? The background? Check these areas so you don’t have to stress about them as much during the call, and you can concentrate on your interview subject.

4. Double check the details of the interview

Before the interview day, reconfirm the day and time of the interview, including the time zone, with your subject. This way, you can make sure you’re on the same page. Sometimes, subjects need to reschedule or have forgotten about the interview date. Following up can help you navigate any changes.

5. Keep your notes nearby.

Whether you’re using a notebook or your laptop, keep your notes and interview questions nearby. You should keep them on hand for reference during the call, but also to make any notes you might need as the conversation progresses. These notes might include any follow-up questions or further information you want to research. Your notes can also be a good place to write down a question you might want to come back to later, if the interview takes you in a different direction. Always ask for permission to record. This is legally and ethically required for your interview.