The art of interviewing
What are some foolproof ways of ensuring you get the most out of sources?
On the first day of my journalism course at News Associates, we were sent out to find a news story in the local area. After a few false starts (including a man in a newsagents who was clearly just making stuff up on the spot), we got talking to a lady in a pet shop about a cat that had swallowed a customer’s engagement ring.
Upon getting back to the office, we realised we’d forgotten to get the basic information—the lady’s name and contact details, so we could follow up on the story. It was a valuable lesson: it’s vital to always get the full name (with correct spelling), age and occupation of your interview subjects, as well as ensuring you have a way of contacting them in case you need to clarify any key facts.
Since that fated day in Wimbledon I’ve conducted plenty of interviews; I grilled Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey, spoke to Extinction Rebellion activists, and chatted to one of my favourite bands (Bombay Bicycle Club)… I certainly feel a lot more comfortable speaking to strangers than I did a few years ago.
As someone with social anxiety, I’ve always found telephone interviews difficult because the lack of paralinguistic signals means I tend to nervously babble. I’ve had to focus really hard on trying to slow down and forcing myself not to fill every awkward silence. It has got easier over time, and I prefer Zoom interviews now as it’s great to get a glimpse into peoples’ homes—it’s extra colour that you can add to the piece.
I’ve also been interviewed fairly frequently over the last year, which has also helped me become a better interviewer. I’ve helped a number of university students with journalism projects and it’s usually incredibly obvious when someone is a dab-hand at interviews. I’ve watched as people who have blatantly taped their questions above their laptop screen have rattled off questions without any adjustment for where the conversation leads, and in contrast, I’ve watched as people have thought of questions on the fly based on a particularly interesting answer.
Interviewing is definitely one of those skills that gets easier the more you do it. I turned to Twitter to ask journalists to share their best bits of advice for early career stage journalists who might find interviews a bit daunting. Here’s what they said:
I feel like there are two main tacks you can take with interviews: you can either read everything ever written about your subject and go in primed with facts and tonnes of really interesting questions to ask them. They might be impressed and/or flattered by how thoroughly you’ve researched them and open up to you more as a result.
Or, you can play dumb. By all means, do loads of research and have lots of questions ready, but ask your interview subject to explain things to you as if you have no idea what they’re talking about. Chances are, there are plenty of readers who won’t understand what exactly it is that you’re talking about and so your article will benefit from having really concise, accessible information—especially if you’re writing in a jargon-heavy field such as science or tech.
What interview approach do you prefer? Hit reply and let me know if there are any top tips I’ve missed!
My week
… in editing
My week was spent coordinating the next issue of The Indiependent’s magazine, which is now available for pre-order! Our cover story is an interview with Wolf Alice about their forthcoming album, Blue Weekend, which I’m really excited about.
… in writing
Pitches: 3 new, 4 re-pitches and 2 follow-ups
Commissions: 1 (£400 for 1,000 words)
One of my re-pitches got commissioned! This just goes to show you shouldn’t give up on your ideas if you don’t get a response at first.
I also got a really lovely rejection email for one of my pitches, where the editor took the time to explain why she didn’t want to commission me (it was a good idea but too music business focused and these sorts of pieces don’t tend to perform well at that particular publication).
Articles written: 0
Articles published: 0
… in listening/watching
I’m so proud of The Indiependent Opinion & Lifestyle teams—the latest episode of ‘Indiependent Thinking’ is super hard-hitting stuff (TW: sexual assault and violence).
… in reading
Not going to lie, I was really busy with coordinating The Indiependent’s next print issue so I’ve not read as widely as I’d have liked to.
My Dad recommended Brenda Ueland’s If You Want To Write so I’ve made a start on that
Emma Barnett’s Glamour piece on the joy of cross-generational friendships was sad but lovely
Rachel Brodsky made some really important points in this Independent piece: ‘Doxxing with the devil: Pop stars must ask fan armies to lay down their weapons on social media’
Annie Lord is perpetually brilliant, but I particularly enjoyed this Vogue piece: ‘Why do I need my friends to approve of my boyfriends’
Hannah Shewan Stevens’ Refinery29 piece ‘How we use fashion as armour against male violence’ was excellent
Events
Indiependent Journey-lism: Writer & Columnist, Rose Stokes - 27 April at 6.30pm - come and join us for a chat about all things lifestyle writing!
Indiependent Journey-lism: Freelance Features Writer, Amelia Tait - 5 May at 6.30pm - Amelia is one of my favourite journalists and so I’m so excited to be picking her brains on how to pitch and write features.
Indiependent Journey-lism: Senior Commissioning Editor, Victoria Richards - 13 May at 6.30pm - this will be a great event for anyone looking to learn more about what commissioning editors are looking for from freelancers
Opportunities
The Journalists’ Charity has launched an exciting initiative aimed at helping new starters at the beginning of their careers. The First Jobs Fund will offer financial assistance to cover the cost of relocation, accommodation, transport, and equipment.
Aberdeen: DC Thomson media is on the hunt for a live news journalist
Anywhere (remote): Reach PLC is looking for a reviews writer to work from anywhere in the UK
Anywhere (remote): Reach PLC is looking for a digital publishing editor to work night shifts from 11am-midnight
Anywhere (remote): First Longevity is looking for scientific researcher/writer on a 3-month trial basis, with the possibility of a full-time role afterwards
Birkenhead: There’s a sub-editor role here available for a multichannel content publishing agency
Brighton: Reach PLC is looking for a multimedia journalist to work on BrightonLive
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press is looking for an academic editorial assistant on a 12-month FTC
Coventry: DaAls is looking for a community manager (social media & marketing)
Doncaster: Touchstone Education is urgently in need of a part-time media assistant/video editor
Dover (remote): Reach PLC is looking for a reporter to work on MyDover
Dundee: DC Thomson Media is looking for a business journalist
Dundee: The Scottish Government is looking for a creative communications officer
Edinburgh: Storm Ideas need a junior creative officer
Edinburgh: Copy House is looking for a junior technology/FinTech copywriter
Glasgow: There are two researcher roles here for the BBC’s Ferne and Rory’s Teeny Tiny Creatures
Glasgow: Here’s a cool production apprenticeship here with the BBC
Leeds: Search Consultancy is a digital marketing agency looking for a creative copywriter
Leeds: The University of Leeds is looking for a content writer and editor
Liverpool: The Royal College of Physicians is looking for a communications officer
Liverpool: Reach PLC is looking for a reporter to work nights (4pm-midnight) on The Liverpool Echo
Liverpool: Another The Liverpool Echo gig here, this time for a weekend content editor
Liverpool: ShortList is recruiting for a social media executive
Loughborough: Youth Sport Trust is looking for a social media and digital officer
Manchester: Manchester Metropolitan University is looking for a press and communications officer
Manchester: Mettler Toledo (precision instrument manufacturer) is on the hunt for a technical writer
Manchester: Big Brand Ideas are looking for a social media and content executive
Manchester: The BBC is looking for an assistant producer to work on the Tiny Happy People campaign
Norwich (remote): The Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a communications and data officer
Oxford: The University of Oxford is looking for a media and communications officer for maternity cover
Salford: The BBC is looking for an assistant producer to be a part of BBC Audio North
Salford: Another BBC gig here, there’s a job-share here for an assistant producer
Royal Tunbridge Wells: KentLive and SussexLive are in need of a trends writer
Whiteley: ITV is looking for production journalists to work in the Didcot or Thames Valley region