The following is the first interview report filed by one of your systems analysis team members: “In my opinion, the interview went very well. The subject allowed me to talk with him for an hour and a half. He told me the whole history of the business, which was very interesting. The subject also mentioned that things have not changed all that much since he has been with the firm, which is about 16 years. We are meeting again soon to finish the interview, because we did not have time to go into the questions I prepared.”

a. In two paragraphs, critique the interview report. What critical information is missing?
b. What information is extraneous to the interview report?
c. If what is reported actually occurred, what three suggestions do you have to help your teammate conduct a better interview next time?

a. The interview did not go well. Objectives were not achieved.
The interview exceeded the one-hour limit. Prepared questions were not addressed.


b. The most flagrant example of extraneous information is the complete history of the firm. This information should have been known before the interview began. Discussing it during the interview wastes valuable time.

c. For the next interview, he should use closed questions and a pyramid structure. The interviewer needs to establish control of the interview early on—dressing appropriately and outlining the purpose of the interview.