Which steps enhance interview quality in pre-interview research?

• A. Quickly ask the interviewee for talking points.
• B. Schedule the interview without any prep.
• C. Verify facts, study background, identify potential angles, prepare open-ended prompts, note potential sensitivities, confirm interview logistics, obtain consent.
• D. Only rely on public statements from the organization.

Answer: (C)

Before you interview, laying a careful foundation boosts the quality of what you’ll learn. Verifying facts and studying the interviewee’s background helps you frame questions that are accurate and timely, so you avoid misstatements and stay relevant to the person’s experience. Identifying potential angles guides the conversation toward the aspects that matter most to your story, giving you meaningful threads to pull rather than drifting into unrelated topics. Preparing open-ended prompts encourages detailed, nuanced responses instead of simple yes-or-no answers, which makes the interview richer and more informative. Noting potential sensitivities shows you’re mindful of boundaries and potential risks, helping you navigate tricky topics without derailing the discussion. Confirming logistics and obtaining consent smooth the process, reduce last-minute surprises, and uphold ethical standards.

If you skip these steps, you’re more likely to encounter inaccuracies, generic or off-target questions, disorganized pacing, and ethical or trust issues. Rushing to get talking points, scheduling without any prep, or relying only on public statements all lead to shallower interviews that miss context and depth.