interview question essay

Write an A+ Interview Paper Using Our Tips and Examples

06 September, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Josh Carlyle

You will quickly find yourself with your back to the wall once your teacher assigns you an interview paper. Studying is often a headache by itself, and now you have to conduct interviews. Worse yet, you probably have no idea how you can do this. Luckily, we will tell you how to write an interview paper step by step in this comprehensive guide. So prepare your favorite drink and learn how to write a top-notch interview paper.

What is an Interview Paper?

An interview paper provides an expert opinion on a specific issue. In essence, it is an interview transcript inserted somewhere between the introduction and conclusion of an academic piece.

How long should it be? It depends on the topic and the length of your interview, but most papers are within the length of 2,000 – 5,000 words. What things should you consider before writing an interview paper in the first place? Let’s check them out below.

General Aspects of Writing an Interview Paper

Academic papers require you to provide arguments based on studies, research pieces, statistics, etc. But an interview paper is different – for this type of essay, you will develop assumptions around an expert’s opinion.

Let’s imagine your essay question reads the following: “Should we ban abortions?” If you write an interview paper, you should ask someone high-powered for their consideration. Let them be an executive director of the American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society.

You would reach them via email or phone or whatever communication channel you prefer and conduct an interview. Afterward, you would put all your findings on paper.

But in practice, writing an interview paper involves many more complexities and challenges, like planning, topic research , drafting, etc.

Let’s speak straight facts: nobody will reschedule their week to meet you because you need to do some homework. You’re one of the millions of students, and the local governor or a famous scientist won’t give you an interview nine times out of ten.

So you would want to target someone less busy, like professors from other faculties of your college or some researchers within your academic environment. Hunting a bigger fish is pointless unless you’re a well-established journalist working for a popular media channel. If you struggle to find someone within your college/university, you can contact people from your circle.

Writing Outline and Structure of an Interview Paper

 As you know, a typical paper consists of three parts:

• Introduction. This part includes background information, the hook, the thesis statement, and the transition.
• Body. It is the longest part of the paper consisting of several paragraphs. It should contain the actual interview.
• Conclusion. The final part summarizes the considerations and insights of your essay.

The question is: ‘where should you put an interview transcript and how do you do this?’

To answer this question, you need to come up with the interview papers format in the first place. There are several of them:

The narrative format implies that you can use either direct or indirect speech when referring to your interviewee. If you choose this path, you can stick to a 5-paragraph essay structure, retell the considerations of your interviewee, and cite their words here and there at your discretion.

You can also choose this format if you contact several people. Check what a narrative interview paper structure looks like when you reach out to several people:

• Introduction.
• Paragraph #1 – the first interviewee’s perspective.
• Paragraph #2 – the second interviewee’s opinion.
• Paragraph #3 – the third interviewee’s thoughts.
• Conclusion.

Alternatively, you can dedicate each paragraph to a particular idea of one person.

“Question and answer” will suit your needs perfectly if you interview one person. It is the simplest format used in online magazines, news reports, and other media. Your interview paper outline will look like this:

• Introduction
• Question #1 – Answer #1
• Question #2 – Answer #2
• Question #3 – Answer #3
• Question #4/5/6/etc. – Answer #4/5/6/etc.
• Interview analysis. You may include your thoughts on the subject matter.

Conversational

Conversational style is informal, and you can use either first-person or second-person narrative and follow a typical 5-paragraph paper structure. But writing interview papers in this lousy style might be perplexing, especially if you deal with this task for the first time.

We advise you to try the Q&A format because it’s the simplest one and takes the least time. Just imagine how much time your paper writing will take if you decide to interview three or five people.

How to Start an Interview Paper?

If you have no idea how to start an interview paper, choose the topic first. Selecting a topic for your interview paper is not a big deal, but you should keep in mind that you may not find appropriate interviewees for it.

Let’s imagine you want to explore whether the government should force people to get vaccines. This topic implies that you need to contact authorities. It might be a local lawyer, governor, or executive director of a local hospital. Well, the chances are these people will politely refuse to give an interview for your homework.

But if you choose to investigate how lockdown impacts intellectual workers, you can contact your friends or family members who work at home. In other words, it’s better to choose topics that reflect the experiences of ordinary people rather than the opinions of untouchable experts.

Asking people for their opinion about well-known facts like the Earth’s shape is a bad idea. You would want to choose high-profile debatable topics you can actually discuss.

Establish the Goal of Your Interview Essay

You have to establish the goal of your essay before researching the topic. For this, ask yourself: “What message should your interview essay deliver?” Sometimes, a topic of your choice might already explain the purpose of your essay.

Conduct Research

Interviewing someone implies that you should ask questions. But you will fail to do so if you know little to nothing about your topic. So read some case studies, news, articles, etc. Once you get the picture of your subject matter, you will come up with dozens of interview questions.

Get to Know Your Interviewee

A good interviewer always refers to the life and experience of their interviewee. If you’re lucky to work with someone you can read about on the Internet, find out as much information about them as possible. If your interviewee publishes any books, articles, or studies, you will better know them as well.

The more you know about the person, the more interview questions you can come up with. You can ask them whether the Internet tells their true story: “Is it true that you, Mr. Interviewee, support flat earthers?”

Draft Your Interview Questions

If you want a person to share their in-depth vision of the topic, you need to ask both open-ended and close-ended (“yes/no”) questions. However, you may struggle to prepare interview questions. Many students get stuck during this stage. To overcome this block, you need to learn some types of interview questions:

• Opinion – What do you think of this topic?
• Behavioral – What would you do in this situation?
• Experience and knowledge – What do you know about the subject?
• Background – How are you connected to the subject? What is your age, occupation, etc?
• Emotional – How do you feel about the subject?
• Sensory – What does the subject taste and feel like?

You can also think of the questions following the interviewee’s “yes” and “no” answers.

Tips for Conducting a Successful Interview

These four tips will help you conduct a productive interview on the first try:

1. Plan Your Meeting

Note that you want to interview a person in a quiet place so that nobody will distract you. This might be some cozy book store or a café. Or, you can arrange an online meeting. Make sure you have at least one hour for the interview.

2. Rehearse a bit

If you will conduct your first-ever interview, you want to practice with your friends/significant other/ family in the first place. This approach will help you identify what stage of your upcoming interview may challenge you the most.

3. Record Your Interview

You will forget about 50% of the information within an hour once you finish the interview. So don’t rely on your memory − bring a recorder instead. Why not take notes? You wouldn’t want to go red while asking your interviewee to repeat what they have just said or wait until you write down their answers.

4. Talk to Your Interviewee for a While Before You Begin

Speaking to someone you don’t know might be uncomfortable. You don’t have to attack them with your interview questions straightaway. Instead, you can exchange some casual phrases or discuss the weather. This will help you relieve stress and get comfortable with each other.

5. Explain Your Interview Protocol

It’s better to explain to your interviewee how you will conduct your interview. Tell them that you will use a recorder and introduce the discussion topic.

Interview Papers Format

In academic writing, you have to explain the purpose of your interview and introduce your interviewee in a specific “scholarly” format. The APA format interview paper has the following requirements:

• Use 12-point Times New Roman.
• Write a title page.
• Use double spacing.
• Introduce your interviewee and provide the background information – explain why this person is suitable for the interview. Mention their name and qualifications.
• Use direct quotes if you cite some facts provided by the interviewee.
• Use block quotes for citations longer than 40 words.

How to Write a Title Page?

The title of your paper must include your name, your institution, department, the course name and number, the teacher’s name, and the assignment date. The rules of writing the title page are the following:

• The title page must be numbered.
• Capitalize all major words in your title and make it bold.
• Place the title of the essay three or four lines down the top of the page.
• There must be one empty line before the student’s name.

Interview Papers Examples

If you’re searching for an interview essay example – check several samples below:

• A narrative interview essay .
• A Q&A interview format paper.
• An interview with a scientist.

Interview Papers Writing Tips

The following writing tips will help you deliver the first-class interview paper:

• Write the introduction at the end. Once you finish your essay, you will likely reconsider some ideas you had before you began. They will help you frame your interview essay with a captivating introduction and conclusion.
• Give yourself a break after finishing your final draft. This will help you look at your paper with a fresh pair of eyes once you start editing.
• Edit one type of error at a time. For example, you can reduce logical errors first and switch to grammatical mistakes afterward.
• Use an active voice. If active voice makes your sentence shorter, use it without hesitation.
• Check for any sample interview paper to decide on the interview questions. Perhaps, some pieces will spark your interest.

Writing Help by Handmadewriting

An interview paper doesn’t seem that intimidating once you learn how to write it step by step. First, you have to choose the subject that allows you to interview ordinary people rather than hard-to-reach ones. Then, you need to research your topic, conduct an interview, and write a paper.

You can get an A+ for this assignment with enough effort and dedication. But a doable task doesn’t necessarily mean that you must do it by yourself. If you have plenty of other assignments to do, you can ask our essay writers to craft an exemplary interview paper for you. For this, you can place an order on our website, and we will do all the dirty work.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write an Interview Essay

Last Updated: March 11, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Diane Stubbs . Diane Stubbs is a Secondary English Teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching all high school grade levels and AP courses. She specializes in secondary education, classroom management, and educational technology. Diane earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from Wesley College. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 460,430 times.

An interview essay is designed to give the reader a general impression of the interview subject and to present their thoughts on a select group of topics. It also offers the opportunity to develop deeper insights by analyzing the interviewee's responses within a larger context. Interview essays are a common school assignment, and provide useful skills for those interested in journalism, or just being good writers in general. There are several formats that fit into the category, but a good interview essay of whatever type can make the reader feel as though they were asking the questions.

Interviewing for an Essay

• If your essay is to be a factual piece, you'll want to interview someone who has expertise in the subject matter you'll be addressing. If your paper is about a science topic, you'll want to interview a scientist in that field. If your paper is about a period of history, you'll want to interview either a historian or someone who's lived through that period of history.
• If you plan to make your essay an opinion piece, you'll likely want to interview someone who has a strong opinion about the topic covered in your essay. Ideally, you want someone who can express opinions articulately, and who also has credentials in the area you plan to write about.
• If your piece will have a narrow perspective, you'll need to interview only one or two people. If your piece will present a general consensus, you'll need to interview more people, probably with varying expertise and credentials.

• When available, read works about and works written by your subject, both in print and online. At the same time, research the topic associated with your subject. The more you know about both, the more intelligent questions you can ask.
• Look for previous interviews your subject has given, as well. These will give you an idea of what questions the person has been asked before, so you can decide on appropriate subjects for your own questions, including questions that no one else has asked.
• Questions that require "yes" or "no" answers are good for gathering specific factual information; open-ended "how," "why," and "tell me about" questions are great for gathering additional background material not found in your research.
• Draw up a list of the questions you are prepared to ask. Have more questions ready than you will likely use, so that you can make adjustments as the interview takes place. (For instance, your subject may begin focusing on what you thought was a side topic, but turns out to be the key part of your interview.) Rank your questions in order of importance to make sure you ask your best ones, or list them all in the order you'd ask them and color-code the most important ones.

• Choose a quiet place with few distractions for your interview site. A library, restaurant, or campus location if you're doing this for a college writing class would be suitable.
• You may want to get the interviewee's consent to use their comments in your essay in writing, as well as permission to record those comments during the interview. By law, if you are recording an interview conducted over the phone, you must obtain written permission. [4] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• It's helpful to have a backup interviewee in case the person you plan to interview can't make it.
• Be on time at the place you've agreed to meet for the interview.

• Using a recording device (with permission) is almost always advisable, as it permits you to save your note-taking for jotting down your insights on contexts, themes, how your subject approaches the questions, his/her comfort level, and so on.
• Be patient and respectful as you ask your questions and wait for responses. Give the interviewee time to reflect, and you will likely be rewarded with more insightful answers. A few deeper responses are usually better than many superficial ones.
• Immediately after the interview, write down your thoughts and impressions about the interview and interviewee. They may help you shape the essay.
• Always end the interview by thanking the person.

Writing the Essay

• Narrative format. This form allows paraphrasing of some information the interviewee says, along with direct quotes for the material you most want to emphasize. This is the most likely format for a class assignment, and offers the most opportunity to add context and analysis.
• Conversational format. This is a looser format than the formal writing style required for most essays. You can address the reader directly and use both first and second person. This format can be suitable for anything from class assignments to magazine articles.
• Question-and-answer format. This form presents your questions to the interviewee, followed by the interviewee's responses. (That is, the text looks something like this: (Your Name): How long have you been in the circus? (Interviewee's Name): About 35 years.) These are always direct quotes, although you may insert explanatory material in parentheses and substitutions, such as a person's name in place of a personal pronoun, in brackets. This format is best suited for essays with only a single interviewee or a closely related group, such as spouses or the core cast of a TV show.
• Informative format. This format usually interweaves the interview with research you've done on the subject, incorporating some of that research in the text to provide background and give it a little more color.

• Read over your interview notes and listen to any audio / video recordings you have. Utilizing both whenever available will allow you to thoroughly consider both the highlights of the interview and the most significant themes to emerge from it. These, in turn, will inform your outline of what information your essay will cover and how it will appear. [9] X Research source
• One possible outline could be an introduction that starts with an anecdote about the interviewee and then presents your thesis statement, several key points that support the main focus, and a conclusion that summarizes the information presented. Traditional school essays often utilize a five paragraph format (introduction, three supporting paragraphs, conclusion), and this can often work with interview essays as well.

• If, however, the purpose of your essay is to use your interviewee's comments to support a position or examine a larger theme, your thesis will probably be a statement of that position or theme, with the interview / interviewee placed within that context. For instance: "John Doe's mixed feelings of pride and betrayal reflect those shared by many Vietnam veterans still with us."
• Regardless of essay format, make your thesis clear and concise, and be sure that the remainder of your essay refers back to it. See How to Write a Thesis Statement for more advice.

• Interviews can sometimes produce a good deal of repetitive answers (even with high-quality questions), so you may need to trim repetitions and unnecessary elements from the body of your essay. Make sure that whatever material you do keep remains true to both the spirit of the interview and the overarching focus of your essay. [10] X Research source
• A handout from the Writing Center at the University of North Carolina (available at http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/oral-history/ ) provides a wealth of valuable materials on interview essays. It includes, for instance, examples of how to utilize the same interview materials in a transcription (question-and-answer format), a presentation of individual experiences (quotations and paraphrases), and the placing of the interview / interviewee in a larger context (paraphrasing and quotations with ample explanation).

• Reading over the essay yourself is a good start, but it is always wise to have another set of eyes look it over as well. Another reader is likely to catch errors, repetitions, and unclear sections that you have glossed over. [12] X Research source
• Go back to your original interview notes, recordings, and transcripts, and make sure that your essay continues to reflect the actual interview. Layers of editing and revising can sometimes cause the essay to drift away from the original source and intent. You may even want to let the interviewee read it over to ensure that it captures their voice. [13] X Research source

• Any materials you used for research, information about the interviewee, or context for the essay itself should be referenced in the approved citation format for your essay.
• Make sure one more time that any direct quotations from your source are placed in quotation marks, and any paraphrasing is done without quotation marks. Don't put words in your subject's mouth, and respect the words that do emerge from it.

What Are The Dos And Don’ts Of a Journalistic Interview?

Expert Q&A

• After the interview, send the interviewee a written thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their time. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If the person you're interviewing is busy or elderly, you may want to plan for more than one interview session. Observe the interviewee for signs of impatience or fatigue. Conduct multiple, shorter sessions if necessary. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• If you plan to interview someone over the telephone, permission to record the conversation is required by law. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/oral-history/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-paper
• ↑ http://www.whatkidscando.org/featurestories/2007/maine_students/tip_sheets/FIRST-PERSON%20ESSAYS%20TIP%20SHEET.pdf
• ↑ http://www.brighthubeducation.com/help-with-writing/97515-how-to-write-an-interview-essay/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/proofreading/proofreading_suggestions.html

About This Article

To write an essay from an interview, you’ll first have to decide on the format the essay will take, as this will determine the structure and what you write. The most common form is the narrative format, in which you use direct quotes and paraphrase your subject to add context and detail, or you can write in a more conversational tone, or even in a directly transcribed question-and-answer form. Once you decide on format, plan an outline by forming a central thesis, which will be the central statement your essay is making. Add onto the outline by drafting supporting evidence directly from the interview and from other sources, like books, newspaper articles, other essays, anything else to support your point. Write and finish the essay by combining information from the interview and other sources with your own explanations and words. To learn about how to conduct the interview to get enough information to write about and how to finish the writing process, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Oct 19, 2016

Did this article help you?

Tyler Jordan

Sep 11, 2016

Tawana Moos

Nov 20, 2017

Mar 28, 2016

David Mcaniel

May 23, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

• Vicky Oliver

Use this guide to stand out from the crowd and land the role you want.

Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations, especially if it’s your first interview. A little practice and preparation always pays off. While we can’t know exactly what an employer will ask, here are 10 common interview questions along with advice on how to answer them. The questions include:

• Could you tell me something about yourself and describe your background in brief? : Interviewers like to hear stories about candidates. Make sure your story has a great beginning, a riveting middle, and an end that makes the interviewer root for you to win the job.
• How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? : Share an instance when you remained calm despite the turmoil. If it’s a skill you’re developing, acknowledge it and include the steps you’re taking to respond better to pressure in the future.
• What are your salary expectations? : Before you walk in for your first interview, you should already know what the salary is for the position you’re applying to. Check out websites such as Glassdoor, Fishbowl, or Vault.com for salary information. You could also ask people in the field by reaching out to your community on LinkedIn.

Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Resignation numbers have remained abnormally high in the U.S. between July 2021 and October 2021, with millions of Americans quitting their jobs  — which also means there are millions of new openings up for grabs. If you’re entering the market for the first time, or just looking to make a change, use this guide to prepare for your next interview.

• Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five books, including  301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions , named in the top 10 list of “Best Books for HR Interview Prep.” She’s a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 900 appearances in broadcast, print, and online outlets.    

Partner Center

How to Write an Interview Essay: Complete Guide

College and high school teachers often assign interview papers to test their learners’ planning, paraphrasing, and critical thinking skills. So, besides drafting a well-substantiated and information-packed piece, students must also organize and conduct an interviewing process.

Hence, this assignment is far from straightforward. Quite the contrary, it requires substantial pre-work before the actual meeting. Moreover, the task further complicates if you include several subjects or elaborate on a compelling theme.

What if you can’t meet an ideal candidate to elaborate on your topic? How to pose questions that reveal valuable information and present your findings on paper? How to write an interview essay introduction with attention-grabbing ideas that bring up current dilemmas or resolve an issue? There are so many trilemmas spinning around your head.

Fortunately, there’s no need to feel intimated or discouraged. This article will help you grasp the basics of an interview paper and how to write an outstanding piece. It will also discuss the steps involved in the writing process and give a few helpful tips that ensure your final product passes with flying colors.

What Is an Interview Essay?

An interview paper is an academic written piece that presents the insight the interviewer gained while interviewing one or several people. It aims to expose different perspectives on a particular topic once the writer gathers relevant data through research. Typically, the essence of the paper will rest upon your findings from the interviews.

The presented viewpoints will depend on the respondent. So, for example, if your paper interview focuses on social media, you might consider talking to an influencer. Conversely, if you’re elaborating on a burning social issue, you may want to speak to a local authority. Or set up a meeting with a scientist if you’re exploring natural sciences.

The interview paper must help the reader understand a concept backed by relevant statements. Unlike definition essay writing , where you paraphrase and cite trusted sources like scholarly books, the interview paper will stem from authoritative individuals in the respective field.

Finally, you can reap a lot of benefits from drafting interview essays. More specifically, those interested in becoming broadcast journalists, newspaper reporters, or editors will learn to pose thought-provoking questions. Similarly, HR managers will polish their screening ability and hire excellent candidates. Even prospective detectives and inspectors can gain from writing an interview essay. They will formulate a variety of engaging questions to get honest and accurate answers.

Outline and Typical Structure of an Interview Paper

Most essays follow the template of a basic 5-paragraph paper. Yet, the length can vary according to your subject and data availability. A standard interview essay from a custom writing service can range from 2,000 to 5,000 words or up to ten pages. Individual works are usually shorter.

The interview essay format will have an introduction, body segments (perspectives grouped under different subheadings), and a summary. Here’s an overview of what to put in each part.

Introduction . The writer needs to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and urgency to stimulate the audience to keep reading. It should also provide background information about the theme and the interviewee. Furthermore, the initial part can list statistics or what society thinks about the respective topic. Finally, your intro must contain a thesis that transitions into the main section.

Body . This part will present the pillars on which you conceptualized your research. If you get stuck while drafting the body, you might hire an online service to write an essay for you and incorporate the gathered data. They will isolate the main points and help you frame the perfect timeline of events.

Moreover, the body should reflect important facts, life periods, and considerations of your interviewees. For instance, you might split your paper into infancy, adolescence, university, marriage, and golden years. Or you might divide your segments according to different discussion questions.

Conclusion . Use the ending part to summarize the interviewee’s thoughts and your insights into the matter. You might also compare the available data to the facts collected during the meeting and verify their validity. The bottom line must leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Steps for Writing a Successful Interview

Below is a detailed description of the paper composition journey. Consider each step carefully and be consistent in your approach.

Define the Paper’s Objective

Writing an interview paper urges you to establish the overall purpose. You will have to specify the message you plan to deliver. For example, if you want to verify a public opinion, you’ll have to question several subjects. Alternatively, proving a natural phenomenon will require a conversation with an expert in the field.

Explore the Subject

Find and prepare printed and virtual materials related to your research. Previous interviews and works by the interviewee are also vital. Unlike rebuttal essays , your primary goal is to gather details supporting your claims. Therefore, brainstorm any note you found based on your predefined criteria.

Pick an Interview Format

Your sample form will depend on the specific theme. Most students decide to buy a literature essay online due to their lack of formatting skills. Here are the various formats you can choose when presenting your findings.

This format implies using direct or indirect speech to analyze the storyline. Consider retelling the considerations of the interviewee and citing the original wording. The narrative format is also advisable if you talk to a few interviewees. The structure should contain an intro, a body (each paragraph can describe a particular idea of a single person), and a summary.

Question-and-answer essays are ideal when interviewing one person. Most magazines and news reports prefer this type because it is the simplest. Your interview paper will have an intro, different parts for each question and answer, an analysis with your perspective, and a summary.

Informative

Also known as conversational or personal, these papers are informal and take first or second-person narration flow. However, writing in a dialogue form might be confusing and perplexing for an untrained eye.

Formulate the Questions

Make a thorough list of all the aspects you want to discuss and cover in the interview paper. Ask close-ended (yes/no) and open-ended questions that require in-depth responses. If you struggle with your questionnaire, consider the following suggestions:

• Share your core values
• What would you change in the world if you had a superpower for a day?
• How did your childhood impact your personality?
• What is the recipe for success?
• What is the best aspect of your job?
• How do you overcome your deepest fears?
• Define happiness with examples
• What object do you hold most dear and why?
• What is the most significant challenge in our society?
• How do you imagine the world’s future?

Get in Touch with the Respondent

Make an effort to contact your interviewee/s and be professional when arranging the meeting. You might need to use several communication channels to reach your target person. Focus on scheduling a time that works for everyone involved in the project.

Facilitate the Interview

Choose a peaceful and quiet place without any distractions. Always arrive on time for the meeting. Alternatively, consider setting it up in an online format, if finding a physical location isn’t viable. Most importantly, allow the speakers enough time to share their thoughts and maintain an impartial attitude to avoid miscommunication.

Interview Essay Writing Tips

Here’s some additional advice for writers taking the first steps toward interview writing.

Stick to Your Teacher’s Instructions

Your professor will probably mention the paper structure. For instance, if you receive a classification essay writing guidelines , don’t experiment with other formats. Moreover, rehearse the face-to-face meeting with a family member to avoid possible deadens. Here, you might come up with a follow-up question that clarifies some vague points.

Quote and Paraphrase Your Sources

Organize all the details on the background, education, and achievements before interviewing itself. When referring to the topics discussed, cite them properly and give credit. Also, explain the protocol to the respondent and the purpose of the research.

Consider Recording the Interview

The longer the meeting, the more details you’ll forget once you finish it. Avoid over-relying on your memory, and bring a recorder. Taking notes is also essential. However, don’t record unless the respondent gives prior approval.

Mind These Formatting Rules

Use a font size of 12 in Times New Roman with double spacing. Don’t forget to write a title page, too. When including citations longer than 40 words, use block quotes.

Edit and Proofread

Don’t expect the first draft to be the best. Reduce grammar mistakes and typos by polishing your initial wording. The final version must be logical, easy to read, and plagiarism-free.

Bottom Line

As intimidating as the interview paper might seem at the onset, these guidelines will help you stay focused and organized. Above all, pick an important topic with questions that affect ordinary people. This way, you can set up and develop the interviews more quickly. Undoubtedly, an A+ grade takes dedication and perseverance to research and write your paper.

Related posts:

• How To Write A Good Compare And Contrast Essay: Topics, Examples And Step-by-step Guide

How to Write a Scholarship Essay

• How to Write the Methods Section for a Research Paper: Effective Writing Guide
• Explaining Appeal to Ignorance Fallacy with Demonstrative Examples

Improve your writing with our guides

Definition Essay: The Complete Guide with Essay Topics and Examples

Critical Essay: The Complete Guide. Essay Topics, Examples and Outlines

Get 15% off your first order with edusson.

Connect with a professional writer within minutes by placing your first order. No matter the subject, difficulty, academic level or document type, our writers have the skills to complete it.

100% privacy. No spam ever.

Interview Essay

Essay writing is different for everyone. Some people choose to go to the library and search for facts on a given subject, while others like to focus on gathering information through personal statements .

During this interview process, interviewers typically ask a series of interview questionnaire  that their readers may want to know about. These details are either recorded or jotted down by the interviewee. With what has been gathered, an individual may then write a complete essay regarding the exchange.

Interview Essay Sample

• Google Docs

Size: 168 KB

Personal Interview Essay Template

Size: 136 KB

Nursing Interview Essay Template

Size: 123 KB

Leadership Interview Essay Template

Size: 154 KB

Teacher Interview Essay Template

Size: 150 KB

Job Interview Essay Sample

Narrative Interview

Size: 70 KB

Career Interview Essay

Size: 29 KB

What Is an Interview Essay?

Interview essays are typically based on research gathered from personal testimonies. This could be based on one’s personal experiences or their own input on a given matter. It may be informative essay , descriptive essay , or even persuasive essays , depending on the questions asked by the interviewer.

The content of the essay may include direct quotes from the interview or it may come in a written narrative form. Through this, we are able to gain additional information from a particular perspective.

What to Include in an Interview Essay

For every essay, a thesis statement is needed to help your readers understand the subject being tackled in your work. For an interview short essay , you would need to talk about your interviewee. Any information that will create a credible image for your interviewee will be necessary.

Next, it’s necessary to include the significant ideas that you have acquired from your interview. Ideally, you should pick three of these ideas, elaborate what has been said, and present it in paragraphs. Be sure to emphasize these points in a detailed and concise manner, a lengthy explanation might be too redundant. You may also see sample essay outlines .

Leadership Essay

Size: 24 KB

Nursing Interview Example

Size: 146 KB

Personal Interview

Size: 18 KB

Parent Interview Sample

Size: 15 KB

Guidelines for an Interview Essay

When writing an interview essay, it would be best to create an outline first.

Organize the information you have gathered from your interviewee and structure it in a logical order. This could be from one’s personal information to the most compelling details gathered. Be reminded of the standard parts of an essay and be sure to apply it to your own work.

Even when most, if not all, of your essay’s content is based on what you have gathered from your interviewee, you would still need to create a good starting of essay  and end to your essay.

Additionally, do not forget to put quotation marks around the exact words used by your interviewee. It would also be best to proofread your work and make sure that there is a smooth transition for each thought. You may also like personal essay examples & samples.

How to Conclude an Interview Essay?

You can end your interview essay how ever you wish to do so. It could be about your learning from the interview, a call to action, or a brief summary writing from what has been expressed in the essay.

But keep in mind, this would depend on your purpose for writing the essay. For instance, if you interviewed a biologist to spread awareness about mother nature, then it would be best to conclude your essay with a call to action. Knowing this, it’s important to end your essay well enough for it to be memorable.

Interview Essay Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write an Interview Essay on a local community leader.

Discuss the career journey of a teacher in your Interview Essay.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 7 real sample interview questions and answers.

If you’ve arrived at the interview stage, then you’ve already made a good impression with your resume and cover letter! How can you keep the positive vibes going and impress the hiring manager face to face?

The key to rocking your interview is preparation, and this guide’s here to help you along the way. Read on for the do’s and don’ts of answering seven of the most common interview questions, along with real sample responses to guide your thinking.

Common Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

The seven questions in this guide are some of the most common ones that interviewers ask. Even if you don’t get these questions exactly, you’ll likely get variations of several of them.

Typically, hiring managers will start with some open-ended questions aimed at getting to know you, your work experience, and your professional qualifications. Then they might move onto behavioral questions , which ask you to provide specific examples of accomplishments, challenges, conflicts, or even failures. Some hiring managers also like to throw in curveballs to get a sense of your personality, creativity, and ability to think on your feet.

Below you’ll find seven common interview questions, advice for answering them, and a sample response for each one. For a comprehensive list of the 100 most common interview questions, check out this guide ! For now, let’s consider one of the most common openers that interviewers use to get the conversation started.

Question 1: Tell Me About Yourself

This opener's a common icebreaker question. It’s so open-ended that everyone can think of something to say. Hiring managers often use this prompt or something like it to invite you into conversation and help ease the normal job interview anxiety.

The open-ended nature of this kind of prompt can also be challenging, though. While you can definitely think of something to say, you also want to be strategic and not say too much. Below are some pieces of advice for answering this question, as well as some tips for what not to do!

There are two important guidelines to follow when preparing to answer this question:

Tailor your answer to the job and organization.

Structure your answer in a clear way.

For the first guideline, you should highlight your skills and experiences as they relate to the job description and organization. Stick to what’s professionally relevant , and consider what qualities are essential for the new role.

To help you do this, you might rephrase the prompt as, “Tell me about yourself as I consider you for this role.” Your aim is to show the interviewer that you have the desired skill set and would bring value to the position.

As for the second point about structuring your response, you might start in the present, bring in the past, and then talk about the future. You could describe what you’re doing now and then go into what you did in your work history and education to get there. Then you could discuss where you’re aspiring to go and why (i.e., in this new job and organization).

You might bring in a specific example here if you feel it illustrates your skills. Pinpointing an important moment in time can be helpful if you tend to speak in vague or jargon-filled ways. This approach isn’t totally necessary yet, though, as you’ll have a chance to share anecdotes in response to behavioral questions.

Tailoring your response and structuring it in a clear way are important guidelines for preparing your response to the classic “Tell me about yourself” prompt. That being said, are there any mistakes to avoid here?

“Well, I swim everyday, I love musicals, and I have two cats and a French Bulldog. I’m an Aquarius, and I love long walks on the beach and candlelit dinners…”

Ok, that sample response started to veer into personal ad territory. But the point is that you shouldn’t be overly personal in your response. While you can share some insight into your personality, you mainly want to remain professionally relevant.

Not only should you avoid irrelevant and overly personal details, but you also shouldn’t go on and on about your whole life story. If you find yourself starting with, “First, I was born on a cold December night,” then you’ve rewound too far.

Keep your answer concise, clear, and structured, and consider what main qualities, or “core competencies,” the job description calls for. For instance, the sample response below is a strong one if the hiring manager’s looking for strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.

Sample Answer to Question 1

In this sample response, the applicant’s applying for a customer service job in a retail company. The job she seeks calls for strong interpersonal skills and an upbeat, optimistic attitude.

I’ve always loved interacting with people and feel I have strong interpersonal skills.   I studied Communications at University X, and that gave me a whole new set of skills to work with people and help them get the information and support they need. After graduating, I sought out a position on the customer experience team at Dubspot, where I’ve been working since. In this position, I communicate with dozens of customers everyday over the phone, by email, and through instant chat. I help resolve any issues with the software and lead trainings for new clients. I enjoy helping people resolve issues and aim to continue on in a customer-centric role. Since I’m passionate about the fashion industry, I’m looking to move into a customer experience in a retail, rather than software, company. I’m a huge fan of your products and am a long-time customer. I find helping people to be very gratifying, and I’m really excited to contribute my interpersonal skills and positive attitude in this role.

If the applicant wanted to add a specific example to illustrate her love of working with customers, she might say something like this:

Last week, to share one example, I got a complaint from a customer about a number of issues with the software. Sensing her frustration, I invited her to call me so we could troubleshoot over the phone and she could feel her concerns were heard. We spent 45 minutes addressing her concerns. At the end of the call, she was very happy and sent a long email thanking me for my help and attention. She even referred two new customers to the company.

Again, honing in on an anecdote can be a useful approach if you tend toward vague language, but it’s not necessarily expected at this early stage of the interview. Now let’s take a look at two more classic questions that ask about your strengths and weaknesses.

Are you ready to talk about your personal superpowers?

Question 2: What Do You Think Are Your Greatest Strengths?

If you only prepare one talking point for your interview, it should be the strengths you’d bring to the role. While the hiring manager might not ask you this exact question, she’ll probably use some variation of it, like,

• What are you good at?
• What skills would you bring to this role?
• What would you contribute here?
• What would your manager or coworkers say are your greatest strengths?

In essence, she wants to know why you think you’re qualified for the job. Below are some tips for how to prepare your answer, along with some don’ts to avoid when talking about your key strengths.

As you go through this guide, you’ll notice a common theme start to appear, and it’s this: you should tailor your answers to the job and organization at hand. Talking about your strengths is no different.

Consider what strengths the new hire should have to succeed in this role, based on the job description and your research into the company. Then consider how your own skills align, and choose to discuss the ones that match up. This way, you’re still being accurate and authentic while also targeting the job description.

You may also benefit from bringing in a specific example , even one that uses data if relevant. If you’re talking about your skill in sales, you may talk about a particular client acquisition, your numbers from last quarter, or selling in the top 10% of your peers.

Finally, choose your words carefully and  avoid cliches. Rather than talking about your people skills, for instance, you could home in on a strength like clear communication or productive collaboration. Some phrases have gotten so common that they don’t mean much, so aim for specific language and ideas that will help you stand out.

While you should tailor your answers to the job description, you shouldn't  claim competencies if you can’t back your statement up with specifics. The hiring manager may well ask you to elaborate on a strength or give an example. If you don’t have one, then your claims of being organized or creative or collaborative might ring false.

Another mistake to avoid here is highlighting too many strengths and thereby diluting your message . Picking out two to three of the most important and relevant ones is a good approach. Similarly, you probably won’t see much pay off from delving into strengths completely unrelated to the position at hand.

While lots of people might shy away from talking about their strengths, others run the risk of appearing too overconfident. Make sure you talk about your qualities in a meaningful, assured way without sounding braggy or arrogant !

Below is one sample answer to this question of, "What are your greatest strengths?"

Sample Answer to Question 2

Here’s a sample answer from someone applying for a managerial position in a restaurant. The new job wants someone who’s willing to take on a number of responsibilities.

I’d say my greatest strength is a willingness to take on a wide range of responsibilities. While I was technically a server at Solera Restaurant, I also helped plan large events, do event set-up, process payments, and bus tables. I work hard and try to contribute where I can, especially when things get busy or people seem overwhelmed. Not only does this help ease the burden on others, but I get to learn about different aspects of the industry firsthand. I support my fellow workers and get the chance to expand my skills at the same time. 

This response targets the job description by highlighting the applicant’s willingness to wear a lot of professional hats. He proves that he has his strength by talking about his duties in his last restaurant position and desire to help his coworkers.

I know you're steady, but I've also heard you're quite slow. Can you speak about this weakness a bit?

Question 3: What Would You Say Are Your Greatest Weaknesses?

If you’re not prepared to talk about your weaknesses or "growth edges," then this question could seriously trip you up in an interview. You’re focusing so much on showing that you’re the best person for the job, so how can you shift to talking about weaknesses in a strategic way?

Some variations of this traditional question might be:

• What are some areas that you need to develop?
• What are some skills areas that you could grow?
• What would your manager or coworkers say are your greatest weaknesses?

Read on for the do’s and don’ts of tackling this question.

Be honest! But also strategic. If one of the core competencies of the new job is attention to detail, for instance, I would avoid choosing that as your greatest weakness. You might subtly choose the opposite - "Sometimes I get caught up in the details and need to remind myself to step back and see the bigger picture" - or choose a weakness that wouldn’t impact your performance very much in the new job.

As with the greatest strengths question, you should prepare a specific example. You should focus not just on your weakness, but on the steps you’ve taken to overcome it. You can acknowledge the weakness, talk about what you learned from it, and expound on the steps you took the overcome it.

Just like with any of your responses, make sure to prepare for follow-up questions. Here, the hiring manager might ask how this weakness could limit your effectiveness in the new position. Be ready to speak at length about what you’re doing to learn and grow.

First off, don’t evade the question . The interviewer wants to see how you self-reflect and are honest about your weaknesses, so don’t respond with, “I don’t have any.” Similarly, don’t go with an obvious cop-out answer like, “I work too hard” or “I care too much.”

A second mistake would be to choose a weakness that would seriously inhibit your ability to succeed in the position. If the position wants someone who keeps clear records and notes, then talking about your lack of organization and poor record-keeping skills probably won’t help you get the job.

Finally, avoid playing the blame game by attributing your weakness to external factors. Don’t say that you showed this weakness due to previous job circumstances, like the work environment, your boss, or your coworkers. The interviewer wants to see that you can own your weakness and show a proactive approach to improving your skills.

Sample Answer to Question 3

Here’s one sample answer to the "Tell me about your greatest weaknesses" prompt:

I’ve struggled for a long time with public speaking. This weakness was a big challenge in college, where presentations were a major part of several of my classes. I realized early on that I needed to improve in this area, so I started by meeting with my advisor about resources for improving public speaking. We talked about techniques like challenging myself to participate at least once in every class and calming nerves with breathing. I also took a public speaking class recently that helped me improve a great deal. A couple months ago, I gave a presentation in front of about 60 students and parents, and it went really well. My nerves are still there, but I feel like I’ve come miles from where I was freshman year of college. Working on my public speaking is a skill that I actively continue to work on and try to improve.

Assuming that public speaking isn’t a major part of the new job description, this answer is a strong one to the "Tell me about your weaknesses" prompt. Notice how the applicant focuses on the proactive steps she’s taken to improve her public speaking skills. Your answer will probably look quite different, but you can similarly choose a strategic weakness and talk about what you’re doing to improve.

Why do you want this job, anyway? What makes you think you're qualified?

Question 4: Why Do You Want This Job?

This question wants you to explain why you’re pursuing the position and why you think the organization should hire you. Presumably, you’ve done some thinking about this before applying. Now it’s time to form an answer that won’t just share what you want, but will also show the manager that you’d make a great hire.

How can you answer this interview question, and what mistakes should you avoid?

This question's the perfect opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the new job and show why you'd excel in the role. Make sure to give specific reasons for wanting the job . Show that you don't just want any job; you want that specific job. If you have any particular connections to the company - maybe you use its products or know someone who works there - then you could bring that up here.

Of course, the interviewer wants to hire someone who's not just enthusiastic, but who's also qualified. In your answer, then, don't just talk about your  aspirations. Talk about what you could do for the organization. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the organization's mission, and show that it aligns with your own professional goals. 

You don't want to be too practical in your answer here. "Because I need money for rent, food, and Netflix," while true, isn't an ideal response.

You also don't want to be too generic or vague by saying something like, "I heard this company's an awesome place to work." Aim to be much more specific than that. 

Check out a sample response to this question below that's specific, shows enthusiasm, and incorporates both the speaker's goals and the organization's mission.

Sample Answer to Question 4

This applicant’s applying to a programming position in a start-up in the environmental sphere. The job description wants someone who’s willing to take on a range of responsibilities, cares about its environmental mission, and knows CSS, Java, and Ruby.

I’m drawn to start-ups because I’d love to be part of building a company from the ground up. I really appreciate its culture of a small, close-knit team of passionate people who are ready and willing to wear many hats. With my versatile skill set in computer programming and experience building websites, I feel my interests and skills are perfectly aligned with this position of web developer. I would use my knowledge of CSS, Java, and Ruby to build out the company website and grow our online presence. I also share this company's commitment to sustainability. I’m extremely motivated by your environmental mission and could immediately start taking steps to meet your short-term and long-term goals.

This sample response sounds honest and authentic, while also bringing in some core skills of the jobs.

Don't evade this next question about a time that you failed, but make sure to shift focus onto the personal and professional growth that followed.

Question 5: Describe a Time That You Failed

This question is a  behavioral one, because it asks you to talk about a specific example that illustrates something meaningful about you as a professional.

Some variations of this question might ask you to talk about a conflict at work, a challenge, or a behavior that negatively impacted your team. So how can you describe a failure while still leaving a positive impression of your skills and abilities?

Just like with the weaknesses prompt you read about above, you should focus on the failure as an opportunity for growth. Be honest about your past mistake, but then shift focus to talk about what you learned from it, how you changed, and what you would do differently next time. This not only shows that you’re willing to acknowledge when you mess up, but it also shows that you’re continuously seeking to improve.

Again, you should probably avoid choosing a failure or conflict that arose because you lacked a core competency of the job. Just as with all your other answers, you can be strategic about what you choose to talk about here.

While talking about failures can be uncomfortable, you shouldn’t evade the question. Nor should you speak in vague language about lacking a certain skill or knowledge. This behavioral question wants you to share a specific example, so make sure you have one to fall back on.

You also shouldn’t focus too much on the negative aspects of your example . As mentioned above, you should talk about what happened and its context, but otherwise focus on the growth and learning that came from it.

Below is a sample answer that does this well.

Sample Answer to Question 5

In this sample answer, a teacher talks about a mistake she made with a summer course she taught. Notice how she talks just as much about what she learned as about the failure itself.

The first class I taught was a four-week essay writing course for high schoolers over the summer. Due to the short-term nature of the course, I jumped right into the material without setting aside time to talk about behavioral expectations. Issues later arose, like students showing up late, talking over each other, and using cell phones in class, that could have been prevented, or at least reduced, if I’d taken the time to lay the groundwork. That course was a huge learning experience for me, and since then I always take time on the first day to discuss classroom norms. To make students feel more invested and accountable, I also elicit ideas from them on what they need from me and from each other in their ideal learning environment. That mistake in my summer class taught me a lot about the importance of proactive behavioral management. I can always loosen the reins as I go, but it’s much harder to rein them back in once they’re out.

Don't be shocked if you interviewer throws a curveball question at you, like, "If you were an animal, what animal would you be?"

Question 6: If You Were an Animal, Which One Would You Be and Why?

Ok, so chances are you won’t get this exact question. But lots of interviewers like to throw in random curveballs that shake you out of your comfort zone and call for some imagination and quick thinking.

Beyond offering a chance for some lighthearted humor and creativity, these seemingly random questions may represent one more way that interviewers try to gauge your cultural fit.

Instead of asking about your spirit animal, a hiring manager might ask what you would change about the last five years of your life, what the name of your debut album would be, or what your personal motto is. You can find more examples of curveball questions here, including some that were asked by big companies like Dropbox, Hubspot, and Whole Foods.

So is there any way you can prepare for the unpredictable? Check out the advice below, as well as a sample answer to this question.

Show your personality! Have fun with these questions. They’re opportunities to spark a connection with your interviewer and say something memorable.

You may still have the chance to tailor your answer to the job description. Someone applying to a customer service type role, for instance, might choose a dog in answer to the animal question. Dogs are loyal, friendly, and supportive, so they could link well to the job description.

If you’re totally thrown, you might buy yourself some time by saying, "That’s a great question. I’ll have to think about that for a second..."

Depending on your rapport with the interviewer, you could even ask her what her answer would be to that same question!

Don’t overthink these questions too much. They’re typically meant to be more lighthearted and fun. At the same time, don’t dismiss them as entirely silly ; some might be aiming to learn more about how you deal with unpredictability in the workplace, or instance.

In answer to the animal question specifically, you should also avoid choosing something with largely negative connotations for the sake of trying to be unique. I’d probably avoid the snakes and vultures, unless you can think of a really ironclad reasoning for going this way!

Sample Answer to Question 6

This might be a good answer for a job that calls for a lot of teamwork and collaboration. 

I’d be an elephant. They’re smart, loyal, and work well in groups. Plus, the elephant was my beloved college mascot.

Make sure to save a few great questions for the end of your interview. They could start with any of the five W's, but don't be afraid to think outside of the speech bubble.

Question 7: Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

Finally, almost all hiring manager ask this final question at the end of the interview. Even if you’ve asked questions throughout, you should have two or more good ones saved for the end.

Ask questions! You might ask about what the day-to-day is like or if the interviewer could give more insight into the culture. You could ask the interviewer to elaborate on something you discovered through your research, as this is one more way you can show the effort you put in to learn about the company.

Ask questions that show you want to know more about what you can do for the organization and are genuinely interested in learning more about the workplace and its values.

Don’t say, "No, I’m all set. All my questions have been answered.” You should absolutely ask questions at the end of your interview.

Besides declining to ask questions, another mistake would be to ask easy questions that you could easily answer through research on the website . You want to show that you’re knowledgeable about the company, so don’t ask anything too obvious, like, "So what exactly do you do here?"

A first interview might also be too early to ask about schedule, benefits, and salary . At this point, you’re trying to show the hiring manager all the value that you could bring to the role and company, so continue focusing on what you could do for them. Similarly, I’d also avoid asking when you can expect to get promoted!

Below are some possible questions to ask your interviewer. If you can think of questions in the back of your mind based on what you’ve discussed during your interview, all the better!

Sample Questions to Ask:

• Could you tell me about a typical day here at the company?
• What sort of training could I expect for the position?
• How do you evaluate performance here? Do the expectations change at all over time?
• What directions do you see the company going in in five years? Ten years?
• Could you tell me a little more about the team members I would be working with?
• How would you describe the work environment here?
• Would you say that people work more collaboratively or more independently?
• What do you love most about working here?
• What would you say are the most important qualities that the person in this position should have?
• What qualities do your best performing employees share?
• How does the organization help its employees succeed?
• What could I do to go beyond expectations in the first 30 or 60 days?
• If I were to start in the role tomorrow, what would be my first priority?
• Are there opportunities for more training or education?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

The hiring manager might ask you all sorts of questions, but several are likely to be a variation of the common ones you see above, if not those questions themselves. You’ll talk about your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and background, all the while tailoring your answer to the job description and company mission.

You might have noticed some similar themes pop up in terms of how to prepare your responses. Below, you’ll find four steps that will help you answer just about any job interview question.

Beyond the specific questions above, let's consider some universal steps you can take to answer any interview question.

How to Answer Job Interview Questions: 4 Key Steps

Doing well in a job interview isn’t just about presenting all your strengths and skills. It’s also about strategically convincing the hiring manager that you’re the candidate she’s looking for.

So how can you be strategic about each of your interview responses? Read on for four steps that will help you answer any interview question.

Step 1: Deconstruct the Job Description

Before you interview, if not before you apply, you should take some time to understand exactly what the company is looking for. What responsibilities does the job description entail? What skills would you need to be successful in the role? What kind of person does the company hope will join its team? What does your interviewer do in the company, and what connection could you make with her?

Your mission is to show that you have the skills and experiences to contribute in the role. You want to show that you’d bring value and make a strong cultural fit. As you research the organization, you might also look for any “pain points,” or problems that it needs solved.

Once you’ve deconstructed the job description and have a thorough understanding of the role and organization, you can reflect this awareness in your answers to interview questions.

Step 2: Come Up with Specific Examples

Hiring managers often look to your past behaviors to get a sense of your future behaviors. They also want to see how your skills and experiences express themselves in concrete actions.

To prevent your answers from seeming overly vague, you should be ready with examples. To help you brainstorm, you might consider the STAR framework, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

You start by describing the situation you were in and the task that you had to do. Then you talk about  what you did and how you did it , and finally elaborate on what happened as a result of your actions. You could talk about an impact that your action had on your team or what you might improve for next time. 

To prepare for the various types of behavioral questions, you could  collect stories that have to do with a time that you succeeded, failed, faced a challenge, handled conflict, demonstrated leadership, and impacted your team in some way.

Make sure that all of your examples, even the ones that point out a conflict or mistake, are success stories. Even if you failed in some sense, you learned from it and improved for next time.

If you don’t have directly relevant professional experience, you should still root out examples from other jobs, your education, or even personal life that illustrate your qualifications.

Don't look now; you're being followed! Your interviewer's likely to follow your lead and ask follow-up questions based on your responses. 

Step 3: Prepare for Follow-Up Questions

Beyond the initial interview question, your interview may ask you to elaborate on something you said or dig deep into a certain aspect of your answer. Most interviews are more like a conversation than a question-and-answer session. Your interviewer will likely be actively listening to what you say, reflect your words back, and follow-up with a related question.

As such, your answers and examples should be substantial enough to speak at length about. As you prepare, you might imagine yourself in the shoes of the interviewer. What aspects of your answer would stick out? Which ones would be intriguing and warrant additional discussion?

Don’t expect to answer every question in one go and go on to the next. Be prepared to dig into your responses and branch into new directions .

Step 4: Customize your Answers

Finally, the theme that’s pervaded this whole guide is that you should customize your answers to the job and organization. As you prepare, consider what qualities the organization and hiring manager are looking for.

Your answers aren’t just about you and what you want. They’re also very much about the organization and what it wants.

Most hiring managers have a clear idea of the skillset and other qualities they’re looking for in a new hire. Show that you possess those core competencies in each of your answers. If you can also offer something beyond expectations, all the better!

While you should be authentic and allow your personality and goals to shine through, you should also be strategic about what you say. Everything you share could ideally go on the hiring manager’s list of reasons to hire you for the job!

What’s Next?

You’ve just considered seven of the most common job interview questions. Now check out our full list of the top 100 questions that hiring managers ask in an interview !

Beyond preparing your responses, what else can you do to get ready for interview day? Check out our top tips to help you feel prepared and confident to rock your job interview .

One of the first steps to applying for a job is putting together a great cover letter. Our cover letter template helps guide you through the writing process, step by step . Plus, you can read six samples of excellent cover letter samples for jobs ! 

Rebecca graduated with her Master's in Adolescent Counseling from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has years of teaching and college counseling experience and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and improve their well-being. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Student Interview Essay Example (Tips for a Successful Interview)

A student interview essay is a type of academic assignment where students are required to conduct an interview with someone and then write an essay based on the insights gained from the interview. This type of essay allows students to delve into a particular topic or subject by gathering firsthand information from someone with expertise or experience in that area.

Student interview essays can be a valuable tool for learning, as they provide an opportunity for students to engage with real-life experiences and perspectives. By conducting an interview and writing an essay, students can develop critical thinking skills, improve their writing abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

How to Conduct a Successful Interview

Conducting a successful interview is crucial for obtaining the information needed to write a compelling essay. Here are some tips to help you conduct a successful interview:

• Do your research: Before conducting the interview, research the topic or subject matter extensively. This will help you ask informed and relevant questions.
• Prepare a list of questions: Create a list of questions that will guide the interview and cover all the important aspects of the topic. Make sure to include open-ended questions that encourage the interviewee to provide detailed responses.
• Choose an appropriate setting: Select a quiet and comfortable location for the interview to ensure that both you and the interviewee can focus and communicate effectively.
• Be professional and respectful: Treat the interviewee with respect and professionalism. Maintain proper etiquette throughout the interview and actively listen to their responses.
• Take accurate notes: Take detailed notes during the interview to capture the interviewee’s responses accurately. This will help you when writing the essay later.

The Structure of a Student Interview Essay

A student interview essay typically follows a similar structure to other types of essays. It should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is a breakdown of each section:

1. Introduction

The introduction should provide background information about the interviewee and the topic being discussed. It should also include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs should present the information gathered from the interview in a logical and organized manner. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or topic related to the interview.

• Example: Provide a specific example or anecdote from the interview that supports the main argument or point being discussed.
• Analysis: Analyze the information provided by the interviewee and discuss its significance or relevance to the topic.
• Supporting evidence: Use additional research or examples to support the points made in the interview.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize the main points discussed in the essay and restate the thesis statement in a concise manner. It should also provide a closing thought or reflection on the insights gained from the interview.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Student Interview Essay

When writing a student interview essay, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure the quality and effectiveness of your essay:

• Lack of preparation: Failing to adequately prepare for the interview can result in a lack of focus and relevant questions.
• Biased or leading questions: Avoid asking questions that steer the interviewee towards a specific answer or express your own biases.
• Failure to actively listen: Actively listen to the interviewee’s responses and engage in the conversation. This will help you gather more meaningful information.
• Inaccurate or incomplete notes: Take accurate and detailed notes during the interview to ensure the information is properly represented in your essay.

Top Interview Tips for Students

Preparing for an interview can be nerve-wracking, especially for students who are new to the process. Here are some top interview tips to help you succeed:

• Research the company or organization: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and recent news. This will demonstrate your interest and preparation during the interview.
• Practice common interview questions: Prepare answers to common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” or “Why are you interested in this position?” Practicing your responses will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
• Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and appropriately for the interview. This will show that you take the opportunity seriously and respect the interviewer’s time.
• Arrive early: Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for the interview. This will give you time to compose yourself and gather your thoughts before the interview starts.
• Ask insightful questions: Prepare a list of thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer. This demonstrates your interest in the position and your desire to learn more about the company or organization.
• Follow up with a thank-you note: After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer to express your gratitude for the opportunity. This small gesture can leave a positive impression.

A student interview essay can be a valuable learning experience that allows you to gather firsthand information and develop critical thinking skills. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this article, you can conduct a successful interview and write an engaging essay that showcases your understanding of the subject matter. Remember to be well-prepared, professional, and respectful during the interview process, and avoid common mistakes that can diminish the quality of your essay. Good luck with your student interview essay!

Related Posts:

• Aritzia Interview Questions: How to Prepare and Succeed When it comes to preparing for a job interview, it's important to do your research and anticipate the questions that may come your way. This…
• Peloton Interview Questions: Tips and Advice for Success Are you preparing for an interview with Peloton, the popular fitness company known for its innovative exercise equipment and virtual workout classes? Landing a job…
• DevSecOps Interview Questions: Tips and Common Questions for Success Preparing for a DevSecOps interview can be a challenging task, as this field requires a unique combination of skills and knowledge. DevSecOps, which stands for…
• Mastering the Art of Rubric Interview Questions: A Comprehensive Guide Interviews are an essential part of the hiring process, allowing employers to gauge a candidate's suitability for a role. However, traditional interview questions often fail…
• Treasury Interview Questions: What You Need to Know to Ace Your Interview Preparing for a treasury interview can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To help you feel more confident and prepared, we have compiled a list of…

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base

Methodology

• Types of Interviews in Research | Guide & Examples

Types of Interviews in Research | Guide & Examples

Published on March 10, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on June 22, 2023.

An interview is a qualitative research method that relies on asking questions in order to collect data . Interviews involve two or more people, one of whom is the interviewer asking the questions.

There are several types of interviews, often differentiated by their level of structure.

• Structured interviews have predetermined questions asked in a predetermined order.
• Unstructured interviews are more free-flowing.
• Semi-structured interviews fall in between.

Interviews are commonly used in market research, social science, and ethnographic research .

Table of contents

What is a structured interview, what is a semi-structured interview, what is an unstructured interview, what is a focus group, examples of interview questions, advantages and disadvantages of interviews, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of interviews.

Structured interviews have predetermined questions in a set order. They are often closed-ended, featuring dichotomous (yes/no) or multiple-choice questions. While open-ended structured interviews exist, they are much less common. The types of questions asked make structured interviews a predominantly quantitative tool.

Asking set questions in a set order can help you see patterns among responses, and it allows you to easily compare responses between participants while keeping other factors constant. This can mitigate   research biases and lead to higher reliability and validity. However, structured interviews can be overly formal, as well as limited in scope and flexibility.

• You feel very comfortable with your topic. This will help you formulate your questions most effectively.
• You have limited time or resources. Structured interviews are a bit more straightforward to analyze because of their closed-ended nature, and can be a doable undertaking for an individual.
• Your research question depends on holding environmental conditions between participants constant.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Semi-structured interviews are a blend of structured and unstructured interviews. While the interviewer has a general plan for what they want to ask, the questions do not have to follow a particular phrasing or order.

Semi-structured interviews are often open-ended, allowing for flexibility, but follow a predetermined thematic framework, giving a sense of order. For this reason, they are often considered “the best of both worlds.”

However, if the questions differ substantially between participants, it can be challenging to look for patterns, lessening the generalizability and validity of your results.

• You have prior interview experience. It’s easier than you think to accidentally ask a leading question when coming up with questions on the fly. Overall, spontaneous questions are much more difficult than they may seem.
• Your research question is exploratory in nature. The answers you receive can help guide your future research.

An unstructured interview is the most flexible type of interview. The questions and the order in which they are asked are not set. Instead, the interview can proceed more spontaneously, based on the participant’s previous answers.

Unstructured interviews are by definition open-ended. This flexibility can help you gather detailed information on your topic, while still allowing you to observe patterns between participants.

However, so much flexibility means that they can be very challenging to conduct properly. You must be very careful not to ask leading questions, as biased responses can lead to lower reliability or even invalidate your research.

• You have a solid background in your research topic and have conducted interviews before.
• Your research question is exploratory in nature, and you are seeking descriptive data that will deepen and contextualize your initial hypotheses.
• Your research necessitates forming a deeper connection with your participants, encouraging them to feel comfortable revealing their true opinions and emotions.

A focus group brings together a group of participants to answer questions on a topic of interest in a moderated setting. Focus groups are qualitative in nature and often study the group’s dynamic and body language in addition to their answers. Responses can guide future research on consumer products and services, human behavior, or controversial topics.

Focus groups can provide more nuanced and unfiltered feedback than individual interviews and are easier to organize than experiments or large surveys . However, their small size leads to low external validity and the temptation as a researcher to “cherry-pick” responses that fit your hypotheses.

• Your research focuses on the dynamics of group discussion or real-time responses to your topic.
• Your questions are complex and rooted in feelings, opinions, and perceptions that cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no.”
• Your topic is exploratory in nature, and you are seeking information that will help you uncover new questions or future research ideas.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Depending on the type of interview you are conducting, your questions will differ in style, phrasing, and intention. Structured interview questions are set and precise, while the other types of interviews allow for more open-endedness and flexibility.

Here are some examples.

• Semi-structured
• Unstructured
• Focus group
• Do you like dogs? Yes/No
• Do you associate dogs with feeling: happy; somewhat happy; neutral; somewhat unhappy; unhappy
• If yes, name one attribute of dogs that you like.
• If no, name one attribute of dogs that you don’t like.
• What feelings do dogs bring out in you?
• When you think more deeply about this, what experiences would you say your feelings are rooted in?

Interviews are a great research tool. They allow you to gather rich information and draw more detailed conclusions than other research methods, taking into consideration nonverbal cues, off-the-cuff reactions, and emotional responses.

However, they can also be time-consuming and deceptively challenging to conduct properly. Smaller sample sizes can cause their validity and reliability to suffer, and there is an inherent risk of interviewer effect arising from accidentally leading questions.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each type of interview that can help you decide if you’d like to utilize this research method.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Student’s  t -distribution
• Normal distribution
• Null and Alternative Hypotheses
• Chi square tests
• Confidence interval
• Quartiles & Quantiles
• Cluster sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Data cleansing
• Reproducibility vs Replicability
• Peer review
• Prospective cohort study

Research bias

• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Placebo effect
• Hawthorne effect
• Hindsight bias
• Affect heuristic
• Social desirability bias

The four most common types of interviews are:

• Structured interviews : The questions are predetermined in both topic and order. 
• Semi-structured interviews : A few questions are predetermined, but other questions aren’t planned.
• Unstructured interviews : None of the questions are predetermined.
• Focus group interviews : The questions are presented to a group instead of one individual.

The interviewer effect is a type of bias that emerges when a characteristic of an interviewer (race, age, gender identity, etc.) influences the responses given by the interviewee.

There is a risk of an interviewer effect in all types of interviews , but it can be mitigated by writing really high-quality interview questions.

Social desirability bias is the tendency for interview participants to give responses that will be viewed favorably by the interviewer or other participants. It occurs in all types of interviews and surveys , but is most common in semi-structured interviews , unstructured interviews , and focus groups .

Social desirability bias can be mitigated by ensuring participants feel at ease and comfortable sharing their views. Make sure to pay attention to your own body language and any physical or verbal cues, such as nodding or widening your eyes.

This type of bias can also occur in observations if the participants know they’re being observed. They might alter their behavior accordingly.

A focus group is a research method that brings together a small group of people to answer questions in a moderated setting. The group is chosen due to predefined demographic traits, and the questions are designed to shed light on a topic of interest. It is one of 4 types of interviews .

Quantitative research deals with numbers and statistics, while qualitative research deals with words and meanings.

Quantitative methods allow you to systematically measure variables and test hypotheses . Qualitative methods allow you to explore concepts and experiences in more detail.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, June 22). Types of Interviews in Research | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved April 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/interviews-research/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, unstructured interview | definition, guide & examples, structured interview | definition, guide & examples, semi-structured interview | definition, guide & examples, unlimited academic ai-proofreading.

✔ Document error-free in 5minutes ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Using an interview in a research paper

Consultant contributor: Viviane Ugalde

Using an interview can be an effective primary source for some papers and research projects. Finding an expert in the field or some other person who has knowledge of your topic can allow for you to gather unique information not available elsewhere.

There are four steps to using an interview as a source for your research.

• Know where and how to start.
• Know how to write a good question.
• Know how to conduct an interview.
• Know how to incorporate the interview into your document or project.

Step one: Where to start

First, you should determine your goals and ask yourself these questions:

• Who are the local experts on topic?
• How can I contact these people?
• Does anyone know them to help me setup the interviews?
• Are their phone numbers in the phone book or can I find them on the Internet?

Once you answer these questions and pick your interviewee, get their basic information such as their name, title, and other general details. If you reach out and your interview does not participate, don’t be discouraged. Keep looking for other interview contacts.

Step two: How to write a good question

When you have confirmed an interview, it is not time to come up with questions.

• Learning as much as you can about the person before the interview can help you create questions specific to your interview subject.
• Doing research about your interviewee’s past experience in your topic, or any texts that they have written would be great background research.

When you start to think of questions, write down more questions than you think you’ll need, and prioritize them as you go. Any good questions will answer the 5W and H questions. Asking Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How questions that you need answered for your paper, will help you form a question to ask your interviewee.

When writing a good question, try thinking of something that will help your argument.

• Is your interviewee an advocate for you position?
• Are they in any programs that are related to your research?
• How much experience do they have?

From broad questions like these, you can begin to narrow down to more specific and open-ended questions.

Step three: The interview

If at all possible, arrange to conduct the interview at the subject’s workplace. It will make them more comfortable, and you can write about their surroundings.

• Begin the interview with some small talk in order to give both of you the chance to get comfortable with one another
• Develop rapport that will make the interview easier for both of you.
• Ask open-ended questions
• Keep the conversation moving
• Stay on topic
• The more silence in the room, the more honest the answer.
• If an interesting subject comes up that is related to your research, ask a follow-up or an additional question about it.
• Ask if you can stay in contact with your interview subject in case there are any additional questions you have.

Step four: Incorporating the interview

When picking the material out of your interview, remember that people rarely speak perfectly. There will be many slang words and pauses that you can take out, as long as it does not change the meaning of the material you are using.

As you introduce your interview in the paper, start with a transition such as “according to” or other attributions. You should also be specific to the type of interview you are working with. This way, you will build a stronger ethos in your paper .

The body of your essay should clearly set up the quote or paraphrase you use from the interview responses,. Be careful not to stick a quote from the interview into the body of your essay because it sounds good. When deciding what to quote in your paper, think about what dialogue from the interview would add the most color to your interview. Quotes that illustrate what your interviewer sounded like, or what their personality is are always the best quotes to choose from.

Once you have done that, proofread your essay. Make sure the quotes you used don’t make up the majority of your paper. The interview quotes are supposed to support your argument; you are not supposed to support the interview.

For example, let’s say that you are arguing that free education is better than not. For your argument, you interview a local politician who is on your side of the argument. Rather than using a large quote that explains the stance of both sides, and why the politician chose this side, your quote is there to support the information you’ve already given. Whatever the politician says should prove what you argue, and not give new information.

Step five: Examples of citing your interviews 

Smith, Jane. Personal interview. 19 May 2018.

(E. Robbins, personal communication, January 4, 2018).

Smith also claimed that many of her students had difficulties with APA style (personal communication, November 3, 2018).

Reference list

Daly, C. & Leighton W. (2017). Interviewing a Source: Tips. Journalists Resource.

Driscoll, D. (2018 ). Interviewing. Purdue University

Hayden, K. (2012). How to Conduct an Interview to Write a Paper . Bright Hub Education, Bright Hub Inc.

Hose, C. (2017). How to Incorporate Interviews into Essays. Leaf Group Education.

Magnesi, J. (2017). How to Interview Someone for an Article or Research Paper. Career Trend, Leaf group Media.

• Get the Job
• Resumes and CVs
• Applications
• Cover Letters
• Professional References

Professional Licenses and Exams

• Get a Promotion
• Negotiation
• Professional Ethics
• Professionalism
• Dealing with Coworkers
• Dealing with Bosses

Communication Skills

Managing the office, disabilities, harassment and discrimination, unemployment.

• Career Paths
• Compare Careers
• Switching Careers
• Training and Certifications
• Start a Company
• Internships and Apprenticeships
• Entry Level Jobs
• College Degrees

Growth Trends for Related Jobs

How to answer essay questions for a job interview.

Some employers use essays during the job interview process to assess an applicant's writing skills and ability to communicate effectively. They also show how an applicant works under pressure and time constraints. Job interview essays are often only one or two paragraphs long and usually require you to write about subjects pertaining to that particular job. A good essay can be the difference between getting the job and the employer pursuing other candidates.

Read the essay topic or question. Make sure you completely understand what you need to write about before you begin the essay. Ask the interviewer for clarification if necessary.

Introduce the topic with a strong sentence about how much experience you have in the subject of the essay or an interesting bit of personal or professional information about the subject. This grabs the reader's attention and makes them want to read the rest of the essay. Do not write "This essay is about (blank)" or any other simple introduction.

Give an example of how you handled a situation that pertains to the subject of the essay in a previous position. Be specific about how your skills helped you overcome the situation and how you can relate that experience to the new job.

Keep the essay concise to make sure you get your point across while staying within the space provided on the page. Do not add information that does not pertain to the subject of the essay, even if it pertains to other aspects of the job.

Read the essay when you are done and revise for spelling, punctuation, grammar, clarity and length.

Related Articles

Interview questions & answers for a paraprofessional job →.

How to Write a Persuasive Essay on Getting a Raise →

How to Answer Questions in Narrative Form →

How to Write Personal Information on a Resume →

How to write job application letters →.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job →

Lauren Treadwell studied finance at Western Governors University and is an associate of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. Treadwell provides content to a number of prominent organizations, including Wise Bread, FindLaw and Discover Financial. As a high school student, she offered financial literacy lessons to fellow students.

• Job Descriptions
• Law Enforcement Job Descriptions
• Administrative Job Descriptions
• Healthcare Job Descriptions
• Sales Job Descriptions
• Fashion Job Descriptions
• Education Job Descriptions
• Salary Insights
• Journalism Salaries
• Healthcare Salaries
• Military Salaries
• Engineering Salaries
• Teaching Salaries
• Accessibility
• Privacy Notice
• Cookie Notice
• Copyright Policy
• Contact Us
• Find a Job
• Manage Preferences
• California Notice of Collection
• Terms of Use

How To Answer MBA Interview Essay Questions

Nov 1, 2023

Harvard Business School’s Post-Interview Reflection

Mit sloan’s interview essays, chicago booth’s pre-interview video essay, yale som’s pre-interview quote, make sure you succeed in any mba interview.

UPDATE : This article was originally posted on November 22, 2018. It has been updated with 2023/24 information and tips below. 

After spending months fine-tuning your MBA application essays, you’ve finally received that long-awaited interview invitation — only to discover that now you need to write more essays!

Though not all schools utilize interview essays – essays that are required only of candidates invited to interview – they have become increasingly popular in recent years. With more and more competitive candidates applying every year, elite MBA programs are always looking for new ways to distinguish the “admits” from the “dings.” 

Though they may seem small and relatively unimportant at first, MBA interview essays are an important element of your overall application and should be carefully crafted. That’s why we’re sharing our top tips on how to approach and write your own MBA interview essays . By following these tips, you can ensure you stand out and land a spot at your dream school. 

Harvard’s post-interview reflection is perhaps the most well-known example of an MBA interview essay. Now with a suggested word limit, this open-ended question must be answered by all candidates that are selected to interview at HBS . 

As part of the application process, you will be required to complete a Post-Interview Reflection. Here are a few details:

• The Post-Interview Reflection is not intended to be another formal essay. Think of it instead as a reflection after a meeting.
• We will be much more generous in our reaction to typos and grammatical errors than we will be with pre-packaged responses. Reflections that give any indication that they were produced before you had the interview will raise a flag for us.
• We do not expect you to solicit or receive any outside assistance with this exercise.
• Your Post-Interview Reflection is due within 24 hours of the conclusion of your interview. Let the interview soak in a little bit…no need to start writing your reflection right at the conclusion of your interview.
• There is a word guidance of 300-450 words for the Post-Interview Reflection.

How to approach your answer

Since you only have 24 hours after your interview to prepare the essay, you might be tempted to write out your answer in advance and then make small adjustments later on. 

I personally love HBS’ admissions process because the school is incredibly clear and transparent about its expectations. For your essay, they couldn’t make it clearer that a pre-packaged answer will hurt your application: 

“ We will be much more generous in our reaction to typos and grammatical errors than we will be with pre-packaged responses. Reflections that give any indication that they were produced before you had the interview will raise a flag for us. ”

That’s because the Post-Interview Reflection (PIR) works best when it’s just that – a reflection on how your interview with the school actually went . 

Though we’re sure you diligently prepared for your big day , interviews have a way of going a little differently than expected. 

Last year, for example, our client Nathalia’s interview was so focused on her new international job that she only later realized she’d never told her interviewer her reasons for wanting to attend Harvard. In her PIR, she was able to address this topic, as well as a few other points mentioned in the interview that she wanted to further expand/clarify upon. 

This approach helped Nathalia get into HBS. 

As such, the best strategy for your PIR is to do your best on interview day and then calmly assess your performance afterward. After reflecting, you should consider including the following elements in your PIR: 

• A brief thank you for the opportunity to interview
• Any points you feel are relevant but were not able to discuss in the interview
• Any “mistakes” you’d like to correct or additional points you’d like to add
• How you feel you can contribute to the HBS community (if you were not able to mention this)
• Anything you learned about HBS during the interview or during your campus visit (if you interviewed in Cambridge)
• A closing paragraph that reinforces why you are so passionate about attending HBS. 

Essentially, after reading your PIR, the admissions committee at HBS should be convinced that you deeply reflected on your interview and your place in the HBS community, demonstrating you are exactly the type of candidate they are looking for!

Finally, though the HBS admissions committee states that they are more understanding of spelling and grammar errors, try to run your essay through software like Grammarly to avoid any unnecessary mistakes. 

Photo courtesy of @mitsloan on Instagram

MIT Sloan has also long required candidates who are called to interview to submit an additional essay. This year, MIT Sloan’s interview question is as follows:

REQUIRED QUESTION #1 (DIVERSITY)

The mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and generate ideas that advance management practice. We believe that a commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and well-being is a key component of both principled leadership and sound management practice.

In 250 words or less, please describe a time when you contributed toward making a work environment or organization more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

At MIT, diversity is a core value . This means that at Sloan, you’ll constantly interact with people who think and act differently than you do. 

Succeeding in such an environment requires a great deal of adaptability and flexibility, as well as a willingness to learn from those who are different. This type of environment, however, is not for everyone, which is why MIT seeks to gauge how you respond to diversity in this essay. 

We suggest you start by considering the brand you are presenting to MIT and examine which examples about diversity you can share that will add value to the stories you told in your cover letter and video. Then, make sure you narrow this list down to your single best story . In a 250-word essay , you won’t have time to fully explore multiple examples, so limit yourself to one killer story. 

REQUIRED QUESTION #2 (DATA)

We are interested in learning more about how you make data-driven decisions and communicate results. Please select one of the following prompts to respond to. 

• Please select an existing data visualization and in 250 words or less explain why it matters to you. The data visualization should be uploaded as a PDF. Examples may come from current events, a business analysis, or personal research (e.g. climate change, COVID maps, etc).
• In 250 words to less, please describe a recent data-driven decision you had to make, and include one slide presenting your analysis. The slide may include a data visualization example and should present data used in a professional context. Your slide must be uploaded as a PDF.

Considering how short the MIT application is, you should also use this as another opportunity to add something new to your application. 

With this question, MIT seeks to understand how you are able to use data to make important decisions. MIT states that this example should come from data used in a professional context, so keep this in mind. When designing your slide, remember that you’re being judged on how you present the information visually, not on the data itself.

In your essay, make sure to explain how you analyzed the data and used it to make a decision . If you are not able to show how you applied the insights gained from the data you presented in a clear, concrete way, you may want to consider a different approach.  If you don’t have a job that requires you to use data on a regular basis, question 1 would be a better fit for you. If you do use data frequently at work, question 1 may still be a good option, but showing a real and measurable way in which you used data to make a decision is an excellent way to show the adcom you possess a great fit with their program. 

TOP TIP: Make sure not to share confidential information. If you need to “sanitize” the data, this is acceptable. 

Photo courtesy of @chicagobooth on Instagram

For several years running, Booth has asked candidates who move to the next application phase to submit additional materials before the interview. Like last year, you’ll need to submit your response in video format. 

Please submit a video response to one of the following two prompts:

• Tell us about something new you learned recently that shifted your worldview. How did it influence your behavior and/or actions?
• What is something you wish people knew about you, but you’re not sure that they do?

Please note the following:

• The length of the video response should be no more than 60 seconds.
• You will not be evaluated on the styling and editing of the recording, only the content of your submission. 
• Feel free to record the video with a cellphone, computer, or other video recording device. 

The most important task is first considering which prompts you will choose from each category , especially considering there is space for repeating themes. 

When looking at each category, choose the question that is both easiest to answer and that allows you to shed light on a new element of your profile. If you’ve already mentioned community service in one question, for example, perhaps avoid repeating community service as the theme in other answers.

Most importantly, consider what you want Booth to learn about you . Booth’s application – like its curriculum – is incredibly flexible , but it does mean that you can end up repeating themes from your essays unless you’re very careful and strategic in how you use each and every word the interview essays give you. 

Then, after choosing your best stories, use a condensed version of the STAR methodology to walk your reader through what your example is before ending with a final lesson or takeaway. 

TOP TIP : Start your video script by simply writing out the story and then refining the content/length. In our experience, applicants can comfortably speak 160-180 words in 60 seconds. You may also want to review some of these best practices to ensure you’re ready for your video debut. 

This is the first year that Yale SOM has asked candidates to send additional information when they are called to interview, though their format is highly unusual compared to the other business schools. 

Please submit a quote that has a special meaning or resonates with you. We ask that you submit this no later than 24 hours prior to your interview day.

Considering Yale SOM’s focus on values (after all, their essay question does ask you for the greatest commitment you’ve ever made), we see this as one more opportunity for you to demonstrate what motivates and drives your actions to Yale. 

Since they specifically did not ask for an essay along with the quote, we would imagine that the quote will factor into your admissions interview. Likely, the admissions committee will ask you why you chose the quote you did, so think carefully about how you would approach the quote in this context. 

As such, think about the story you might be able to connect to this quote and carefully consider how this story will add value to your profile. For example, if you volunteer, you may want to choose a quote that one of the people you helped said to you, as this can unlock the possibility to dive deeper into your extracurricular activities. 

Though you might not be practicing for your interviews, your competitors are. When you’re competing at such an elite level (and top MBA programs are about as elite as it gets), practice is the only way to get the edge you need. 

Working with highly-trained professionals, like our team of interview experts, can also be an excellent step to include in your interview process. 

• Maybe you don’t know where to start preparing.  
• Maybe you ramble on and lose your focus while answering. 
• Maybe you’re concerned about making errors, discussing your strengths, or addressing weaknesses.
• Maybe you’ve downloaded interview guides or have spent hours reading interview report forums—but still have questions and doubts. 

Our interview prep and practice service focuses on helping you determine what to highlight in your interview depending on the program while using appropriate, impact-driven language without being artificial, or worse, robotic. We also help you choose (and perfect) culturally appropriate examples based on the schools you’re interviewing for. 

As our former client Helena said:

 “ My husband and I applied for an MBA at INSEAD this year. We knew it would not be easy since we had a very small window, were applying in the 3rd round and only wanted this specific school. 

Ellin helped us with the preparations for the interviews and she really helped me organize my story, but the most special aspect was how Ellin inspired me to be more confident during the interviews. I would definitely recommend her to anyone interested in applying for an MBA! ” 

Real MBA Essays That Got People In

School-specific sample essays that got our clients accepted

Get Access Now

98.9% Success Rate

With our expertise and 98.9% success rate in placing our consulting clients in at least one of their target schools, we can add more value to your application than you ever thought possible.

Recent Articles

Essay Editing Tips from the Pros: Preparing for Your MBA Journey

Mar 14, 2024

Importance of Essay Editing in MBA Applications Common Mistakes to Avoid in MBA Essays Strategies for Effective MBA Essay Editing Understanding the MBA Essay Requirements Key Elements of a Strong MBA Essay...

How to Use MBA Rankings Effectively to Find Your Perfect Fit

Feb 28, 2024

Understanding the Landscape of MBA Rankings What Does the Latest FT Ranking Show? Why Business School Rankings are Not Perfect Shifting The Paradigm With Personalization Beyond Numbers: Finding Your School Culture...

London Business School Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Feb 21, 2024

School and Program Overview Employment Information Is LBS Right for You? Academics at London Business School Networking and Extracurricular Activities What Makes LBS Special? LBS Resources To Help You Get Accepted...

Ready to start your MBA Success?

• Crimson Careers
• For Employers
• Harvard College
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Harvard Extension School
• Premed / Pre-Health
• Families & Supporters
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• First Generation / Low Income
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Undocumented Students
• Explore Interests & Make Career Decisions
• Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter
• Expand Your Network
• Engage with Employers
• Search for a Job
• Find an Internship
• January Experiences (College)
• Find & Apply for Summer Opportunities Funding
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Apply to Graduate or Professional School
• Access Resources
• AI for Professional Development and Exploration
• Arts & Entertainment
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Climate, Sustainability, Environment, Energy
• Government, Int’l Relations, Education, Law, Nonprofits
• Life Sciences & Health
• Technology & Engineering
• Still Exploring
• Talk to an Advisor

How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

• Share This: Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on Facebook Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on LinkedIn Share How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!) on X

By Stav Ziv

“Tell me about yourself” might seem like an easy win of an  interview question —after all, you know all about yourself! And good thing, too, because it’s often the very first thing an interviewer will ask you to do—whether you’re having a preliminary phone screen, speaking to your prospective boss, or sitting down with the CEO during the final round.”

Read the full article on The Muse: https://www.themuse.com/advice/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question-answer-examples

Top 50 Internship Interview Questions (Example Answers Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

Updated 6/13/2022.

Everyone knows that the best way to get the job of your dreams is to have a resume that highlights and showcases relevant experience . And for college students , the simplest way to get some much-needed experience is with an internship.

Like any other job, you’ll face off against internship interview questions when you try to land a career-boosting position. If you want to make sure that you’re ready for what lies ahead, here’s what you need to know about the world of internships and intern interview questions.

What Is an Internship?

According to the University of Maryland , “an internship is a professional learning experience that offers meaningful, practical work related to a student’s field of study or career interest.” Overall, that sums it up pretty well.

Essentially, an internship is an opportunity for a student or trainee to gain valuable career experience by working within an organization, either for pay or for educational credit. Internships are an excellent way for you to gain real-world experience, network with potential future coworkers and managers, and build your resume, laying the groundwork for your career.

On top of that, many hiring managers use internships to gauge employment potential. This means you want to make sure that you are ready to nail those internship interview questions to score that invaluable experience.

Top 5 Internship Interview Question Tips

Here are our top 5 tips for preparing for an internship interview and how to answer intern interview questions:

1. Study Guide

As a student (or a recent student), this should be the easiest part of the whole process. Pretend your internship interview is a test and study ahead of time. That means making sure you have a proper resume prepared that highlights your related skills and education, as well as your accomplishments.

You also want to make sure you have done your research into the company, not only to verify that the internship being offered is legitimate but also to make sure that the company and the opportunity align with your long-term goals.

2. STAR Student

Speaking of your education and accomplishments, make sure you are prepared to talk about them and have stories ready that will help illustrate your strengths as a potential intern.

Really read the requirements for the internship carefully and then go through your own personal experiences, education, and skills and find examples that illustrate how you can fill those requirements. Finally, take those examples and craft them into great stories by using the STAR method .

3. Head of the Class

During an interview, you may have as little as 5 minutes to make a good impression. Make sure you’re ready by having business-appropriate interview clothes, showing up early, and being an enthusiastic participant in the interview process.

If you have questions about what to wear to a job interview, check out our blog article .

4. The 3 Rs

Rehearse, relax, and rhythm: the three Rs of the internship interview.

Rehearse : The best way to burn through interview nerves is to practice before the actual big day. Take the example questions from this article and have a friend, family member, or counselor conduct a mock interview (or two) before the big day.

Relax : Interviews can be nerve-wracking, and sometimes stress can make it hard to listen to those around us! Do your best to wrangle those nerves and take the time to really hear what the interviewer is saying. You need to ensure you understand exactly what they’re asking, allowing you to provide solid answers. Plus, you’ll get things during the interview like their names and informational tidbits that could help you target your answers.

Rhythm : When we say rhythm, we’re not talking about music or dancing, but about the natural rhythm of conversation. Make sure when you’re speaking clearly and calmly. Pausing between when the question is asked and starting your answer is ok, especially if it means you’re really thinking about the answer. An interviewer is going to be more impressed with an intern who takes a minute to give a thoughtful answer than an intern who fires off a barrage of information before they’ve even had a chance to finish the question entirely.

5. Teacher’s Pet

Last impressions are just as important as first impressions. Remember, as you’re wrapping up your interview, close it out on a strong note. This means making sure you’re asking your own questions (don’t worry, we’ll get to those in a bit).

Also we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET

5 Common Internship Interview Questions With Sample Answers

Now let’s focus on the potential questions you might be asked in an internship interview. Be prepared for a wide range of types of questions, ranging from behavioral to traditional and even some situational questions.

Along with showcasing a few different kinds of questions, we’ll give you example answers you can use to help guide your own. Here are five internship interview questions that you might face, along with a great example answer for each question:

1. What attracted you to your chosen field?

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“I was initially attracted to my major, statistics, because I’ve long had a talent for math. However, statistics allows me to take that further. I can use mathematics to understand various aspects of the world around me, which I find fascinating. It’s a way to reveal patterns that aren’t always clear to the casual observer, allowing me to use math to make insightful recommendations or champion change that can make a real difference.”

2. What are you most proud of?

“One thing that I’m particularly proud of was being selected as the valedictorian for my high school. I worked hard to achieve my grades, and I think that diligence will continue to serve me well throughout my life. I learned the value of hard work, discipline, and planning. Plus, it was only possible not only through my efforts but learning to work effectively on a team for group assignments, which I think was a critical lesson that will help me thrive in the workforce.”

3. How do you think an internship will help you academically? What about professionally?

“Academically, I believe an internship will give me a deeper understanding of how to apply the knowledge I gather to real-world scenarios. It’ll help me see the difference between the classroom experience and what it’s like to engage as a member of the workforce.

“Professionally, an internship lets me build a strong foundation. I’ll acquire new capabilities that will serve me well moving forward. Plus, it’ll help me keep realistic expectations while teaching me how to provide an employer with exceptional value, both of which can help me launch a successful career.”

4. What one word do you think describes you best?

“If I had to pick one word, I believe ‘responsible’ is the best fit. I’m a meticulous and organized person who is diligent about meeting my commitments. I understand the importance of accountability, particularly when it comes to meeting the expectations of others who are impacted by my work. As a result, I’ve always aimed to be responsible, not just as a student, but as a person.”

5. Tell me about a time when you stepped up.

“During a team project in one of my classes, one of the group members had a family emergency that pulled them away from their studies. Since we divided the work equally among the team members, that meant there was a portion that suddenly wasn’t being handled.

“I decided to find the solution to our problem. I reached out to other group members to assess where we all stood with our own portion of the work. Then, I helped distribute the remaining tasks, including assigning the largest segment to myself. While it meant doing more work, it was worthwhile, as we ultimately scored a 98 out of 100 on the assignment.”

45 More Intern Interview Questions You Should Prepare For

• Why should we consider you for this internship?
• Have you ever interned before? If so, describe your experiences.
• What are your long-term goals?
• What qualities will you bring to this internship that other candidates might not?
• Tell me a little about yourself.
• What are your expectations for your work hours? Is your schedule flexible?
• What do you hope to get out of this internship?
• Do you have any hobbies, and if so, can you describe how you think they could assist you in this internship?
• Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of, and why?
• What do you know about our company?
• What are your expectations for the role we are discussing today?
• Why are you applying for this internship?
• Do your current studies align with the type of work we do? Do you see a future in this industry, and if so, in what role?
• How do you organize your time and prioritize tasks during a busy day?
• Are you comfortable answering and having conversations on the telephone? And what is your experience with multi-line phone systems?
• What do you like/dislike the most about being an intern?
• What do you plan to do after you graduate?
• What would you say are the best skills to have in order to be successful as an intern?
• What are your strengths, and how will you best utilize them for this internship?
• What are your weaknesses, and what will you do to ensure they don’t affect this internship negatively?
• Describe a time that you took a leadership role in completing a task.
• Tell me about a conflict that you’ve had with someone you were working closely with and how you resolved it.
• Do you prefer to work independently or in a group setting?
• Can you describe to me any major trends that our industry has been going through over the last 3-5 years?
• How would your classmates or past work colleagues describe you?
• What will you bring to the table that will have the biggest impact during your internship?
• What level of expertise do you have with traditional office software programs (i.e., Microsoft Office/Excel/PowerPoint, Slack, Salesforce, etc.)?
• How do you handle stress? Has it been a problem for you in the past?
• Describe a time when you had some adversity in life and what you did to overcome it.
• Why are manhole covers round and not square or some other shape?
• During team projects, what role do you usually fill?
• Can you describe your ideal workplace culture?
• What management style best meets your needs?
• Share an example of a time when you motivated others.
• Tell me about a time you failed.
• If you didn’t understand how to handle a task, what would you do?
• Why did you choose this specific college and program?
• How would you describe your dream job?
• What courses have you taken that apply directly to this role?
• If you weren’t studying your current major, what degree would you pursue instead?
• What are you passionate about?
• Describe your previous work or volunteering experience?
• Do you have any expectations for this internship?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. What did you learn from that experience?

Questions to Ask in an Internship Interview

Now that you’ve answered all their questions, you’ll usually get a chance to ask a few of your own. It’s absolutely appropriate for you to ask your own questions, and in many ways, it’s strongly encouraged.

An intern who asks questions is an intern who truly cares about the position and is one who is more likely to get hired. Plus, asking questions is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the internship and the company overall.

To help get you started, here are ten example questions you can ask your hiring manager:

• If hired for this internship, what would my duties and responsibilities be?
• What are your expectations for me in this internship in relation to my school and homework requirements?
• How exactly will my performance be evaluated?
• Who will I be working with if I’m selected for this internship?
• How often do you hire former interns?
• How many hours per week will the selected intern work?
• Can you describe the company’s culture?
• How would you describe the team dynamic?
• Will I be working with other interns along with employees?
• After interning here, what have past interns moved on to?

Putting It All Together

Just remember, an internship today is a stepping stone to a career. Treat each internship opportunity like a potential job and prepare as much as you can ahead of time so you can shine during your interview. When you answer internship interview questions, highlight your experiences and your skills, and focus on your accomplishments and the value you bring to the internship. Be calm, be collected, and be yourself.

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to some of the most common interview questions including:

• What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
• What Is Your Greatest Strength?
• Tell Me About Yourself
• Why Should We Hire You?

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

• Side Hustles
• Power Players
• Young Success
• Save and Invest
• Become Debt-Free
• Land the Job
• Closing the Gap
• Science of Success
• Pop Culture and Media
• Psychology and Relationships
• Health and Wellness
• Real Estate
• Most Popular

Related Stories

• Land the Job 3 ways to recover when you don't know how   to answer a job interview question
• Land the Job The No. 1 reason people 'fail' job interviews, says   ex-Amazon recruiter: 'It causes a lack of trust'
• Land the Job How to use ChatGPT to prep for a job   interview, says ex-Disney recruiter
• Land the Job How to use ChatGPT voice to   prepare for a job interview
• Make It Majority of women have never asked for a   raise. How to negotiate for more pay

Google VP says this is the No. 1 question you should always ask at job interviews

In a job interview, there will come a time — usually in the last five minutes — when the tables are turned and the interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for me?" 

Asking smart, thoughtful questions can help you make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and figure out if the role you're interviewing for is the right fit for you.

There is one question, in particular, that you should "always" ask at the end of the interview, says Jenny Cheng , vice president and general manager of Google Wallet. 

"Is there anything else that you are looking for in this role that I haven't articulated yet?'" 

Cheng, who previously worked at Salesforce and PayPal, has interviewed dozens of candidates throughout her career. She recommends this question because it "gives you a clear opening to address any concerns or questions the interviewer has about your skills or experience that you haven't yet discussed." 

It gives you another chance to prove your value and set yourself apart from other candidates, too.

"Oftentimes, conversations can go so far down one path that you don't get to cover everything you thought you would, as the interviewer," says Cheng. "As candidates, we're so busy trying to stay on top of the questions in front of us that few people will leave the opening to ask, 'Is there anything else we haven't covered?'" 

But, Cheng adds, "There could always be something an interviewer is thinking you can't do or haven't done, even by the end of your conversation, and you might not even realize it's a priority."

Not only will the hiring manager appreciate the offer to share more about the role and ask follow-up questions about your capabilities, but it may also be a good chance to gauge how well you're doing. 

Most of the time, in their response, they will reveal something that you might not have even realized was important to them in hiring, Cheng explains. If the hiring manager asks you to clarify an earlier response or elaborate more on one of the skills on your resume, this is your chance for a re-do.

Or, "They might tell you, 'Your experience is really impressive, you're one of my top candidates,'" Cheng adds. "Either way, you will get valuable feedback on the spot."

DON'T MISS: Want to be smarter and more successful with your money, work & life?  Sign up for our new newsletter!

Google VP says this is the best way to build a 'happier, more successful' career

Use these 5 phrases to sound more emotionally intelligent at work

The smartest question to ask in a job interview, according to a CEO who's interviewed hundreds

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

Walt Nauta's Unsealed FBI Interview Raises Questions

F BI agents repeatedly asked Trump's valet if he was being coached not to reveal too much information, a newly released interview transcript shows.

In the May 2022 interview, Trump's valet, Walt Nauta, was asked by two FBI agents if there were details that he was leaving out because of his loyalty to Trump.

The agents also suggested that, as Nauta was trained to follow orders, some people will try to "take advantage" of that and convince him not to say too much to authorities.

The former president is facing 40 federal charges over his handling of sensitive materials retrieved from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, after leaving the White House in January 2021. He is accused of obstructing efforts by federal authorities to return them. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Newsweek has contacted Trump's attorney via email for comment on Friday.

Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira , a Mar-a-Lago maintenance worker, are accused of moving boxes of sensitive materials around Trump's Florida home to prevent federal agents from finding them and conspiring to delete security footage that had been sought under a subpoena.

Nauta and De Oliveira have pleaded not guilty to all federal charges against them, including conspiracy to obstruct justice. Newsweek contacted Nauta's lawyers for comment via email on Friday.

Kyle Cheney, senior legal affairs reporter with Politico, wrote on X, formerly Twitter , on Friday that the transcript clearly shows that the FBI had doubts about what Nauta was telling them.

"They clearly had some doubts about his veracity and whether he had been coached in his answers. They repeatedly emphasized that he had apparently misled Trump to meet with the FBI," Cheney wrote.

Nauta was later charged with obstructing justice for allegedly hiding presidential records at Trump's request.

After weeks of legal argument, Judge Aileen Cannon agreed that Nauta's FBI interview should be released to the public, but with the names of the FBI agents redacted.

Prosecutor Jack Smith had sought a much heavier redaction of the document, arguing that government witnesses were at risk of intimidation if anything in the documents could lead to their identification.

In the newly-released interview transcript, one of the FBI agents tells Nauta: "You know what to do and when to do it, and you don't ask questions, and that makes you really good at your job. The problem with that is that sometimes people can take advantage of that."

The FBI agent then suggested that, because of that, people like Nauta are left to answer "very uncomfortable questions by the FBI, not the people giving the orders."

He then adds: "So, thinking about that, you know, if there's anything that you want to answer differently, or anything else that you think we should know and, you know, we are more than welcome to step out of the room and give you some time."

Nauta's lawyer, who was present for the interview, then interjects and says: "It seems like you are all trying to get at something and I'm not sure that our side of the table is picking up on it."

He adds: "I'm confused. I think Walt's probably confused."

Related Articles

• Aileen Cannon's Order Lays Into Jack Smith's 'Inadequate' Plea
• Jack Smith Wants to Censor Donald Trump Documents
• FBI Could Raid Trump Tower: Former Prosecutor
• Jack Smith Gives Donald Trump Nearly 700,000 Records In Florida Case

Start your unlimited Newsweek trial

Get the magazine!

IN CONVERSATION

Lauren oyler wishes you’d fact-check your reviews, by steven phillips-horst, april 9, 2024.

Lauren Oyler, photographed by Carleen Coulter.

I first discovered Lauren Oyler , as many did, when I read her scathing review of Jia Tolentino’s essay collection Trick Mirror in LRB. Tolentino was a writer I felt got too much credit for making facile observations, and I whispered as much to other writers I knew. That Oyler had the temerity to slaughter a sacred cow was a sign she was in the trenches with the rest of us. The people’s critic now has her own essay collection, No Judgment , a flirtatious meditation on criticism itself. Covering material relevant to tri-coastal freelancers (Gawker, autofiction, speaking English in Berlin), it reads like a vape-smoke filled teacher’s lounge for writers, with its meta-references to being a book (the final chapter is titled “TK KICKER”—editor parlance for “poignant little ending pending.”) If you, as I do, endeavor for others to read your occasional essays and come away thinking “wow, what a hilarious genius!” then you will appreciate the intimacy on hand. To mark the occasion, Oyler spoke with me from her parents’ home in West Virginia, where we discussed forbidden words, bad reviews, and trolling your audience. 

LAUREN OYLER: Hi, nice to meet you.

STEVEN PHILLIPS-HORST: Very nice to meet you.

OYLER: I’m in West Virginia, so this is the trash room. That’s why there’s trash behind me.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I was imagining something really authentically West Virginia, with squirrels running in the background and dad on the porch with the shotgun.

OYLER: No. I find people ask me about West Virginia very rarely, and when they do I’m like, “Oh, it sucks and it’s been ruined by corporate greed and politicians.” It’s not particularly beautiful where I live. You say that and people from West Virginia and rural America get mad at you because they’re like, “You don’t know what it’s like.” And I’m like, “I do know what it’s like, and that’s why I don’t live there.” They’ll never vote for better healthcare because they don’t want to admit that the healthcare they have is destroying their lives and terrible or anything like that. 

PHILLIPS-HORST: They don’t see the exurban, sad, dissociative wasteland around them, the 12-lane highway they have to cross to get to the Starbucks.

OYLER: Yeah. And I mean, they haven’t been anywhere else, and that’s also the failure of the American government.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, now that we’ve been sufficiently coastal elitist and established our point of view, we can get into discussing this book. First of all, congratulations on your book.

OYLER: Thank you.

PHILLIPS-HORST: It’s really impressive. As Heidi Montag once said, “Congratulations to anyone who has ever written a book.” Now, you’ve written two.

OYLER: If I can do it, anybody can do it. I’m from West Virginia.

PHILLIPS-HORST: When you first announced it, I remember you were like, “All the essays haven’t been published anywhere else first.” Often, when you come out with a book of essays, some of these works have previously been published in The New Yorker , et cetera.

OYLER: That was always my intention. Basically, I had three or four essays that I wanted to do for magazines, but then I got tired of writing for magazines. I especially didn’t want to write these essays for magazines because of those constraints that magazines often put on you.

PHILLIPS-HORST: They’re like, “It’s not newsy enough.” 

OYLER: Or they cut all the jokes, first things first.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Editors love to make a piece worse. No offense.

OYLER: I wanted to write these long, digressive pieces, and some of them are quite theoretical. With the anxiety essay, I was like, “No magazine is going to let me do a 4,000-word list of symptoms before I get to the point.” Right? I didn’t want my second book to be mostly pieces about other people’s writing, particularly because I am, for better or worse, so well-known for those negative book reviews. And personally, I sympathize with the consumer, and I am not going to buy a book that contains mostly material that I can read online for free. So that’s the rationale.

PHILLIPS-HORST: So, this is a book of criticism but it’s also about criticism. I assume that you’re reading the reviews.

OYLER: Mm-hmm.

PHILLIPS-HORST: There’s been some raves, there’s been some not raves. You’re sparking conversation. This is an aggressive question…

OYLER: I’m an aggressive person.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Do the not-raves make you question your entire previous career of writing not-raves?

PHILLIPS-HORST: You didn’t have a Seth Rogen moment like, “Wait a minute, I am vulnerable, I’m just a human. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken this person down”?

OYLER: No. When I write book reviews, I try to read the book as generously as I can and really engage with it. I also have a background in journalism, so I’m somewhat neurotic about getting things right. Some critics do not care so much about that, and that’s perfectly fine. But I fact-check my book reviews.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I do think criticism can be right or wrong. 

OYLER: Yeah, of course.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I mean, most elements of it can be. You can say, “This point they made feels wrong because they didn’t marshal sufficient evidence to support it” or “This particular turn of phrase is cliche.” Those can be true things that are somewhat unassailable.

OYLER: Also, if you cannot engage with my book in the actual arguments and substance of it in order to say something bad about it, why would I question what I’ve done? I think in general, I want to anticipate the flaws in my writing, and that’s what any serious writer should do if you want to try and get better.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I have a dream of writing a book of essays where one of the essays is a review of the book and one of the essays is a pan of the book and really emulate the style of a bitchy critic and a fawning critic. You have to own the story, you know?

OYLER: Yeah, you’ve got to own it. There’s so much in the book that’s about what we expect of public figures, what is a public figure, what are the ethics of gossip, what are the ethics of criticism, and in the context of social media? And I do try to walk the walk, which is to say, “If I want people to pay attention to me, then I have to accept the unfortunate drawbacks of that situation.”

PHILLIPS-HORST: You have to put on your gloves and get in the ring.

OYLER: There’s one paragraph in the book, it’s the only intentionally provocative paragraph I’ve ever written. 

PHILLIPS-HORST: I think I know what paragraph you’re talking about.

OYLER: Literally the headline is “Elitism.” And that’s why I’m going like, “Listen to all this elitist stuff that I do.” And it’s really interesting to see who falls for that, because I thought we knew what trolling was and had sort of moved past this irony vs. sincerity conversation.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I’m so into that, because I actually wrote, “I thought the Goodreads chapter felt like bait.” You basically paint this picture of a community of plebe reviewers drunk with power, ready to cancel anything that has a whiff of politics they disagree with. And then after you’ve set up this horde of unwashed masses, these keyboard warriors who are complete idiots, you have a whole section where you’re like, “Oh, and I’m a total elitist.” It’s so funny to see the real pans of your book all glob onto that paragraph. “She admitted it! She said it!”

OYLER: It’s also just funny to trick people into embarrassing themselves. Maybe some of them watch more TV than others, but we all more or less went to Ivy League schools, so it’s not exactly a scandal. But I do think it has something to do with my tone, which I have thought a lot about and will not be changing. There’s this ironic voice that I use sometimes that allows me to say, “Isn’t it funny I went to an Ivy League school?” And I think that’s disarming, because you’re not actually supposed to say that, right?

PHILLIPS-HORST: You’re supposed to be ashamed or embarrassed.

OYLER: Yeah, you’re supposed to be ashamed. In general, writers are supposed to be ashamed of themselves. I can’t think of another medium or art form where the practitioner is supposed to pretend like they didn’t mean it. Like, “Oh, I just accidentally wrote this book. I had to write it, it was in my soul. It just poured out of me.” Can you imagine a director or a painter being like, “Oh, I hate painting actually, I’m so sorry. I pale in comparison to Helen Frankenthaler.”

PHILLIPS-HORST: Maybe athletes do that sometimes. Female athletes will be like, “Oh, I don’t know… I just do this really well because that’s how I learned it.”

OYLER: Not to bang on about David Foster Wallace over and over, but his great essay on Tracy Austin, the tennis player, and the Dumb Athlete Memoir is pretty useful here.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Okay, wait, I need to read that.

OYLER: It’s good. It’s really short too.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I’ve read all the Dumb Athlete Memoirs. The postgame interview is one of the most inane humiliations in American life.

OYLER: You should definitely read it. It’s called “How Tracy Austin Broke My Heart.”

PHILLIPS-HORST: I remember getting so much pushback from this piece I wrote about all these dumb self-help books. And one of them was Brené Brown, so I loved your essay that includes her, because she’s so fucking annoying, and she’s such a scam artist and an idiot, and her books are insufferable.

OYLER: What’s amazing to me about that is the trickle-down effect. I kept noticing people talk about vulnerability all the time. And then you go to the source and you’re like, “Oh, all of these New Yorker writers are basically citing this self-help scammer.” They’re writing these book reviews about Magic Mike’s like, “vulnerable working-class body.” You know what I mean?

PHILLIPS-HORST: The insistence on collapsing language at every turn. I love the line when you were like, “As the queer spaces like to say, radical softness is a boundless form in the distance.” I saw a sign at a coffee shop recently that was, “Tattoos as communal care.”

OYLER: Or it’s like, “Going to the rave and doing a bunch of drugs is actually a radical political act.” I think that’s just residue from our previous political era where everything had to be political or you had to do it in secret. It just seemed like we’re getting out of that.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I don’t know. I think the 2008 election was permanent.

OYLER: It’s a good argument. I think you should write that.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I just think that Hillary versus Obama calcified everyone into these camps where everything could be either new or old or right or wrong. It was also the beginning of obsessively turning politics into Marvel lore. There basically hasn’t been a week off since the Hillary-Obama fight.

OYLER: Yeah, but I do feel like the rapidly changing and deteriorating digital media ecosystem is producing something like a local media culture, which is not to say there are local papers, because there aren’t. I only noticed this because I’m doing publicity, and now so much of it, as opposed to when I published my novel three years ago, is newsletters. And there are lots of problems with that, but I certainly am less concerned with someone trying to ruin my life on Twitter if there’s a bunch of anonymous Reddit guys trying to attack me. Actually, a lot of anonymous guys from Reddit read that Washington Post review, based on the people who wrote about me on Twitter afterwards. It doesn’t really matter, but it doesn’t feel like your life is ruined anymore, which is nice.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I no longer have the fear. When I wrote this column regularly for Interview and The New Yorker , I was always brushing up against the radically online queer community and sometimes was on the verge of cancellation. It really did stress me out to just suddenly be getting a million quote tweets from people. But that era does seem to be over, and Twitter is basically dead.

OYLER: I always liked your writing, because you are unrepentant about making the kind of jokes that you’re going to make and you’re quite confident that it’s not harming anybody.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Thank you.

OYLER: In dark times, I was like, “At least they’re still doing Talk Hole .”

PHILLIPS-HORST: Hopefully we’re no longer the salve that society needs.

OYLER: No, I hope not.

PHILLIPS-HORST: This brings me to the question of plausible deniability. Is that a theme in your book at all? I certainly feel like it’s a theme in my writing, where I’m often carefully trying to make a joke that could appeal to a broader audience and could potentially be read by someone over here, but also by someone over there, as funny. It’s often on a woke-versus-anti-woke spectrum of someone being like, “Oh, you could be making fun of progressive politics, or you could be making fun of the limitations of language and how it prevents politics from being progressive.”

OYLER: Yeah, of course. That’s why the idea that we shouldn’t be using irony is ridiculous, because it allows you to express this ambiguity. Everyone wants there to be a judgment, everyone wants you to be like, “Is it bad or good? Are you pro or against?” And it’s very limiting if you’re any kind of writer, but particularly if you are a funny writer.

PHILLIPS-HORST: This came up when I was thinking about you in Berlin. When people ask you what you do, what do you say?

OYLER: I flip my hair and I say, “I’m the preeminent and most widely read critic of my generation.” And they’re like, “Really?” And I’m like, “Yeah, according to The Sunday Times UK .”

PHILLIPS-HORST: Would you say that to an Uber driver?

OYLER: No, I say I’m a writer. I mean, I can read the room. It depends on the context. If an Uber driver’s like, “What do you do?” I say, “Oh, I’m a writer.”

PHILLIPS-HORST: Then they say, “Oh, what do you write?” And you say?

OYLER: It depends. I say, “I wrote a novel,” and people know what that is. It’s just so much easier to say than, “I write cultural criticism.” What do you say?

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, I really switch it up. I often will just say “copywriter” because I feel like that’s the most noble and normal job. And then they might be impressed if I’m like, “Oh, I do advertising for brands, I don’t know, Botox, Hilton.” They’re like, “Oh my goodness.” But it’s humiliating to say, “I’m a writer-comedian and I have a podcast.”

OYLER: They don’t care. But that’s why I have my little bit, you know what I mean? Also, I can do it because I’m a woman.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, I’m a gay guy, which is the same thing.

OYLER: You can also do it.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Do you use a thesaurus regularly?

OYLER: Regularly, when I’m writing, I’ll star a word when I want to use a different word and I’ll go back to it. And then sometimes I’m like, “I actually don’t need to find another word.” The best thesaurus is Roget’s International Thesaurus. And the concept of this thesaurus is wonderful. They have an online version that sucks, so you have to have the actual thesaurus. And it’s humongous. Basically, you look up a word, and it has a number, and then you go to the number and the words are grouped. The system is that the words are grouped by senses and meanings. So if you’re looking up a synonym for “windy,” you go there and you see all the synonyms for windy, and then it’s in the weather section, and then it’s in the atmosphere section. So you can do all sorts of fun stuff.

PHILLIPS-HORST: So it helps you go sideways a little bit?

OYLER: Yeah. Obviously, the classic writing class thing is don’t use the thesaurus too much, but—

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, it’s obvious if it’s a pile of Disney adjectives.

OYLER: Yeah, I obviously don’t do that, but I think if I’m using a weird vocabulary, it comes naturally to me because I have a weird relationship to the English language because I’m from West Virginia and I didn’t read a real book until I was 18. Then I went to Yale and then I moved to Europe, where I was around all these people speaking either British English or English as a second language.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Do you think of certain words as being your words?

OYLER: You have a word of the moment, and then you’re like, “Oh, I’m saying that word all the time, I’ve got to stop using that.” Actually, when I was copying the book, I did keep a list to make sure there’s not too many instances of certain words in the book, “annoying” being one. Let’s see if I can find this.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I’ll wait.

OYLER: Okay, here’s the list: “actually, really, desperate, vaguely, fairly, pretty, pretty much, more or less, in part, relatively, proliferation, or proliferate, broadly, interesting, tedious, general, generally, elusive, demonstrate, elaborate, regardless, nevertheless, horrible, terrible, indeed, necessarily, elaborate, not elaborate, but elaborate, volatile, ostensibly, weird, stupid, perhaps, it’s tempting, in fact, doesn’t matter, vast majority, under threat, perceive, toward or towards, afterwards, afterward, onwards, initiate, unique, still, simply, straightforward, transform, fervour/fervor, operate, situation, incredibly, sense, shocking, righteous, ameliorate, of course, this is why, mostly, deal with, suggests, torturous, deep down, concomitant, same, agitate, suffering, and ruthless.”

PHILLIPS-HORST: Honestly, you did a great job not overusing those words.

OYLER: Thanks.

PHILLIPS-HORST: They’re words that people use a lot, and often all in the same way, way too much.

OYLER: Yeah, exactly.

PHILLIPS-HORST: I love this part where you’re talking about the Ben Lerner novel [ Leaving the Atocha Station ] and there’s the American guy who’s involved with the Spaniard and, because of the language barrier, they end up projecting all this meaning onto each other.There’s something so beautiful, and I think it especially happens with a lover who doesn’t speak your language, or where you’re fumbling in a foreign country, where you end up in a world of understanding that’s post-language. You create some sort of extra-linguistic experience that’s out here in the ether.

OYLER: Yeah, you have to come up with different ways to communicate. Part of the question is, “Can I be in love with Berlin if I am not fluent in German?” And I obviously feel very strongly about Berlin. I love living in Berlin, even though it has this tedious—if I may use one of my words—reputation for expats not authentically engaging with it or whatever. But my argument is that it is authentically what Berlin is and always has been, which is not German. I don’t want to live in Germany, I want to live in Berlin. It’s not diverse like New York, but Berlin is a very cosmopolitan city. I’m friends with lots of Americans and British people and Australians, but also friends with Italians, friends with people from all over who are operating in English. I would say the great love that is represented for me in this book is Berlin in English. It’s a great joy to be able to hear your language used by non-native speakers, but in an incredibly fluent, competent way, because they use the language in ways that you could just never dream of.

PHILLIPS-HORST: It’s very endearing. It helps you see the world through the eyes of a child again, and you realize how beautiful words can be. I think about this all the time with French songwriters. Songwriting can be so embarrassing and so literal, and they find a way to make something just a little bit to the side of literal.

OYLER: Yeah. Or remember that Eurotrash TikTok thing that was really popular like, last summer or whatever? And that joke, those lyrics—that’s also sublime.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Okay, this isn’t even really a question, but I will say that as I was reading the autofiction essay, I was disagreeing with you for a lot of it. I was like, “No, autofiction is the coward’s way out. You’re not brave enough to write non-fiction and be fact-checked and stand by your own opinions and put your own beliefs out there and expose your true thoughts to the world, but you’re also not imaginative enough to write actual fiction. So you’re just going to take these ideas and pass them off as fiction and absolve yourself of responsibility.” And then at the end, you so cleverly, slyly… I mean, revealing the title of an essay later on in the essay is always a great trick to give people this aha-moment… but I was just like, “Oh my God, she’s right.”

OYLER: Thank you. I think autofiction gets this bad rap that you’re talking about because the lives that the writers are reflecting are often not that interesting. I mean, some of the books are great. I love the Spindler books, I love Sheila Heti’s books as well. And the bad rap comes from people saying that Sheila Heti is self-obsessed, and all these lesser autofiction figures, their lives aren’t very exciting. But let’s say I have a very exciting life and I need to write about something that happened to me, but it involves some other people.

PHILLIPS-HORST: You need to write about something that happened to you.

OYLER: But I am very afraid of getting sued. We were talking about fact-checking earlier. When I do my journalism for Harper’s , I am incredibly facetious about getting notes and fact-checking. And they contacted those two boyfriends to fact-check with them. But let’s say I’m writing a social novel about a certain scene involving lots of inspiration from real people. You don’t live in a vacuum. It’s not just your life, there are other people involved, and they might disagree with you and they might not cooperate, or they might even sue you. For all of these reasons, I think it’s good to do autofiction. But from a more artistic perspective, you don’t. 

PHILLIPS-HORST: Not just a cover-your-own-ass perspective…

OYLER: It’s not just a cover-your-own-ass perspective, but you want to be able to be a little flexible. I like writing that kind of weird reportage stuff. But if you want to get into other people’s motivations, which I do, it’s quite hard to project onto people in non-fiction while still being ethical, whereas that’s the whole job of a novelist. I’m sorry, I’m getting all riled up about autofiction.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, maybe that’s the next book. Vacation’s over.

OYLER: Yeah. I have two weeks, then I’ll buy my Helen Frankenthaler.

PHILLIPS-HORST: Well, I guess we have to go. This was an absolute joy.

OYLER: This was great.

Related Posts

Sheila Heti Was Wasting Her Time. Then She’d Written a Book.

Bennett Sims on Style, Sebald, and His New Short Story Collection

Photographer Gregory Crewdson on Blue Velvet and the Berkshires

Sloane Crosley on Cult Classic and Confronting Exes