How to Conduct Consulting Interviews (PowerPoint PPT Slide Deck)

This deck is a training presentation on how to conduct interviews in consulting projects. Contents include:
•  Overview
•  Planning and positioning the interview
•  Conducting the interview
•  Synthesizing the interview
•  Appendix (interview template, useful techniques, reading materials etc.)

See also "How to Write A Business Plan"
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See also "How to Prepare a Business Plan"
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See also "How to Be a Great Manager"
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See also "How to Be a Great Consultant"
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See also "How to Be a Great Associate Consultant "
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See also "How to Deliver Effective Presentations"
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See also "How to Run a Consulting Project"
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This presentation emphasizes the importance of a guided interview, which is a flexible tool designed to gather information through a set of questions. It highlights the characteristics of a guided interview, including the necessity for a two-way dialogue, active listening, and probing for deeper insights. The approach is generally focused on open-ended questions to foster discussion and uncover unexpected issues, making it somewhat unpredictable, but highly interactive.

Planning your interview is crucial. Start by asking three fundamental questions: what, who, and how. Define your objectives and determine the best approach to obtain the necessary information. Identify who will be interviewed and how the interview will be conducted. This stage involves leveraging previous analyses, defining must-know information, and knowing your interviewee. Role-playing and modifying your approach based on the interviewee's responses can enhance the effectiveness of your planning.

Positioning the interview is key to ensuring cooperation and participation. Managing expectations, providing incentives, and organizing logistics in advance are essential steps. Help your interviewees prepare by providing necessary materials and reminders. During the interview, use open questions to initiate broad discussions and closed questions to elicit specific information. Active listening, paraphrasing, and maintaining objectivity are critical to building rapport and ensuring the success of the interview.