To the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfujaTdkiyrwagGO4Cv_JjGQ_IIWt9v4tO54aVBSiF7J6a_pw/viewform?usp=header
Conducting my first interview was a valuable experience. Not only because of the participant’s answers, but also because it taught me a lot about my own interviewing skills.
Before the interview, I was mainly focused on asking the right questions. I prepared an interview guide and thought about the order of the questions, but I quickly realised that asking questions is only one part of the process. Listening carefully is just as important.
One challenge I faced during the interview was taking notes while also paying full attention to the participant. Sometimes I found myself looking down to write something instead of maintaining eye contact or thinking about a good follow-up question. Although I still managed to collect all the important information, I noticed that my attention was divided.
Despite this challenge, I felt that the atmosphere during the interview was very relaxed. The participant seemed comfortable and answered all questions openly. I think creating a friendly and comfortable environment made it easier for them to share their thoughts honestly. This was also reflected in the observation sheet completed by another student, who described the interview as friendly, respectful and professional. The observer also noted that the participant appeared comfortable throughout the conversation.
Another thing I learned was how valuable follow-up questions can be. Some of the most interesting answers were not the direct responses to my prepared questions but came from asking participants to explain their thoughts in more detail. This helped me understand not only what they think but also why they think that way.
Looking back, there are also a few things I would improve next time. Instead of writing detailed notes during the interview, I would like to record the conversation first, with the participant’s permission, and transcribe it afterwards. This would allow me to focus completely on the conversation, maintain better eye contact and react more naturally to what the participant is saying. It would also reduce the risk of missing interesting details while writing.
Overall, I learned that conducting an interview is a skill that improves with practice. Preparing good questions is important, but creating a comfortable atmosphere and actively listening are just as essential. This interview was a great learning experience for me and gave me more confidence for future qualitative research. I am looking forward to using these experiences in the next interviews I conduct.
