Should you write down questions and use them as a script in the interview room?

Should you write down questions and use them as a script in the interview room?

• A. Always write down questions and use them as a script
• B. Document questions for review later
• C. False, do not use a script
• D. Only for high-stakes cases

Answer: (C)

Non-scripted, adaptive interviewing is more effective in the room. You prepare a concise guide of topics and open-ended questions to cover, but you stay flexible as the conversation unfolds. Rigidly following a written script can make you sound mechanical, limit your ability to probe interesting details, and can undermine rapport with the interviewee. By listening actively and tailoring follow-ups to what the person says, you gather richer, more accurate information and can address issues that a fixed script might miss. It’s also helpful to jot down notes on key points and areas to review later, ensuring consistency across interviews without locking you into a word-for-word script. This approach preserves structure and thoroughness while maintaining natural, trustworthy interaction.

Non-scripted, adaptive interviewing is more effective in the room. You prepare a concise guide of topics and open-ended questions to cover, but you stay flexible as the conversation unfolds. Rigidly following a written script can make you sound mechanical, limit your ability to probe interesting details, and can undermine rapport with the interviewee. By listening actively and tailoring follow-ups to what the person says, you gather richer, more accurate information and can address issues that a fixed script might miss. It’s also helpful to jot down notes on key points and areas to review later, ensuring consistency across interviews without locking you into a word-for-word script. This approach preserves structure and thoroughness while maintaining natural, trustworthy interaction.