How To Write An Interview Summary: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve just finished conducting a job interview, or perhaps a compelling interview for a news story. Now comes the crucial task: summarizing the interview effectively. This isn’t just about jotting down a few bullet points; a well-written interview summary serves as a valuable record, a springboard for decision-making, and even a tool for future reference. This guide will equip you with the skills to craft concise, accurate, and insightful interview summaries, no matter the context.
Preparing for the Summary: Pre-Interview Steps
Before the interview even begins, preparation is key. Having a clear objective in mind will dramatically impact the quality of your summary. What information are you hoping to glean? What are the critical success factors for the role (in a job interview context)? Creating a structured interview guide with pre-defined questions can ensure you cover all necessary ground, making summarization much smoother.
During the Interview: Effective Note-Taking Strategies
While conducting the interview, efficient note-taking is paramount. Don’t try to transcribe everything verbatim; focus on capturing key points, quotes, and overall impressions. Use abbreviations, symbols, and keywords to speed up the process. Consider using a digital note-taking app with search functionality for easier retrieval later.
The Power of Active Listening
Remember, active listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding the meaning behind them. Pay close attention to the candidate’s body language and tone of voice, as these can often reveal more than their spoken words. These nonverbal cues should be noted in your summary as well.
Post-Interview: Crafting Your Summary
Once the interview concludes, the real work begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a compelling and comprehensive interview summary:
Step 1: Review Your Notes Immediately
The sooner you review your notes, the fresher the details will be in your mind. This allows you to fill in any gaps and clarify any ambiguities before they fade.
Step 2: Organize Your Information
Organize your notes thematically or chronologically, depending on your needs. This will help you build a coherent narrative. If you’re summarizing a job interview, consider grouping notes by skills, experience, and cultural fit.
Step 3: Write a Concise Narrative
Write a concise narrative that captures the essence of the conversation. Focus on the key takeaways, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. Use direct quotes where appropriate to add authenticity and impact.
Key Elements to Include in Your Summary
A well-crafted interview summary should include several key elements:
Candidate’s Background and Experience
Include a brief overview of the candidate’s background, relevant experience, and skills. This provides context for the rest of your summary.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
Identify the candidate’s key strengths and weaknesses based on your observations and their responses. Be objective and avoid subjective judgments.
Cultural Fit Assessment
If it’s a job interview, assess the candidate’s cultural fit within your organization. How well do their values and work style align with your company culture?
Overall Impression
Conclude with an overall impression of the candidate. This could include your recommendation (for a job interview) or a concise summary of their key points (for a news interview).
Different Types of Interview Summaries
The structure and content of your summary will vary depending on the context. For example, a job interview summary will differ significantly from a news interview summary.
Job Interview Summaries: Focus on Skills and Fit
Job interview summaries should prioritize skills, experience, and cultural fit. They should also include a clear recommendation or assessment of the candidate’s suitability for the role.
News Interview Summaries: Focus on Key Quotes and Insights
News interview summaries should focus on key quotes, insights, and the overall message conveyed by the interviewee. Accuracy and objectivity are paramount.
Tips for Writing an Effective Summary
Remember to keep your summary concise, clear, and easy to read. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to improve readability. Proofread carefully before sharing your summary with others.
Using Technology to Enhance Your Summary
Leverage technology to improve your summary process. Transcription software can help you capture the interview accurately, while note-taking apps can help you organize and categorize your information.
Conclusion
Writing an effective interview summary requires careful preparation, active listening during the interview, and meticulous organization afterward. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create concise, informative, and insightful summaries that serve as valuable resources for decision-making and future reference. Remember to tailor your summary to the specific context, focusing on the most relevant information and ensuring accuracy and objectivity throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an interview summary be? The ideal length depends on the context. A job interview summary might be a page or two, while a news interview summary could be much shorter. Focus on clarity and conciseness.
What if I missed something during the interview? If you realize you’ve missed crucial information, try to revisit the interviewee (if possible) or review any available recordings.
Can I use an interview summary for future reference? Absolutely! Well-organized interview summaries can be invaluable resources for future hiring decisions or journalistic research.
How can I improve my active listening skills? Practice focusing on the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing their points to ensure understanding.
What if the interviewee was difficult or uncooperative? Note this in your summary. Be objective and factual, focusing on their responses and behavior.