Investigative Interview Techniques Checklist

Establishing rapport is a crucial step in building trust and fostering a positive relationship. It involves creating a sense of mutual understanding and respect between individuals. This process begins by observing non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice, allowing you to tailor your communication style to the other person's needs. Active listening skills are also essential in establishing rapport, as they demonstrate that you value the other person's thoughts and opinions. By doing so, you create a safe and supportive environment for open communication. As rapport is established, you can build on this foundation by engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing common interests, and demonstrating empathy towards the other person's experiences.

In this process step, Open-Ended Questions are utilized to facilitate in-depth exploration of the topic at hand. A series of probing questions are asked to encourage participants to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. These questions are designed to be thought-provoking, yet not too leading, allowing respondents to freely express themselves without fear of judgment or expectation of a specific outcome. The objective is to gather rich, qualitative data that provides insight into the complexities of the issue, rather than seeking straightforward answers or quantitative metrics. By employing open-ended questioning techniques, the process aims to stimulate critical thinking, foster creativity, and uncover unique perspectives, ultimately enriching the understanding of the subject matter.

In this process step, Active Listening is practiced by focusing on the speaker's message, both verbally and non-verbally. The listener maintains eye contact, nods to show understanding, and asks open-ended questions to clarify any misunderstandings. They also paraphrase or summarize what was said to ensure they have grasped the main points. Any biases or preconceived notions are set aside, allowing for an objective interpretation of the information presented. By engaging in Active Listening, the listener creates a safe and supportive environment where the speaker feels heard and valued, which fosters trust and builds strong relationships. This step promotes effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making and conflict resolution.

This process step involves identifying and addressing discrepancies or inconsistencies within the project scope, requirements, or deliverables. It requires a critical evaluation of existing information to pinpoint areas where there are differences in stakeholder expectations, assumptions, or documented specifications. The goal is to reconcile these variations by clarifying ambiguities, resolving contradictions, and ensuring alignment with established goals and objectives. This step may involve revisiting project documentation, conducting interviews or surveys with relevant stakeholders, or using data analysis techniques to pinpoint inconsistencies. Upon completion of this step, a clear understanding of the project's parameters should be achieved, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and miscommunications that can impact project success.

Closing the interview involves wrapping up the conversation with the candidate and providing them with essential information. This process typically begins by thanking the candidate for their time and reiterating interest in their qualifications. It is crucial to provide a clear timeline for the next steps, which may include additional assessments or interviews. The hiring manager should also inform the candidate about any follow-up communications they can expect. Additionally, this stage includes providing an overview of what the role entails, company culture, and expectations for success in the position.