Interview Note-Taking Tips and Best Practices
Issue 149
Understanding the Importance of Note-Taking
Taking notes during an interview is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance the quality of your engagement. Whether conducting interviews for research, hiring new employees, or gathering insights for an article, effective note-taking allows you to capture essential details and reflect on them later. This discipline not only aids memory retention but also helps in making informed decisions based on the information gathered.
Techniques for Efficient Note-Taking
To maximize the effectiveness of your note-taking during an interview, consider the following techniques:
Prepare Ahead of Time: Familiarize yourself with the interviewee's background and the purpose of the interview. This preparation allows you to formulate relevant questions, making your notes more focused.
Use Abbreviations and Symbols: Develop a shorthand system that works for you. By utilizing abbreviations and symbols, you can write faster and capture more information without losing the thread of the conversation.
Organize Your Notes: Structure your notes by categorizing information into sections such as personal insights, key responses, and follow-up questions. This organization helps you navigate your notes easily during the review phase.