Interviewing a professor—whether for a student newspaper, departmental publication, podcast, or research project—can be an enriching experience. Well-prepared questions can uncover valuable insights about academic journeys, teaching philosophies, research, and the world of higher education. To ensure your interview is both productive and professional, it’s essential to prepare thoughtfully, tailor your approach to the professor’s expertise, and create a comfortable environment for open conversation. This guide walks you through everything you need to conduct an effective interview with a professor, from preparation to follow-up.
What You’ll Need
- A notebook and pen or digital note-taking device
- A recording device (smartphone, digital recorder, or laptop with microphone) – always request permission before recording
- Background research on the professor (CV, published works, departmental profile)
- A list of prepared questions (printed or digital)
- Consent form or email (if required by your institution or for publication)
- Calendar or scheduling tool to confirm the interview time
Step-by-Step
- Clarify Your Purpose
Before reaching out, define the objective of your interview. Are you focusing on the professor’s research, teaching philosophy, career path, or a specific academic issue? Knowing your purpose will shape your questions and determine the tone of the conversation. - Research the Professor
Read the professor’s biography, recent publications, and any available interviews. Take note of their areas of expertise, ongoing projects, and academic interests. This background knowledge is vital for formulating relevant and respectful questions. - Draft Your Questions
Prepare a list of open-ended questions that encourage detailed answers. Start with a mix of general and specific queries. For example, ask about their journey into academia, challenges in their field, or their favorite course to teach. Tailor at least a few questions to their unique work or recent publications. - Organize and Prioritize
Arrange your questions in a logical flow: begin with introductory topics to build rapport, then move to more complex or sensitive issues. Prioritize must-ask questions, and have a few extras in case the conversation moves quickly. - Request the Interview
Contact the professor via email or through their department, clearly stating your purpose, estimated time required, and potential questions. Be polite and flexible when scheduling. - Prepare Your Equipment
Test your recording device, ensure your notebook or laptop is charged, and bring backups (extra batteries, pens). If recording, ask for permission at the start of the interview. - Conduct the Interview
Begin with a brief introduction and restate your purpose. Start with easy questions to set a conversational tone. Listen actively, ask follow-up questions, and allow the professor to elaborate. Be mindful of time and body language. - Wrap Up and Thank Them
Conclude by asking if there’s anything they’d like to add or clarify. Thank the professor for their time and insight. Confirm how and when the interview will be used or published. - Transcribe and Review
As soon as possible after the interview, transcribe key points or the full recording. Review your notes and clarify any unclear sections while the conversation is still fresh in your mind. - Follow Up
Send a thank-you email. If you promised to share the final article, transcript, or recording, do so promptly. Offer to correct any factual inaccuracies if needed.
Common Mistakes
- Insufficient Research: Going into the interview without understanding the professor’s background can lead to generic or uninformed questions.
- Overly Broad or Vague Questions: Asking questions like “Tell me about your research” without specificity may result in unfocused answers.
- Interrupting or Rushing Answers: Cutting off responses can prevent in-depth insights and make the interviewee uncomfortable.
- Failing to Listen: Sticking rigidly to your question list and ignoring interesting tangents can limit the depth of the conversation.
- Not Confirming Recording Consent: Recording without permission is unethical and sometimes illegal. Always ask first.
- Neglecting Follow-Up: Not thanking the professor or sharing the final product can damage professional relationships.
Tips
- Personalize Each Interview: Professors appreciate questions that reflect genuine interest in their specific work or teaching style.
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage discussion with prompts like “Can you describe…” or “What do you think about…”
- Be Respectful of Time: Professors have busy schedules. Stick to your agreed time limit unless they offer to continue.
- Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand a concept, politely ask for a simpler explanation. Most professors are happy to elaborate.
- Be Flexible: Allow the conversation to flow naturally. If an unexpected topic arises, explore it if it’s relevant.
- End on a Positive Note: Ask about what excites them most in their field or about upcoming projects. This often leads to energetic, insightful responses.
- Bring Backup Questions: If the interview moves faster than expected, having additional questions ensures you don’t run out of material.
- Maintain Professionalism: Dress appropriately and be punctual. Professional demeanor sets a respectful tone.
Troubleshooting
- The Professor Declines the Interview: If your initial request is declined, ask if there’s a better time or another faculty member who might be available. Respect their decision and thank them for considering.
- Technical Issues with Recording: If your device fails, rely on detailed note-taking. After the interview, summarize key points and email the professor to verify accuracy if needed.
- Unresponsive Interviewee: If answers are very brief, gently prompt for more detail by asking follow-up questions or requesting examples. Sometimes, starting with lighter topics can help them open up.
- Time Runs Out: If you run out of time but have more questions, ask if you can follow up by email or schedule a brief second meeting.
- Misunderstanding or Sensitive Topics: If the professor seems uncomfortable, steer the conversation to less sensitive areas. Always respect boundaries and offer to skip any question they prefer not to answer.
- Lost Notes or Recording: If notes or recordings are lost, reconstruct the interview as best as possible from memory and reach out to the professor with clarifying questions if appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are some good opening questions for a professor interview?
- Start with questions like “Can you tell me about your academic background?” or “What inspired you to pursue your field?” These break the ice and set a positive tone.
- How do I tailor questions to a professor’s area of expertise?
- Review their published work, current research, or course syllabi. Ask specific questions about recent projects or their perspective on current developments in their discipline.
- Is it acceptable to record the interview?
- Yes, but always ask for explicit permission before starting a recording. Some professors may prefer not to be recorded or may want to review the transcript.
- How many questions should I prepare?
- Prepare 10–15 questions, but be ready to adapt. Depending on the depth of answers, you may use fewer or need follow-ups.
- What if the professor gives very short answers?
- Ask for examples or elaboration. Use prompts like “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that influence your work?”
- Should I send questions in advance?
- It’s often helpful to share a few sample questions beforehand, especially for sensitive or complex topics, but you can keep some spontaneous for a natural flow.
Interviewing a professor is an opportunity to learn from an expert and gain unique perspectives on academic life. With careful preparation, respectful engagement, and flexible conversation skills, you can craft insightful interview questions and conduct a meaningful, memorable discussion.
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