How to Interview a Source Via Email
Send your source a letter of introduction and explanation about the purpose of your interview., Reduce the number of questions from what you would normally ask during an in-person interview., Prepare open-ended questions that allow the source to...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Send your source a letter of introduction and explanation about the purpose of your interview.
Include your contact information, which publication or company you're working with, deadline information and anything else that the source should know before agreeing to the interview.
It's helpful to include an estimate of the amount of time your source will spend answering your questions.
Set a timeline for your source to answer and request confirmation. -
Step 2: Reduce the number of questions from what you would normally ask during an in-person interview.
Since your source must complete some work by typing answers to your questions, you are asking quite a lot of your source.
Do not burden him or her with too many questions, because he may decide the interview is too much trouble. , Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Your questions should be written concisely and clearly so your source immediately understands exactly what you are asking. , The reminder should not be pushy; it should be friendly and act as a gentle impetus for your source to reply soon. , Don't interpret your source's statements or use quotations out of context.
If you have any questions about your source's intent or his answers, call or email him to clear up your questions. , She went to quite a bit of trouble to answer your questions and type the answers.
Send an email or a brief letter through the mail to let your source know that you appreciate her help and the time spent helping you with your assignment.
Within the note, indicate when or where her interview or the article to which she contributed to will appear. -
Step 3: Prepare open-ended questions that allow the source to provide insight and reasoning behind her answers.
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Step 4: Send a reminder to your source if you fail to get a reply within the timeframe you and your source initially agreed upon.
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Step 5: Ask for clarification if you have any uncertainties about your source's answers.
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Step 6: Thank your source.
Detailed Guide
Include your contact information, which publication or company you're working with, deadline information and anything else that the source should know before agreeing to the interview.
It's helpful to include an estimate of the amount of time your source will spend answering your questions.
Set a timeline for your source to answer and request confirmation.
Since your source must complete some work by typing answers to your questions, you are asking quite a lot of your source.
Do not burden him or her with too many questions, because he may decide the interview is too much trouble. , Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Your questions should be written concisely and clearly so your source immediately understands exactly what you are asking. , The reminder should not be pushy; it should be friendly and act as a gentle impetus for your source to reply soon. , Don't interpret your source's statements or use quotations out of context.
If you have any questions about your source's intent or his answers, call or email him to clear up your questions. , She went to quite a bit of trouble to answer your questions and type the answers.
Send an email or a brief letter through the mail to let your source know that you appreciate her help and the time spent helping you with your assignment.
Within the note, indicate when or where her interview or the article to which she contributed to will appear.
About the Author
Stephanie Hill
Writer and educator with a focus on practical lifestyle knowledge.
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