Sample interview questions: How do you approach interviewing business leaders who may be hesitant to share sensitive information?
Sample answer:
- Build Trust and Rapport:
- Establish a connection with the business leader before the interview. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can interact informally.
- Demonstrate your knowledge of their industry and company to show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their perspective.
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Be transparent about your intentions and assure them that their information will be handled confidentially and ethically.
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Explain the Importance and Impact:
- Highlight the significance of their insights for your audience, whether it’s other business leaders, investors, or consumers.
- Explain how their participation can contribute to a broader understanding of industry trends, challenges, and solutions.
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Emphasize that their input can help shape public opinion and influence policy decisions that impact their business sector.
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Provide a Safe Space:
- Offer the option of an anonymous or off-the-record interview if they’re particularly concerned about revealing sensitive information.
- Assure them that you’ll respect their boundaries and not pressure them to share information they’re uncomfortable disclosing.
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Create a comfortable and private setting for the interview, free from distractions and interruptions.
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Ask Open-Ended Questions:
- Frame your questions in a way that encourages them to share their thoughts, insights, and perspectives without feeling constrained.
- Avoid yes/no questions and instead ask questions that begin with “why,” “how,” or “what.”
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Allow them to elaborate on their answers and probe deeper into their reasoning and… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/8_0_21/Business%20Journalist