First of all, you should know the reason for your interview. You need to know what kind of information you want to get from this person.

Try not to ask questions that you could look up the answer to in a reference source. That will waste the time of the person you interview. Find out as much information about the person or subject as you can before the interview.

Set up a time and place for the interview. Be polite, and be on time. Introduce yourself and be sure to thank the person when you are done.

Don't be in a hurry. Listen to what the person tells you. If you plan to tape the interview, ask for permission first. If you can't tape the interview, leave space after your questions so you can take short notes. Don't write word for word! It is OK to ask the person to repeat an answer if he or she is talking very fast.

It is alright to ask other questions that you think of during the interview, called follow-up questions. Ask for examples or explanations if they say something that you do not understand.

Don't interrupt unless it is very important. Be sure to thank the person when you are finished. Later, send a thank-you note to the person you interviewed. Check your notes very soon after the interview to write down additional things that you remember.