PHONE INTERVIEW SKILLS - REQUESTING HELP

Student : Good Morning. My name is Bobbalooba Brianka and I was wondering if it would be possible to speak …( here you name the particular person if you already know who they are OR you refer to the type of person. For example ,‘would it be possible to speak to a volunteer fireman, etc. )

Receptionist : May I ask what this is regarding?

Student : Yes. I am a student at _______________ College and I am working on an English project. My task is to interview someone in society and I would very much like to interview ..( the name of the person or the type of person you want to interview ) .

A number of things could occur now. The following conversation presumes that you get to talk to the person you are wanting to talk to.

Student : Good afternoon. I am a student at ________________college and I am working on an English project. My task is to interview someone in society and I would very much like to interview you if you are able to spare the time.

Interviewee : Yes, I think that would be fine. Could you tell me what it will entail ?

Student : Of course. I will need to arrange a meeting with you before the interview in order to ask a few general questions about your life and your goals and to make sure you know what I will be asking you in the interview. During the actual interview I will need to tape it so that my teacher can listen to the way I ask questions and respond to your answers. Nothing that you do not want to be asked will be asked. The pre-interview should take about twenty minutes and the actual interview about an hour.

Interviewee : When would you be needing to do this interview.

Student : If possible within the next two or three weeks . If that is not possible then within the next five weeks.

Interviewee : ( If the interviewee is interested he or she may set a date or ask you when you are available )

Student : That would be great. I will see you then and thank you very much for your help.