Gathering requirements- One on One interview

One on One interviews are the most common methods of interviewing. The technique involves having an interviewee and interviewer, there can be some variations when there is scribe present to document the proceedings. ( normally the business analyst takes down the minutes of the meeting).

The following process will help the interview proceed efficiently and effectively and will help you gather requirements in the shortest time. 

1. Prepare ahead of time: preparation for an interview involves reviewing all prior relevant deliverables, such as project definition and other business planning documents. You should also look into any historical data that is available to see if similar analysis has been performed in the past on a prior project. The interviewer should also take initiative in preparing, scheduling and also reserving the meeting space. Choose an appropriate time to schedule a meeting. Do not schedule meeting at the end of the day. If arranging for a meeting during lunch hours provide lunch, if the meeting goes on for a long time.

2. Conduct the Interview: When the interview begins you should put your questioning and listening skills to good use. Once the interview begins, the interviewer should be flexible to the discussion and lead the discussion where it needs to go. 

   - Answer upfront questions: After the purpose of the project is explained, the interviewee might ask questions about the project, interviewee's role and the purpose of the project, take some time to answer these kinds of questions, and also give the interviewee a chance to ask some questions. 

   - Consider the use of two interviewers: This process might be considered when some one provides large amount of detailed information or this method can be substituted with a tape recorder (prior permission of the interviewee is required to record their interviews).

   - Confirm the time period of the interview:  This helps on focussing on the discussion and helps everyone in providing the requirements in the concise time period.

   - Follow the interviewee's method of sequencing the material

 Ask you questions and listen to their responses, prepare to document the discussion accordingly. 

3. Documentation: After the interview is complete document the discussion and send it back to the interviewee for review. The purpose of the review is to validate that the interviewer has captured the information correctly.