Lesson 1 Interview with the Director of the Animal Shelter

 

Divide into groups of 4 and choose a meaningful name for your consulting company.

Activity: Interview with the Director of Animal Shelter

Conduct the interview between the director and the consulting company(ies) to determine business needs of the organization.  At the end of the interview, you should be able to list the data and information requirements of the business.

 

Your group will play the role of the consulting company. Your teacher will act as the director of a city animal shelter who needs a database. Choose a meaningful name for your consulting company. Spend about 15 minutes getting ready for the interview.  The process can be broken down into the following steps:

 

1.Prepare for the interview

   - Prepare a question list

   - Set goals

   - Determine and gather materials needed

2.The Interview

   - Take notes

   - Ask for clarification

3.End Interview

   - Summarize key points

   - Thank You!

4.Follow Up

   - Review notes

   - Look for missing information

 

Check out the following links for examples of real animal shelter websites.  

http://www.petslifeline.org/ - from Sonoma Valley, CA

http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/wgas2003/index.htm - from Godmanchester, Cambs in the UK.

 

 

Spend about 15 minutes generating a list of questions for the director of the animal shelter.

 

 

1. Preparing for the Interview

Before meeting with a client, you must know what you want to accomplish during the interview. Create a list of interview questions based on the information you need by the end of the interview (specific, detailed client expectations/requirements, printed or online copies/formats of current forms, reports, contact persons, schedule of work outline). Assemble the needed materials -- notepad, business card, charts, diagrams, etc.

Make sure you know the names of the clients with whom you will be meeting.

 

2. The Interview

Arrive early, but no more than 10 minutes before your appointment. Notify the client if you expect to be delayed.

Expect to be nervous at the outset. Nervousness is a natural function that helps you perform your best. Be observant. Be Polite. Address your client by name, asking for correct pronunciation if necessary. Get directly to the point. Discuss only the facts needed. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification. Write notes so you won’t forget!

 

3. Ending the Interview

Summarize the main points with the client to verify that you correctly understand the information provided.

Conclude with an expression of continued interest, and be sure you understand the clients decision-making process and time frame before you leave. Reaffirm the primary contact person if additional information is needed. Thank the client for his/her time and consideration.

 

4. Interview Followup:

Transcribe your notes and assess whether you actually got the information you wanted. If not, identify the information that’s missing and determine whether you need to interview the client again. Send a copy of your notes to the client, asking for confirmation of the accuracy and completeness of what you recorded/understood from the interview.