Master the Mic: How to Craft Perfect Interview Questions for Impactful Company Videos

As a marketer, you might often find yourself tasked with developing interview questions for team members and stakeholders featured in company videos. While showcasing key staff in your video communications is a fantastic strategy to humanise a brand and highlight internal talent, the effectiveness of these videos largely hinges on the questions you ask.

It's imperative to not only select the right questions but also to prepare your interviewees ahead of time to ensure they deliver their best on camera.?

Here’s how to craft questions that resonate and gather responses that align perfectly with your company’s messaging goals:

The Importance of Preparation

Preparing interviewees with questions and key messages not only boosts their confidence but also enhances the quality of their responses. It allows them to think about their answers in advance, ensuring that their responses are thoughtful and aligned with your company's messaging.

1. Define the Video’s Objectives ??

Begin by clarifying the video's goals. Is it to highlight successes, explain new strategies, or enhance internal cohesion? This clarity will guide the crafting of your questions and the overall messaging.

2. Develop a Questionnaire ??

Create a comprehensive list of questions that correspond to the video’s objectives. Here’s how to structure this effectively:

• Introduction Questions: Simple, ice-breaking questions that introduce the speaker and their role within the company.
• Core Questions: These should delve into the specifics of their experiences, insights, and the video's main themes.
• Conclusion Questions: Wrap-up questions that reflect on their discussion or look to the future.

More interview question prompts are provided towards the end of this article.??

3. Craft Key Messages ??

For each major question, develop key messages that you want to communicate. These should be clear, concise, and reflect the company’s values and strategic goals. Share these messages with your participants to ensure that their answers help reinforce the intended narratives.

4. Share Context and Content ??

Alongside the questions and key messages, provide interviewees with context or content that might help them prepare better. This could include recent company achievements, data points, or plans relevant to the video’s theme.

5. Conduct a Briefing Session ??

Before filming, consider holding a briefing session. This meeting can be used to go over the questions, discuss key messages, and address any concerns participants might have. It’s also a great opportunity to build rapport and make them feel more comfortable before the camera rolls.

6. Encourage Personal Touch ??

While it’s important to align with the company’s messaging, encourage participants to share their anecdotes and insights. This balance between prepared messages and personal stories will create a more authentic and engaging video.

7. Final Tips ?

Remember, the goal is not just to inform but also to engage. Well-prepared interviewees who understand the video's objectives and their role in the narrative will deliver more compelling and impactful content.

If you need guidance on crafting effective interview scripts or conducting pre-filming briefings, reach out to our team for professional support.

Here’s an example of a video we crafted at JJW STUDIO featuring staff within an organisation. You’ll see their answers all flow into one another creating a strong story arc about what it is like to work within the Geological Survey of NSW, and what drives them to achieve their best.

Additional Interview Question Prompts ??

These are starter questions for Interviewing internal staff and stakeholders, and while all of these won’t be applicable for your next company video they’ll provide some good kick-off ideas that you can run with and have fun with!

Introduction Questions

1. Can you introduce yourself and describe your role at [Company Name]?

2. How long have you been with the company, and how has your role evolved?

Core Questions Related to Company Mission and Goals

1. What initially attracted you to work at [Company Name], and what has kept you here?

2. How do you see your role contributing to the company’s mission?

3. Can you share a memorable project or initiative that you feel exemplifies the company’s values?

Questions Highlighting Challenges and Solutions

1. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome it?

2. How does the company support you in solving professional challenges?

Questions on Team Dynamics and Company Culture

1. What’s unique about the team dynamics here at [Company Name]?

2. How would you describe the company culture, and how has it influenced your work experience?

Questions on Achievements and Successes

1. Can you discuss a recent achievement by your team that you’re particularly proud of?

2. What do you think sets [Company Name] apart from its competitors in terms of workplace environment and employee satisfaction?

Forward-Looking Questions

1. What are you most excited about for the future of [Company Name]?

2. How do you see your role evolving with the company’s future initiatives?

Personal Insight Questions

1. What advice would you give to new employees joining [Company Name]?

2. What personal mantra or philosophy guides your work at [Company Name]?

Conclusion Questions

1. Is there anything else you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?

2. What’s one thing you hope people will understand about [Company Name] after watching this video?

These questions are versatile and can be adapted or expanded based on specific video goals and the roles of the interviewees.

Got a question or curious??Send me a DM on LinkedIn to chat. ????

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