1.1 Define the precise nature of the enquiry in conjunction with the client

Table of Contents

1. The Reference Interview
2. Finding out what the client wants to know
3. Spoken and written communication
4. Open and Closed Questions
5. Nature of information required
6. Constraints
7. Special needs
8. Further Information

The Reference Interview

Defining the precise nature of the enquiry in conjunction with the client is often referred to as the "reference interview". However, you may not carry this out face to face. Instead you may carry out the "interview" over the telephone or through a series of e-mails. It is undoubtedly easier and quicker though if you can manage to meet the client.

There are three main stages here:

• Finding out what the client wants to know

• Finding out why the client wants the information

• Finishing off the reference interview

Now move on to Finding out what the client wants to know