Step 1: Notify each participant ahead of time that you want to schedule an interview, explaining its main purpose and importance.

Step 2: Contact each participant personally to schedule the interview at a convenient time and in a quiet part of the work environment; if appropriate, provide preparatory materials; and confirm the interview.

Step 3: Before the interview starts, establish rapport with the participant by engaging in an informal conversation and demonstrating an interest in the participant's working environment.

Step 4: Introduce the interview, reviewing its purpose and importance, the policies you have established with regard to incentives and confidentiality, and the means by which you intend to record the interview data.

Step 5: With the permission of the participant, audiotape the interview and take brief notes on a copy of the interview protocol.

Step 6: Follow the interview protocol, using a level of standardization appropriate to the interview structure; maintain control of the substance and pacing of the interview.

Step 7: Allow the participant sufficient time to think and respond to interview questions, use silence or follow-up probe questions to elicit in-depth responses, and communicate neutral interest.

Step 8: At the conclusion of the interview, thank the participant and collect any supporting materials.

Step 9: Later the same day, verify the quality of the interview data, expand on brief protocol notes, and document any unusual or other interesting aspects of the interview experience.