•TranscribeFast Team

Managing Interview Time: Covering Key Topics Within Constraints

Learn effective strategies for managing interview time while ensuring comprehensive coverage of important topics.

Time flies in interviews. This student guide shows you how to plan a realistic schedule, keep the conversation flowing, and still hit your key topics.

What you'll learn

  • A simple time plan for 30/45/60‑minute interviews
  • Transition phrases that move you along politely
  • How to recover when time runs short

Planning your time

  • Set clear boundaries (start, end, break options).
  • Prioritize 3–4 core topics; the rest are optional.
  • Build buffer time (5–10 minutes) for detours.

Recommended structure

60 minutes:

  1. Intro/rapport (5)
  2. Background (10)
  3. Main topics (35)
  4. Closing (10)

30 minutes:

  1. Intro (3)
  2. Main topics (22)
  3. Closing (5)

Time management techniques

  • Use a timer per section; glance, don’t stare.
  • Prepare transitions: "Let’s shift to …"
  • Keep a "parking lot" note for off‑topic gems.
  • Use visual markers (sticky notes with minute goals).

When time is short

  • Prioritize remaining questions; name the shift.
  • Use efficient probes: "What’s the main example?"
  • Offer a follow‑up interview if needed.
  • Summarize key points quickly and confirm.

Common mistakes

  • No time plan → rush at the end.
  • Too many questions → shallow answers.
  • No transitions → awkward topic jumps.

References

  • Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data.
  • Brinkmann, S., & Kvale, S. (2015). InterViews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing.