Have you had to interview SME's for any of your writing and if not, how would you go about it?
Depending on your role, you might be tasked with a writing assignment where getting information including direct quotes from a SME would enhance the article. The interviewer wants to make sure you are comfortable with this task. So, even if you might not have had this experience yet, be sure to indicate your preparedness and excitement for the task. You can also use other traits and experience to support your response.
"I love when this happens. It's interesting to get a completely different perspective compared to the typical research that I do. Before the interview, I do some research to make sure I understand the person and the topic in order to prepare relevant questions. Additionally, I am on time and stick to the time allowed for the interview to be respectful."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Interviewing an SME is an experience in it itself. They are experts in their fields and this becomes their limitation. It might be difficult for them to put their knowledge in writing. The medical writer becomes the catalytic agent in this process, a person able to understand the concepts, to ask the right questions at the right time, and who is also a master in avoiding those topics on which there is little consensus. The writer is the speaker through which the SME can shine.
Amanda's Feedback
I can see where you're headed here, but it's important to answer the question directly. If you've interviewed SMEs then indicate that you have before speaking more generally about how writers enable SMEs to shine. You can also strengthen this answer by sharing how you interview SMEs. Do you complete research and outline basic questions? Do you meet with them in person, virtually, via teleconference to discuss the topic? How long does the interview typically take?
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