Best Interviewers Of All Time

Ever felt like you've nailed an interview, only to find out the interviewer was more interested in their lunch than your qualifications? We've all been there, right? But what if I told you there are some interviewers out there who are the complete opposite? They're the ones who can make you feel like you're just having a chat with an old friend, all while subtly finding out if you're the next big thing. Let's dive into the world of the best interviewers of all time, and why you should care about them even if you're not job hunting.

Why Should You Care?

You might be thinking, "Why should I care about interviewers? I'm not the one being interviewed." Well, let me tell you, understanding what makes a great interviewer can help you in more ways than one. For starters, it can help you spot a good interviewer when you're job hunting, and let's face it, no one wants to waste time with someone who's more interested in their inbox than you. But even if you're not looking for a job, great interviewers can teach us a thing or two about active listening, empathy, and making people feel at ease. And who doesn't want to be better at that, right?

Oprah Winfrey - The Queen of Empathy

Let's start with the queen herself, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is known for her ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. She has a way of making her interviewees feel safe and understood, even when they're discussing heavy topics. Remember when she interviewed Lance Armstrong about his doping scandal? She didn't just grill him, she listened, she empathized, and she let him tell his story. That's the mark of a great interviewer - they're not just there to ask questions, they're there to listen and understand.

James Lipton - The Master of Storytelling

Now, let's talk about James Lipton, the late host of Inside the Actors Studio. Lipton was a master of storytelling, and he used that skill to create some of the most memorable interviews in television history. He didn't just ask actors about their latest movie, he asked them about their journey, their struggles, their triumphs. And he did it in a way that felt like a conversation between old friends. The result? Some of the most insightful and engaging interviews you'll ever see.

Terry Gross - The Queen of Active Listening

Next up, we have Terry Gross, the host of NPR's Fresh Air. Gross is known for her ability to ask insightful questions and truly listen to the answers. She doesn't just ask a question and move on, she engages with the interviewee, she follows up on their answers, she challenges them when necessary. And she does it all with a warmth and a genuine curiosity that makes her interviews a joy to listen to. She's the kind of interviewer who can make you feel like you're right there in the room with them, learning something new.

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So, What Can We Learn?

So, what can we learn from these masters of the interview? Well, for starters, a great interviewer is a great listener. They're not just there to ask questions, they're there to understand, to empathize, to connect. They're also storytellers, they know how to draw out a good story and make it engaging. And they're curious, they genuinely want to know more about the person they're interviewing.

But here's the thing, you don't have to be an Oprah or a Terry Gross to be a great interviewer. You just need to be present, be curious, and be willing to listen. And who knows, you might just find that your next conversation is the best interview you've ever conducted.

So, the next time you're in a job interview, or just having a chat with a friend, remember these masters of the interview. Remember to listen, to empathize, to connect. Because at the end of the day, that's what makes a great interviewer - and a great conversation.