Good quality recording is a prerequisite for accurate documentation of telephone interviews

2. How to Ensure Quality when Recording Telephone Interviews
Good quality recording is a prerequisite for accurate documentation of
telephone interviews
Telephone interviews are an important mode of data collection for research and
surveys, and are also used for recruiting purposes. Transcription of the data is
important as good documentation provides clarity on matters at any stage. Only
quality telephone interview recordings can ensure accurate telephone transcription.
Here are some tips to assure quality in telephone interview recordings:
• Right location: Special care has to be taken to ensure that the venue chosen
for the recording is free of any sort of interruptions. It is always better to be
in a small room than in a large room to avoid echo issues. Switch off any
machines in the room which can overpower the voice of the speakers.
• Quality Recording Equipment: One prime consideration is to have the best
equipment for recording. High quality audio recording is a must to avoid
transcription challenges. Have battery back-up handy so that the interview is
not interrupted by a power outage if your device does not have USB or other
charging capabilities.
• Quality Audio Device: For a high clarity recording, choose the right audio
device. A high quality landline connection is a good option for audio recording.
Using a speakerphone is not recommended as it would catch even the
slightest unnecessary noises in the background, which would affect sound
clarity. If the interviewee is using a landline or a mobile phone, it would be a
good idea to use a telephone pickup microphone as this will ensure good
quality audio. However, with a mobile phone, there is the chance that signal
may drop out.
• Test the equipment: Perform a trial recording before the original recording.
Call the interviewee on the same devices you plan to use. This can help you
identify problems so that they can be set right well in advance of the actual
event.
Be Well Prepared for Interview Recording
The interviewee needs to be aware of details such as the date and time of the call.
Suggest that they choose a noise free area without any distractions for the
telephonic interview. In the case of research or survey purposes, send the interview
details about the topic or questions in advance. In the case of a recruiting interview,
be aware of the basic details of the interviewee such as name, qualification, etc.
Having their resume at hand would be a great idea to avoid confusion. Also make
sure that you are well prepared with the set of questions to be asked. It is very
important that you inform the interviewee that the call is being recorded.
Providing the transcription company with a clear recording is crucial to ensure quality
documentation. Choose a professional firm that can deliver affordable telephone
transcription service in the specified turnaround time. Some reliable service
providers offer a free trial to help you evaluate quality and timeliness.