The Interview Cheat Sheet

By David Andrews, YourStory, Inc.

So you’re ready to record the most precious memories of a loved one’s life, whether it’s a parent, grandparent, or other relative or friend. But what do you ask? While it’s best not to read off a script, it can help to think through some of the questions you might ask. Going over your questions in your mind can help you feel relaxed in the interview and confident that you’re not forgetting anything critical.

With that in mind, below are some sample questions you might ask in an interview. Of course, not all of these questions will apply to your subject — not everyone has served in the military, and some of those who have might not want to discuss it. For some people, career might be important, while others might dwell on raising children. Tailor your list to your subject, and highlight those questions you definitely want to ask, so you’re sure you don’t forget them when the moment arrives. (For more on how to interview a loved one, see here.

Childhood: When were you born? What are your earliest memories? What toys did you play with as a young child? What were your parents like? What was their parenting philosophy? What did they do for work? What do you remember about your grandparents or other relatives? What were the full names of your parents, grandparents, and siblings? What did you do during the holidays? Which ones stand out most? What were your favorite family traditions?

Growing Up: What games did you play with your siblings? Your neighbors? Who were your closest siblings and friends? What was your home like growing up? Your room? What were the sleeping arrangements? What was your neighborhood like? Were there any single days that stand out from your childhood? (For immigrants) When did you come to America? What was the journey like? How did you feel when you arrived? How were you treated?

School: What schools did you attend growing up? How did you get there each day? Did you enjoy or excel in school? Are there any teachers that you remember? What sports or other activities did you participate in? Did you go to dances?

Work Life: What was your first job? How much money did you make? What were your responsibilities? How did you get your start in your career? What mentors did you have? What good friends did you meet? What did you like about your career? Dislike? What hard times did you experience in your career? When did you feel like you had “made it”?

Love and Marriage: Who was your first love? Where did you go on dates? How did you meet your spouse? What was your first impression? Where did you go on your first date? When did you decide to get married? What was the marriage proposal like? What was your wedding like? Where did it take place? Who was in the wedding party? Where did you go on your honeymoon? How did life change when you were married? What was your first house like? What do you love most about your spouse?

Raising a Family: What was the birth of your first child like? What were your responsibilities as a parent? What was your philosophy for raising children? How did your childhood influence the way you raised your children? What are your favorite holiday memories? What activities did your children take part in? How did you stay involved with their lives? What was the neighborhood around your home like? Who were your best friends as an adult?

World Events and Military: (For veterans) How did you end up in the military? What was training like? What good friends did you meet in the military? What battles or other memorable events do you recall? How did you feel about your experiences? What was it like when you got home?

What do you remember about the Great Depression? Was there enough money or food? What do you remember about World War II? The day it ended? What were you doing when President Kennedy was shot? How did it affect you? What other world events affected you (moon landing, summer of love)?

Culture and Recreation: (For sports fans) How did you grow to love sports? Who took you to sporting events? What players were your idols? What sports did you play as a child? What games or series stand out most in your mind? How did you bond with friends through sports?

(For music lovers) What music struck you as you grew up? What records did you collect? What music do you still love? What do you love about it? What were your main hobbies growing up? Today? What TV or radio shows, movies, or books stand out in your life?

Reflections: Looking back, how do you feel the world has changed for the better? For the worse? What regrets you you have, if any? What advice would you have for a young person today? How would you describe your life philosophy?

David Andrews is the Creative Director of YourStory, Inc., a personal history company that collects and records treasured memories and weaves them into books and other keepsakes. Visit the YourStory website at www.all-your-story.com.

Photo courtesy of Graur Codrin