Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/Newsroom/Interviews desk


Interviews desk

This is The Signpost's interviews desk, for formulating interview questions for various and sundry interview series.

Some questions

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The following is a set of standard questions for use in opening interviews with WMF staff.

Getting started

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  • How long have you been working for the WMF? (This question might not be necessary, since it's often a matter of public record)
  • What projects have interested you the most, and why? (Some preparatory research may answer this question for you)
  • What is your background?
  • When did you get started on the projects? Username? :) (Again, research may take care of this question)
  • There are so many volunteer projects out there clamoring for our attention; what inspired you to get involved in Wikipmediawiki?

Work at Wikimedia

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  • What's your area?
  • So what do you do all day, anyway?
  • Any exciting projects you've been working on lately?
  • What part of this job/role do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?
  • What are the major frustrations of this job/role? (Not sure if we'll get honest/complete answers to this one from employees; maybe it's more suited to non-paid users, or to an interview that won't be publicized)
  • If you could do things all over again with the knowledge you have now, what would you change?
  • Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field/job/role?
  • Are there any written materials you suggest prospective __________s read? (Aside from the pertinent policies/guidelines, if the interviewee is a community member such as an admin)
  • What abilities or personal qualities do you believe contribute most to success in this field/job/role?
  • Do you have any special word of warning or encouragement as a result of your experience?
  • What are your long-term goals / what is your long-term vision for __________ (e.g., the MediaWiki codebase, the WikiProject, the business development department, or whatever else the person is involved with)

Miscellaneous

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  • What's your favorite part of the projects?
  • What are some of your favorite books?

Staff and board

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Potential interviewees

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Volunteer community members

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See also the WikiProject desk, which coordinates interviews with project members as part of the weekly WikiProject report.

Potential interviewees

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  • User:Happy-melon — Volunteer developer (specialties: core, code review)
  • User:Mr.Z-man — Volunteer developer (specialties: bots, code review), oversighter
  • User:Siebrand — Volunteer developer (specialties: bots, MW 1.16wmf)

Previous interviews

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