Interviewing is a form of communications and like all forms of communications it is most effective when it is two-way. A good interview is more than a one-way process in which the interviewee tells their story to the interviewer; the interviewer must in turn be constantly communicating their interest in the interviewee as a person and what they have to say. It is not enough for the steward to understand their members; the steward must also give their feeling that they are trying to help them. The steward must not only listen but must communicate the feeling to the members that they are being heard.

A properly conducted interview is a critical element in building solidarity.