PRECISION INSIGHTS
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Interview Guidelines for Confidential Due Diligence and Market Research
Reading time: 4 minutes
CORE REQUIREMENTS
Interview human sources with direct knowledge - No websites, news, or published materials
Get specific details - Dates, numbers, personal observations, not general statements
Record exact words - No summarising or paraphrasing
Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion - Never disclose assignment details
Submit on required deadlines
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PURPOSE
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This guide explains how to conduct detailed, professional confidential interviews for due diligence and market research, with essential requirements in each section.
Before each assignment begins you receive:
Example of completed source list
Template to insert direct source quotes from your reporting
You will be supervised by a project manager throughout a project. The project manager will also do the quality control and editing of your final transcripts.
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PROJECT TERMS
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Assignments offered at short notice based on demand
Project deadlines typically 2-3 weeks
Each assignment requires 4-10 interviews
Independent freelance work basis
Weekly payment (Friday) via international remittance or bank transfer
Invoice required after project completion
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CORE REQUIREMENTS
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1. Strict confidentiality
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Treat each project as a discreet, independent assignment
Keep all sources anonymous
Never list this freelance work on CVs, professional networks, or any platform
Never represent yourself as affiliated with or employed by Precision Insights
Never publish or share findings
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2. Professional Ethics
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Never pay sources for information
Never offer incentives
Follow all local and international laws
Work independently without disclosing assignment details
Maintain professional standards
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3. Information Sources
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❌PROHIBITED SOURCES:
News articles
Websites
Company reports
Published materials
Social media
Public documents
✅ REQUIRED SOURCES:
Primary human sources with direct, first-hand knowledge
Individuals with specific professional expertise relevant to research questions
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ASSIGNMENT PROCESS
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Step 1: Project Start (Day 1)
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Review project questions thoroughly
Sign required contracts:
General framework contract (confidentiality, ethics, dispute resolution, payment terms)
Statement of work (questions, budget, payment schedule)
Receive example source list for reference
Receive template to insert direct source quotes and completed assignment for reference
Confirm understanding with project manager
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Step 2: Source Selection (Days 1-2)
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REQUIRED SOURCE DETAILS:
Exact current position
Direct knowledge of topic (Example: "Personally manages the permit process being researched")
Professional relationship (Example: "Regular contact through industry meetings")
Duration of connection (Example: "Known professionally since 2019")
Relevant expertise (Example: "Direct oversight of local content requirements")
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REQUIRED SOURCE LIST FORMAT:
✔ GOOD EXAMPLE: "Financial Controller at XXX Mining Corporation, 13 years' experience. Directly manages operational budgets and supplier payments. My professional contact through Chamber of Commerce since 2019. Has specific knowledge of new payment systems and local content requirements."
❌ BAD EXAMPLE: "Manager who knows about mining" (Too vague, missing details)
✔ GOOD EXAMPLE: "Ministry of Mining official who directly manages the specific permit process being researched"
❌ BAD EXAMPLE: "Source generally knows about the industry"
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Step 3: Interviewing
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Time Requirements
Submit source list: Within 2 days of receiving questions
First interview: Within 3 days of source list approval
Submit first interview: Immediately after completion
Await feedback before conducting more interviews
Complete remaining interviews: Within 2 weeks of source list approval
Follow-up responses: Within 48 hours of request
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Documentation Requirements
RECORDING AND QUOTES:
Record interview if permitted
Transcribe exact words spoken by source
If recording not permitted, take detailed notes with exact quotes
Do not summarise or paraphrase
Include complete statements only, not partial quotes
Conclude with opportunity for source to add overlooked information
✔ RIGHT: "In March 2024, we installed five new processing units. I personally supervised the installation and can confirm this increased our daily capacity from 200 to 290 containers."
❌WRONG: The source said they "increased capacity" through new installations.
❌WRONG: Capacity increased due to new installations.
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LANGUAGE:
Conduct interview in source's preferred language
Note the language used at start of each interview, e.g. [INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED IN SWAHILI]
Keep key technical terms in original language with translation in brackets
✔ RIGHT: "We use the 'guichet unique' [single window] system"
❌ WRONG: Just translating without original term
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Information Categories
DIRECT KNOWLEDGE (What source personally did/saw):
✔ RIGHT: "I personally reviewed 45 permit applications in March 2024. I approved 30 and rejected 15 due to incomplete documentation."
INDIRECT KNOWLEDGE (What source heard from others):
✔ RIGHT: "The permit office director told me yesterday that his team processed 100 applications last month."
INTERVIEWER ANALYSIS (Your added context):
✔ RIGHT: [INTERVIEWER COMMENT: This new permit processing system was implemented after the mining code reforms of January 2024.]
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Getting Specific Information
Always aim for specific details including dates, numbers, and personal observations.
❌ GENERAL: "The permit process is better now."
✔ SPECIFIC: "I personally reviewed 45 permit applications in March 2024. The process now takes 3 days instead of 10 days previously.”
HOW TO GET SPECIFICS:
"How exactly is it better? Can you give me specific examples?"
"What specific changes have you personally observed?"
"Can you walk me through the old process versus the new one?"
"What measurable improvements have you seen?"
“When specifically did this happen?”
“Who was directly involved?”
❌ GENERAL: "Things are improving in the sector"
✔ SPECIFIC: "I personally supervised the installation of three new processing units in February 2024, increasing our capacity by 45%"
❌ GENERAL: "We have good relationships with suppliers"
✔ REQUIRED: "I meet monthly with our 12 main suppliers. In the last quarter, we resolved delivery delays with 3 suppliers by implementing a new tracking system that I personally oversee."
Note: Replace sources who lack required knowledge or are unresponsive.
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EXAMPLE OF GETTING TO SPECIFICS:
Initial response: "The system works better now."
Q: "How exactly is it better?"
A: "Well, it's faster."
Q: "How much faster specifically?"
A: "I can now process a permit in 3 days instead of 10 days."
Q: "When did this change happen?"
A: "We implemented the new system in March 2024."
Q: "How many permits have you personally processed under this new system?"
A: "I've handled 45 permits myself since March."
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Step 4: Quality Control & Editing
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Deliver specific, first-hand insights
Attribute all indirect information to original sources
Promptly complete follow-up interviews if requested for precision, clarity, and context
Follow template format precisely
Note: Advanced software checks for prohibited public material
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TEMPLATE INSTRUCTIONS
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Use template exactly as provided and insert direct source quotes
Complete all sections - do not leave any blank
Mark your comments clearly as [INTERVIEWER COMMENT: xxx]
Note interview language at start of each interview
Highlight follow-up responses in blue colour
Your project manager will provide specific guidance throughout each assignment.