Conduct interviews that are structured, ethical, and effective—leading to more accurate information and better decisions.

Effective interviewing is a critical skill across many professional settings, from workplace investigations and human resources to compliance and security. Interview Foundations provides a practical introduction to modern, evidence-based interviewing techniques, translating decades of research into a clear framework that can be applied immediately in the workplace. Participants learn how memory, bias, and cognitive load influence interview outcomes while developing the communication, rapport-building, listening, and questioning skills needed to gather accurate and reliable information.

Delivered in a flexible, asynchronous online format, the course allows participants to learn at their own pace while engaging in interactive modules, scenario-based exercises, and AI-supported mock interviews that build practical skills in realistic contexts. The course introduces a repeatable interview framework that guides learners through planning, opening, information gathering, probing, and closing conversations.

Upon completion, learners gain access to the Interview Toolkit—a suite of interactive applications designed to support day-to-day interviewing practice and application. Rather than static reference material, the toolkit provides practical, hands-on tools built directly from the course framework. An interview planner guides users through structuring each phase of an interview before it takes place, while a question builder helps generate and refine open-ended, non-leading questions and flags language that may introduce bias. A guided practice environment allows learners to work through realistic scenarios and receive real-time feedback to strengthen their skills. Together with regularly refreshed practice exercises and mock interviews, the toolkit serves as a living resource that learners can return to as their roles and interviewing needs evolve.

Flexible Format: Learn at your own pace.
Duration: 8-10 hours of instructional modules with interactive exercises and scenario-based practice.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Understand how memory, bias, and cognitive load influence the accuracy of interview information
• Apply techniques to build rapport and establish trust with interview subjects
• Use open-ended and non-leading questions to elicit detailed and reliable responses
• Demonstrate active listening and effective communication during interviews
• Apply structured probing techniques to clarify and expand on key information
• Plan and conduct interviews using a clear, step-by-step framework
• Close interviews professionally while maintaining accuracy and integrity

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for professionals who conduct interviews as part of their role, including human resources professionals, managers and supervisors responsible for employee relations, workplace investigators and compliance professionals, and those working in security, loss prevention, and risk management. It is also well suited to audit, legal, and regulatory professionals, as well as any individual seeking to strengthen their ability to gather accurate and reliable information through structured interviewing techniques.

This Course was Developed by Stickball with:

Brent Snook, Ph.D. Brent is a Professor of Psychology at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has conducted extensive research on evidence-based investigative and interviewing practices. His current work focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of various investigative techniques, such as note-taking, sketching, and social influence. Additionally, he applies his research by implementing the PEACE model of interviewing in organizations throughout North America.

Todd Barron, M.Sc. Todd is a former Police Inspector who has over 27 years of service. He has a Master of Science degree in Experimental Psychology from Memorial University. His policing background includes training as a polygraph examiner, work in the area of Major Crimes as well as being a Tier 5 strategic interview advisor. Todd has given many talks on ethical interviewing practices including Osgoode Law School and Brooklyn Law School and has also co-authored several papers on interviewing practices. Todd’s research interests pertain to the development of professional and ethical interviewing standards. 

Dan Trottier, Detective Sergeant Dan is a Detective Sergeant who has over 20 years of law enforcement service. His policing background includes training as a polygraph examiner and extensive work within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations, specifically in cases involving sexual assault and crimes against children. Dan has served as an instructor for both academy recruits and seasoned investigators. His professional focus pertains to the research and implementation of science-based interviewing standards, having successfully led the introduction of the PEACE model into department-wide training programs.

Kirk Luther, Ph.D. Kirk is an Associate Professor, Associate Chair in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University, and Director of Carleton’s PRISM Lab. His current work focuses on advancing investigative interviewing practices, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations.