As a journalist, the all-important interview is a staple for any good story. Here are five tips to make that interview count:

1) Be on time. Don't offend your source, or waste his or her time, by showing up late.

2) Be prepared. Research your story and subject thoroughly and re-read your notes and background facts just prior to the interview. You don't want to waste interview time asking questions that reveal you are uninformed.

3) Help your subject feel comfortable. Writers can get so used to interviewing that they sometimes forget many subjects don't like the interviewer copying down every word they say, or worse, recording them. Be friendly and polite. Begin your interview with easy, comfortable questions. Also try to maintain good eye contact. Learn shorthand, or create your own shorthand, so you can write without always looking at the paper.

4) Make sure you get the facts right. Don't be afraid to interrupt. Your job as a writer is to get the facts correct. If you don't understand something, don't assume you'll figure it out later. Ask right then so you are clear. You can also repeat back to the person what you think he's said. This gives him the opportunity to clarify and many times restate the same information in a different way. Now you have additional choices for quotes that co

5) Ask if you have covered everything. There just may be a very important element of the story that you haven't thought of. Ask your source is there is anything else he or she would like to add, or if you have hit the most important points. Many times a source will add crucial, additional information.

While you are driving away from the interview, start forming the lead for your article. This moment is when you have the best impression of the subject and the surroundings. Your notes won't make as much sense if you wait a week to begin writing.