Back to Templates

Customer Interview Script

Stop building products nobody wants. Use this proven script to uncover real customer problems and validate your startup idea.

40+
Questions
30-45
Minutes
10-15
Interviews Needed
85%
Insight Accuracy

The Interview Structure

01

Opening & Context

2-3 min

Sample Questions:

  • +Thanks for taking the time. I'm trying to learn about [problem space].
  • +Can you tell me about your role and what a typical day looks like?
  • +What are your main responsibilities regarding [relevant area]?

Pro Tip:

Build rapport. Don't pitch. Set expectations that you're learning, not selling.

02

Problem Discovery

10-15 min

Sample Questions:

  • +Walk me through the last time you encountered [problem].
  • +How often does this happen?
  • +What's the hardest part about [current process]?
  • +Why is that hard?
  • +What happens if you don't solve this problem?

Pro Tip:

Focus on specific past behaviors, not hypotheticals. Dig deeper with "why" questions.

03

Current Solutions

5-10 min

Sample Questions:

  • +How do you currently deal with [problem]?
  • +What tools or processes do you use?
  • +What do you like about your current solution?
  • +What's frustrating about it?
  • +Have you tried other solutions? What happened?

Pro Tip:

Understand their current workflow and pain points. Look for workarounds and hacks.

04

Value & Priority

5-10 min

Sample Questions:

  • +How much time/money do you spend on this problem?
  • +Who else is involved in solving this?
  • +What's the impact when this goes wrong?
  • +Where does this rank in your priorities?
  • +What's your budget for solving this?

Pro Tip:

Quantify the problem. Understand decision-making process and willingness to pay.

05

Ideal Solution

5-10 min

Sample Questions:

  • +If you had a magic wand, how would you solve this?
  • +What would need to change for this to be 10x easier?
  • +What's the one thing that would make the biggest difference?
  • +What features are must-haves vs nice-to-haves?

Pro Tip:

Let them design the solution. Don't lead them to your idea.

06

Closing & Next Steps

2-3 min

Sample Questions:

  • +Is there anything else I should know about [problem]?
  • +Who else should I talk to about this?
  • +Can I follow up if I have more questions?
  • +Would you like to stay updated on what we learn?

Pro Tip:

Get referrals. Leave the door open for follow-up. Thank them genuinely.

Best Practices

  • +Record interviews (with permission)
  • +Bring a note-taking partner
  • +Follow the 80/20 rule: listen 80%, talk 20%
  • +Ask for specific examples, not opinions
  • +Embrace awkward silences
  • +Always ask for referrals

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't: Talking about your idea
Do: Focus on their problems
Don't: Asking 'Would you use...'
Do: Ask 'How do you currently...'
Don't: Accepting compliments
Do: Dig into specifics
Don't: Leading questions
Do: Open-ended exploration
Don't: Pitching features
Do: Understanding workflows
Don't: Taking notes later
Do: Document during interview

Post-Interview Analysis Framework

01

Document Insights

  • +Key quotes and pain points
  • +Current solutions and costs
  • +Decision criteria
  • +Surprising discoveries
02

Identify Patterns

  • +Common problems across interviews
  • +Shared workflows
  • +Consistent frustrations
  • +Budget ranges
03

Validate Assumptions

  • +Problem severity scores
  • +Willingness to pay
  • +Solution requirements
  • +Go/no-go decision

Get Your Interview Toolkit

Download the complete interview script, analysis template, and bonus email templates for reaching out to potential customers.

01

Interview Script

40+ battle-tested questions

02

Analysis Template

Synthesis framework

03

Email Templates

Cold outreach scripts

Free forever · Based on The Mom Test methodology · 5,000+ downloads