Customer Interview Script
Stop building products nobody wants. Use this proven script to uncover real customer problems and validate your startup idea.
The Interview Structure
Opening & Context
2-3 minSample 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.
Problem Discovery
10-15 minSample 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.
Current Solutions
5-10 minSample 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.
Value & Priority
5-10 minSample 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.
Ideal Solution
5-10 minSample 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.
Closing & Next Steps
2-3 minSample 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
Post-Interview Analysis Framework
Document Insights
- +Key quotes and pain points
- +Current solutions and costs
- +Decision criteria
- +Surprising discoveries
Identify Patterns
- +Common problems across interviews
- +Shared workflows
- +Consistent frustrations
- +Budget ranges
Validate Assumptions
- +Problem severity scores
- +Willingness to pay
- +Solution requirements
- +Go/no-go decision
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Interview Script
40+ battle-tested questions
Analysis Template
Synthesis framework
Email Templates
Cold outreach scripts
Free forever · Based on The Mom Test methodology · 5,000+ downloads