What should you do to verify the accuracy of names during interviews?

• A. Check identification numbers and ask the interviewee to spell or write their name.
• B. Guess spellings based on memory.
• C. Ignore spellings and use nicknames.
• D. Ask a supervisor to decide the spelling.

Answer: (A)

Verifying a person’s identity and the exact spelling of their name during interviews is essential for accurate records and safe, consistent processing. By checking official identification numbers and asking the interviewee to spell or write their name, you create a reliable cross-check: the ID ties to formal records, and having the person spell or write the name confirms the exact spelling as it should appear in the system. This reduces misidentification, ensures proper file creation, and helps avoid downstream errors in documentation or correspondence.

Guessing spellings from memory is prone to mistakes, since names can be unfamiliar or have multiple valid spellings. Ignoring spellings and using nicknames can lead to misidentification and inconsistent records. Asking a supervisor to decide the spelling introduces unnecessary delays and still doesn’t verify the correct spelling against the person’s own documentation.