Detailed Definition
An interview is a purposeful conversation involving two or more individuals, typically structured in a format where one party (the interviewer(s)) seeks to obtain specific information from the other party (the interviewee(s)). Interviews are commonly utilized across various fields such as employment, research, counseling, and journalism, and can serve several purposes including guidance, counseling, assessment, and selection.
The process of an interview can range from highly structured, consisting of predetermined questions, to more open-ended and conversational. The format and style often depend on the context in which the interview is conducted and the type of information sought.
Examples
- Employment Interview: Often conducted by a potential employer to assess the qualifications, skills, and fit of a candidate for a job position.
- Therapeutic Interview: A session where a mental health professional engages with a patient to understand their issues and provide appropriate treatment or counseling.
- Research Interview: Used by researchers to gather qualitative data through structured or semi-structured questions.
- Exit Interview: Conducted by an employer when an employee is leaving a company to understand their reasons for leaving and to gather feedback on the work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the main purpose of an interview?
A1: The main purpose of an interview is to gather relevant information through a structured conversation for various objectives such as employment, research, or counseling.
Q2: What are the types of interviews?
A2: Common types of interviews include structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, unstructured interviews, panel interviews, and group interviews.
Q3: How should one prepare for an employment interview?
A3: Preparation can include researching the company, practicing common interview questions, reviewing your resume, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer.
Q4: What is the difference between a structured and an unstructured interview?
A4: A structured interview follows a set of predetermined questions, while an unstructured interview is more open and conversational, allowing for more flexible responses.
Q5: How is a panel interview different from an individual interview?
A5: In a panel interview, the interviewee is questioned by multiple interviewers simultaneously, as opposed to an individual interview where there is typically only one interviewer.
Related Terms
- Screening Interview: A preliminary interview to assess if a candidate meets the basic qualifications for a job.
- Behavioral Interview: Focuses on how the interviewee has handled situations in the past to predict future behavior.
- Technical Interview: An interview designed to assess the technical skills and knowledge of the candidate.
- Mock Interview: A practice interview session to prepare and refine interview skills.
Online Resources
- The Balance Careers: Interview Types
- Harvard Business Review: How to Conduct an Informational Interview
- American Psychological Association: Conducting a Clinical Interview
- University of California, Berkeley: Interviewing for Jobs
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Interviewing as Qualitative Research: A Guide for Researchers in Education and the Social Sciences” by Irving Seidman
- “Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
- “The Clinical Interview: Skills for Clinicians” by John Sommers-Flanagan and Rita Sommers-Flanagan
- “The Art of the Interview: Lessons from a Master of the Craft” by Martin Perlich
Fundamentals of Interviews: Human Resources Basics Quiz
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