What is an Interview?
An interview is a structured conversation between two or more people (the interviewer and the interviewee) with a specific purpose. This purpose can vary, but it usually involves gathering information, assessing skills, or making a decision.
Key characteristics of an interview:
* Structured: It follows a predetermined format with specific questions or topics.
* Purposeful: It has a clear objective and aims to achieve a specific outcome.
* Interactive: It involves communication and exchange between the participants.
* Formal or informal: The level of formality can vary depending on the situation.
Types of Interviews
There are numerous types of interviews, each serving a distinct purpose:
Based on Structure:
* Structured Interview: Uses pre-determined questions, ensuring all candidates are asked the same questions in the same order. This helps with fair comparison and objective assessment.
* Semi-structured Interview: Provides a framework of topics but allows for flexibility in the questioning process.
* Unstructured Interview: Allows for a more natural and spontaneous conversation, focusing on open-ended questions and exploring the interviewee's perspectives.
* Behavioral Interview: Focuses on past experiences and behaviors to predict future performance. It uses questions like "Tell me about a time you..." to understand how a candidate would respond in specific situations.
Based on Purpose:
* Job Interview: Aims to assess the candidate's suitability for a specific role.
* Performance Review Interview: Evaluates an employee's performance and provides feedback for improvement.
* Exit Interview: Conducts with an employee leaving the organization to gather feedback on their experience.
* Media Interview: Involves a public figure or expert answering questions from journalists.
* Research Interview: Conducts to collect data for academic research or market analysis.
Other Types:
* Phone Interview: Conducted over the phone, often as a screening tool for potential candidates.
* Video Interview: Conducted virtually using platforms like Zoom or Skype.
* Panel Interview: Involves multiple interviewers asking questions.
* Group Interview: Involves multiple candidates answering questions together.
Understanding the type of interview helps prepare for it effectively. It allows you to anticipate questions, tailor your answers, and present yourself appropriately.