The simplest way to define an interview is as a formal discussion between two or more people (employer and employee) in which they share information with an aim to establish the interviewee’s suitability for a particular position. In this case, the interviewee is the person being interviewed. Interviews are typically offered to persons looking to be employed by a specific organization.

During an interview, different questions are asked by the interviewer and the interviewee is supposed to answer the questions truthfully and according to their knowledge. For a successful interview session, there must be a full interaction and openness between the interviewer and the interviewee. Conducting interviews have the following two main purposes.

Define interviews- Purpose of Interviews to the Company or Organization

As we explain interviews, we need to understand the main aim and reasons why they are carried out. Organizations looking for new employees usually conduct interviews so as to get a better understanding of the person they are going to hire. It helps to understand their personality and learn about their skills for them to evaluate if the applicant is suitable for the position offered. Therefore, in most interviews, applicants applying for certain jobs are asked about their skills and talents as part of the interview. Organizations also conduct interviews so that they can determine how the applicant is going to benefit the organization/company. Recruiters define an interview as an interaction with potential employees where they get the best-suited personnel.

define interview

Define interview – Purpose of Interviews to the Applicant (Interviewee)

Applicants being interviewed also benefit from the interviews in that, the person being interviewed can be able to discern whether their career goals and skills match up to those of the organization. The applicant will also be able to know the kind of people that he or she will be working for if they get accepted after the interview and also get to understand more about the organization.

Define interview- Types of interviews

Depending on the field the applicant is applying for, there can be different kinds of interviews. Here are some type of interviews;

1. Panel interview.

As we define interviews, the most common type is a Panel interview. Panel interviews mainly involve more than one interviewer. The applicant is asked questions by more than one member of the organization that seeks to hire new employees. Mostly, the applicants are presented to a board of members, and each member has his or her own set of questions for the applicant to answer. This interview may take a longer time, but it helps the interviewee get over on waiting for callbacks for various interviewers during the interview process. This type of interview is commonplace within the public sector.

2. Group Interviews

In this type of interview, several candidates are present at the interview where they are asked to interact with each other in front of one or more interviewers. Most companies use this type of interview to screen out applicants who seem unsuitable for hiring thus it is crucial to be prepared for such interviews. During the interview, the interviewer closely monitors the applicants and assess their suitability. These may take about half an hour of interaction before the interview is over.
The most important thing to remember when faced with a group setting such as this is to acknowledge each person as an individual, not just part of the group. When someone asks you a question, look him or her in the eye as you answer, then make sure to move your eye contact around the room slowly. Try not to talk over anyone, and be conscious of allowing each person time to question you.

3. Face-to-face Interview

This is simply an interaction between the interviewer and one interviewee. This is the most efficient type of interview for companies looking for employees as in this, factual information is collected, and the response rate from the interviewee is relatively high. There is not much pressure from this type of interview as both the interviewer an interviewee can freely communicate, out of all the types of interview this often takes the least time but obviously it depends on the amount of questions asked.

4. Lunch Interview

In many cases, lunch interviews are conducted secondly after a first interview. The company invites applicants for lunch where questions can be exchanged from both the interviewer and the interviewee. A lunch interview the best opportunity for the candidate to freely ask questions that they may have in regards to their potential employment. The interview only takes about thirty minutes as the participants take their lunch.

define interview

5. Team Interview

In a team interview, one person will be asking you questions while another person takes notes. They will likely trade roles throughout the process. The most important technique in this situation is to remember to treat the two individuals as equals. It can feel a little bit confusing at first if the two people have different styles of questioning you. Do not allow this to deter your confidence.

Throughout the interview, make eye contact with both people. Sit up straight, lean slightly forward, and demonstrate the interest in your conversation with both people. Be prepared to give thorough, organized and rehearsed examples of your work experience and skills.

6. Phone interview

In most cases, companies call the applicants before inviting them for a face to face interview so that they can get a better understanding of the applicant. This type of interview can be vital because the first impression is always imperative so, the person interviewing can be able to tell a lot from the question that he or she asks over the phone.
Unlike a regular face-to-face interview, those to whom you are speaking can only rely on what you have to say and how you say it, and not your body language. So ensure that you speak as clearly as possible. If your cell phone has an unreliable connection, try instead to use a landline. Conduct the interview in a place where there are no distractions or background noise. Since you cannot close the interview with a handshake, make sure to end the conversation appropriately by thanking the person for their time. And as you would with any other interview, follow up with a brief and professional written thank you note.

Define interviews- Common goal and purpose

We define interviews, all types, aiming to achieve similar purposes, seeking the most appropriate and fit employee for a particular task. Therefore, the interviewers and interviewees are required to interact fully for the interview to be successful and produce desired results. Individuals attending any interview should prepare adequately and be ready to answer any question that might be asked by the interviewer.

If this article interested you or helped you refresh your interview etiquette please share this article on social media.

Latest posts by Yuri Khlystov (see all)