Define interview. Discuss the characteristics and types of interviews

Define interview. Discuss the characteristics and types of interviews

An interview is a structured conversation between two or more people, typically conducted with a specific purpose in mind, such as gathering information, assessing qualifications, or making decisions.

Interviews are widely used across various fields, including job recruitment, research, journalism, and clinical assessments.

Characteristics of Interviews:

1. Purposeful: Interviews are conducted with a specific goal in mind, whether it’s to gather information, assess qualifications, or make decisions.
2. Interactive: They involve a two-way exchange of information between the interviewer(s) and the interviewee(s).
3. Structured or Unstructured: Interviews can be highly structured (with predetermined questions and a standardized format) or unstructured (allowing for more flexibility and open-ended questioning).
4. Contextual: The setting and context of the interview can influence its dynamics and outcomes. Interviews may take place face-to-face, over the phone, or through video conferencing.
5. Subjective: The interpretation of responses and the impression formed during the interview can be influenced by the interviewer’s biases and expectations.
6. Focused on Communication: Effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, are crucial for both interviewers and interviewees.

Types of Interviews:

1. Structured Interview:

• Definition: A structured interview follows a predetermined set of questions, often with standardized scoring criteria.
• Characteristics: Questions are consistent across all interviewees, allowing for comparability. This format reduces bias and ensures fairness.
• Purpose: Commonly used in job interviews and research studies where consistency and reliability of data are important.

1. Unstructured Interview:

• Definition: An unstructured interview allows for flexibility in questioning and follows a more conversational format.
• Characteristics: Questions may vary based on the flow of conversation and the interviewer’s interests. It allows for a deeper exploration of topics but may be less reliable due to variability.
• Purpose: Often used in qualitative research, clinical assessments, and investigative journalism where gaining insights and understanding personal experiences are key.

1. Semi-Structured Interview:

• Definition: Combines aspects of both structured and unstructured interviews. It has a predetermined set of core questions while allowing flexibility for follow-up questions and further exploration of specific topics.
• Characteristics: Offers a balance between standardization and flexibility, making it suitable for gathering in-depth information while maintaining some level of consistency.
• Purpose: Common in qualitative research, clinical assessments, and journalism where a balance between structure and openness is needed.

1. Behavioral Interview:

• Definition: Focuses on past behavior and experiences to predict future behavior in specific situations.
• Characteristics: Typically uses questions that begin with “Tell me about a time when…” to elicit examples of how the interviewee handled specific situations or challenges.
• Purpose: Widely used in job interviews to assess candidates’ competencies and suitability for the role based on their previous experiences.

1. Group Interview:

• Definition: Involves interviewing multiple candidates simultaneously, often to observe how they interact and communicate in a group setting.
• Characteristics: Allows employers to assess teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. It can also save time in the selection process.
• Purpose: Commonly used in hiring for customer service roles, management positions, and group-based projects.

1. Panel Interview:

• Definition: Conducted by a group of interviewers (panel) representing different perspectives (e.g., HR, technical, managerial).
• Characteristics: Provides a comprehensive evaluation from multiple viewpoints and reduces individual biases.
• Purpose: Often used in job interviews for senior-level positions, academic admissions, and grant funding reviews.

Each type of interview has its advantages and is chosen based on the specific goals, context, and preferences of the interviewer(s) and the requirements of the situation or research study.