Interview Types & Techniques Information

Interviews are widely used for various purposes, including gathering information, assessing candidates for job positions, conducting research, and more. There are several types of interviews, each serving a specific purpose, and various techniques are employed to conduct effective interviews. Here are some common interview types and techniques:

1. Structured Interviews:

Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions asked in a consistent manner to all participants. This approach helps ensure fairness and comparability among responses. These interviews are often used in research and assessment settings.

2. Unstructured Interviews:

Unstructured interviews are more open-ended and conversational. The interviewer might have a general topic or list of topics to cover, but the questions are not fixed. This approach can lead to deeper insights but might be harder to analyze consistently.

3. Semi-Structured Interviews:

Semi-structured interviews combine elements of both structured and unstructured interviews. There is a set of predetermined questions or topics, but the interviewer has flexibility to ask follow-up questions and explore interesting avenues that arise during the conversation.

4. Behavioral Interviews:

Behavioral interviews focus on a candidate's past behavior as an indicator of future performance. Candidates are asked to provide specific examples of situations they've faced and how they've dealt with them. This type of interview assesses qualities like problem-solving skills and teamwork.

5. Panel Interviews:

Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers assessing a single candidate. This approach allows for different perspectives and reduces individual bias. Panel interviews are common for job positions with significant responsibilities.

6. Group Interviews:

In group interviews, multiple candidates are interviewed together. This can help assess how candidates interact in a group setting, which is particularly relevant for roles that involve teamwork.

7. Case Interviews:

Case interviews are often used in consulting and problem-solving scenarios. Candidates are presented with a business case or problem and are asked to analyze and provide solutions or recommendations.

8. Informational Interviews:

Informational interviews are conducted by individuals seeking insights about a particular field, career, or industry. The interviewee is usually an expert in the desired field and provides information, advice, and guidance.

Interview Techniques:

1. Active Listening:

Active listening involves giving full attention to the interviewee, understanding their words and nonverbal cues, and responding appropriately. This helps build rapport and allows for deeper exploration of topics.

2. Probing:

Probing involves asking follow-up questions to elicit more detailed responses. It helps clarify ambiguous answers and encourages interviewees to provide richer information.

3. Paraphrasing:

Paraphrasing involves restating the interviewee's response in your own words. This not only confirms your understanding but also shows the interviewee that you're actively engaged in the conversation.

4. Mirroring:

Mirroring refers to matching the interviewee's body language, tone, and pace of speech. It can create a sense of comfort and rapport, making the interviewee more likely to open up.

5. Open-ended Questions:

Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses and prevent yes/no answers. These questions typically start with "what," "how," "why," or "tell me about."

6. Closed-ended Questions:

Closed-ended questions can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" or with specific details. They are useful for gathering specific information efficiently.

7. Silence:

Using deliberate periods of silence can encourage interviewees to continue speaking or to elaborate on their answers. It can also give them time to think and provide more thoughtful responses.

8. Nonverbal Communication:

Interviewers should be conscious of their own nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, as these can impact the interviewee's comfort level and willingness to share.

Different types of interviews and techniques are chosen based on the goals of the interview and the context in which it's conducted. It's important for interviewers to adapt their approach to suit the situation and ensure a productive and informative exchange.