The Art of Interviews and Their Diverse Types

 Interview and Interview Types

Figure 1: Job Interview

Introduction

An interview is a structured exchange of ideas between two or more individuals (Gubrium and Holstein, 2002). Interviewers ask questions to gather specific data by asking questions and receiving verbal responses from one or more individuals.

While recruitment interviews are widely recognized, organizations employ various interview types to serve distinct purposes. This includes research, media, information gathering, counselling, and conflict resolution, among others. It's important to recognize that the term "interview" can apply to many different situations where structured conversations are employed to achieve various objectives.

Type of Interviews

Figure 2: Interview Types 

These diverse interview variations present their unique merits and demerits. Consequently, organizations methodically align their selection of interview type with their precise needs, strategic objectives, and the specific demands of the situation at hand. This tailored approach ensures that the interview method chosen is a strategic fit, allowing organizations to derive optimal results from the process.

3 Types of User Interviews

Video source: (www.youtube.com, n.d.)

Structural View

Structural interviews, also known as standardized interviews, are a systematic approach to candidate assessment in the context of employment. This method involves asking all candidates the same set of predetermined questions and using uniform evaluation criteria to ensure consistency and fairness in the hiring process (Turner, 2004).

Figure 3: Different types of interviews

Structured - This is a formal, standardized process and involve a predetermined set of questions and a standardized scoring system to evaluate.

Semi-Structured - Allow for some flexibility in questioning, while still maintaining a general structure.

Unstructured - Are more open-ended and allow for a free-flowing conversation.

Personal View

The personal view is a one-on-one, in-depth interview conducted in a professional manner, allowing the interviewer to gain a profound understanding of an individual's experiences, beliefs, and emotions.

Importance of Interviews and When to Use

Interviews are important for several reasons. They facilitate the exchange of information, enable assessment and evaluation, and play a vital role in decision-making processes (Gubrium, 2012). Interviews are used in organizations for: 

  • Recruitment - Standard method for assessing candidates' qualifications and suitability for specific job roles, where interviewers pose questions to evaluate their background and experience.
  • Performance Appraisal: Help managers assess employees' work, achievements, and areas needing improvement during periodic meetings, fostering communication and development.
  • Feedback and Counselling - This offers a platform for providing employees with feedback, guidance, and skill development, addressing challenges, setting goals, and ensuring training when necessary.
  • Conflict Resolution - Interviews can be used to mediate or resolve workplace conflicts, with HR or managers facilitating discussions to find solutions and restore working relationships.
  • Research and Data Collection -Interviews collect data for research, market analysis, and customer feedback, providing valuable insights for researchers and analysts.
  • Information Sharing - Interviews serve to convey company updates, policies, and future plans to employees, often led by leaders and managers.

Conclusion

Understanding the diverse range of interview types, from structured to unstructured, allows organizations to choose the most suitable approach for their specific objectives. Research interviews, for example provide invaluable qualitative data while structured interviews offer consistency and objectivity in candidate assessment (Stewart and Cash, 2018). Selecting the best-fit interview type, organizations can enhance their decision-making processes, improve employee development, gather relevant insights for research or market analysis, mediate conflicts effectively, and communicate essential information to employees. This adaptability equips organizations to thrive in various scenarios, fostering innovation, better decision-making, and overall success.

Reference List

Gubrium, J.F. and Holstein, J.A. (2002). Handbook of Interview Research: Context and Method. [online] 
Available at: https://books.google.lk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=uQMUMQJZU4gC&oi
[Accessed 27 Oct. 2023]
 
Gubrium, J.F. (2012). The SAGE Handbook of Interview Research: The Complexity of the Craft. [online] 
Available at: https://books.google.lk/books?id=VCFsZsvZdwkC&lpg=PA79&lr&pg=PP1#v
[Accessed 27 Oct. 2023].
 
Stewart, C.J. and Cash, W.B. (2018). Interviewing : principles and practices. 15th ed. New York, Ny: Mcgraw-Hill Education.
 
Turner, T.S. (2004). Behavioral Interview Guide: A Practical, Structured Approach for Conducting Effective Selection Interviews. [online]
Available at: https://books.google.lk/books?hl=en&lr=&id=jjGjBEdBquwC&oi=fnd&pg
[Accessed 27 Oct. 2023]

Comments

  1. Anonymous27 October 2023 at 10:44

    Very Well explained. Learnt few more tricks too.. Great Blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nadishani Bastiansz29 October 2023 at 07:59

      Thank you for your comment and happy to know you that you learned some new tricks.

      Delete
    2. Aravinda Fernando MBA292 December 2023 at 02:36

      This comment was given by me and you are welcome.

      Delete
  2. Manthika SK27 October 2023 at 11:31

    You have written a well-structured and informative essay on the art of interviews and their diverse types. You have used relevant sources, examples, and figures to support your points. Your essay demonstrates a clear understanding of the topic and its importance.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Zeinab Ahamed HRMBA28 October 2023 at 00:34

    To build a compelling argument, it is essential to have a grasp of organizational interview techniques. need to match the interview method to the goal is emphasized by the differences between structured and unstructured interviews and their use in research and applicant evaluation.
    The selection made has a significant impact on the quality and reliability of the data. By adapting the interview methodology, data collection and organizational performance can be enhanced. In the current fast-paced and competitive business environment, it is essential for businesses to adopt a comprehensive approach.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nadishani Bastiansz29 October 2023 at 08:04

      Thank you for your thoughtful comment. You've perfectly highlighted the importance of aligning interview methods with specific goals and understanding the impact of structured vs. unstructured interviews on data quality and organizational performance.Your insights are much appreciated!

      Delete
  4. HR MAB Fazil Farook 202328 October 2023 at 14:10

    The blog offers a thorough breakdown of different interview types, providing readers with a clear understanding of each method's distinct features.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Nadishani Bastiansz29 October 2023 at 08:05

    Thanks for your valuable comment.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous30 October 2023 at 20:22

    This is an informative blog. The content is concise and elegantly presented.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Rasika Gardihewa9 November 2023 at 08:09

    Your blog post successfully educates readers about the diverse types of interviews and their applications, offering a valuable resource for individuals. A great post!

    ReplyDelete
  8. HRMBAPriyantha28 November 2023 at 05:50

    Choosing the right type of interview depends on the job role, the organization's culture, and the specific qualities or skills being assessed. Employers often use a combination of these interview types to gather a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's suitability for a position.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Merril John28 November 2023 at 23:06

    I appreciate your emphasis on the art of interviewing. The recognition that interviews are not just a mechanical step in the hiring process but an interactive and dynamic exchange is fundamental. Your insights into the role of communication, empathy, and adaptability in interviews underscore that it's not only about evaluating skills but also about assessing cultural fit and potential for growth.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous1 December 2023 at 21:54

    It's important to recognize that the term "interview" can apply to many different situations where structured conversations are employed to achieve various objectives. The purpose of letting interviewers evaluate the skills, knowledge, experience, education, and personality to determine if you’re right for the position. supportive blog for our career development. Well done.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Roshani_HR_MBA_B291 December 2023 at 22:52

    Comprehensively elaborated the blog, basically the interview is a two-way street. While the employer is assessing whether the candidate is fit for the role, the candidate should also assess whether the company aligns with her/his career goals and values.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anuradhi Welideniya3 December 2023 at 08:42

    Your blog on the art of interviews and their diverse types in HR is a captivating read. Your insights provide valuable guidance for mastering this essential aspect of the hiring process. Well done!

    ReplyDelete

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