Interviews come in many flavors, each with its own purpose and style. From job interviews to journalistic probes, they all aim to gather info and insights. Knowing the different types helps you prep and shine in any interview situation.

Whether it's landing a dream job, uncovering a big story, or conducting research, interviews are key. They're not just Q&A sessions – they're chances to connect, learn, and make an impact. Mastering interview skills opens doors in countless fields.

Employment Interviews

Job Interviews

• Conducted by employers to assess a candidate's qualifications, skills, and fit for a specific job opening
• Typically involve face-to-face meetings between the candidate and one or more interviewers (hiring manager, HR representative, team members)
• May include various formats such as structured interviews with predetermined questions, semi-structured interviews with a mix of planned and spontaneous questions, or unstructured interviews with a more conversational approach
• Employers evaluate candidates based on their responses, body language, and overall presentation to determine their suitability for the role

Exit and Performance Interviews

• Exit interviews are conducted with employees who are leaving an organization voluntarily or involuntarily
  • Aim to gather insights into the employee's experience, reasons for departure, and potential areas for improvement within the company
  • Can help identify patterns or issues that may be contributing to employee turnover
• Performance interviews, also known as performance appraisals or reviews, are conducted by managers to assess an employee's job performance over a specific period
  • Discuss strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and areas for improvement
  • Set goals and expectations for future performance and development
  • Provide feedback and guidance to help employees grow and succeed in their roles

Informational Interviews

• Conducted by job seekers or individuals exploring career options to gather information about a specific industry, company, or role
• Involve meeting with professionals in the field of interest to ask questions, gain insights, and build relationships
• Serve as a valuable networking tool and can help individuals make informed decisions about their career paths
• Provide an opportunity to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of a particular job or industry

Interviews for Information Gathering

Journalistic and Research Interviews

• Journalistic interviews are conducted by reporters, journalists, or media professionals to gather information for news articles, features, or broadcasts
  • Aim to uncover facts, opinions, and perspectives on a particular topic or event
  • Require strong interviewing skills, such as active listening, asking probing questions, and maintaining objectivity
• Research interviews are conducted by researchers or academics to collect data for studies, projects, or publications
  • Can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured depending on the research objectives and methodology
  • May involve one-on-one interviews, focus groups, or panel discussions
  • Require careful planning, participant selection, and adherence to ethical guidelines and research protocols

Investigative and Survey Interviews

• Investigative interviews are conducted by law enforcement, private investigators, or other professionals to gather information related to a crime, incident, or allegation
  • Aim to uncover facts, evidence, and witness accounts to support an investigation
  • Require specialized training in interviewing techniques, such as building rapport, detecting deception, and handling sensitive or emotional situations
• Survey interviews are conducted to collect data from a large sample of individuals for market research, opinion polls, or social science studies
  • Can be administered through various methods, such as phone interviews, online questionnaires, or in-person interviews
  • Require carefully designed questions, sampling techniques, and data analysis to ensure reliable and representative results

Specialized Interview Contexts

Clinical Interviews

• Conducted by mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors, to assess an individual's mental health, diagnose disorders, or develop treatment plans
• Involve gathering information about the individual's symptoms, history, and overall functioning through a structured or semi-structured interview process
• May include standardized assessment tools, such as diagnostic interviews or psychological tests, to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis
• Require a supportive and non-judgmental environment to foster open communication and trust between the interviewer and the interviewee