interview
IHN-tuh-vyoo
Interview (noun) means a formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to assess them for a job or position. Example: “The panel asked tough questions during my interview for the manager's post.”
noun
1
A formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to assess them for a job or position.
"The panel asked tough questions during my interview for the manager's post."
"He wore a smart suit and arrived early for the interview."
"She has a job interview tomorrow morning."
2
A conversation in which a journalist asks someone questions for publication or broadcast.
"The magazine will publish an exclusive interview with the author next week."
"Listeners enjoyed the radio interview, in which the singer talked about her new album."
"The actor gave a candid interview about his early struggles."
verb
1
To ask someone a series of questions in a formal setting.
"Reporters waited outside the stadium to interview the players after the match."
"We interview every candidate twice before we make an offer."
"The journalist interviewed three witnesses to the crash."
How to use interview
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA structured conversation where one person questions another, whether for a job, the news, or research.
Common pairings
job interview
give an interview
interview a candidate
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Word forms
- Plural
- interviews
- Third person singular
- interviews
- Past tense
- interviewed
Fill the gap
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The panel asked tough questions during my _____ for the manager's post.
Etymology
From Old French entrevue, "a sight of each other," from entre- ("between") plus veoir ("to see").
Related words
Rhymes for interview
See all rhymes for interview →Frequently asked questions
What does “interview” mean?
The word “interview” means a formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to assess them for a job or position. In plain terms, a structured conversation where one person questions another, whether for a job, the news, or research.
How do you pronounce “interview”?
“Interview” is pronounced IHN-tuh-vyoo (/ˈɪn.(t)ɚ.vju/ in IPA).
How do you use “interview” in a sentence?
Here is “interview” used in a sentence: “She has a job interview tomorrow morning.”
What part of speech is “interview”?
Depending on how it is used, “interview” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “interview” come from?
The word “interview” comes from Old French. From Old French entrevue, "a sight of each other," from entre- ("between") plus veoir ("to see").
Is “interview” a common word?
“Interview” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “interview” have?
“Interview” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal meeting in which someone is asked questions to assess them for a job or position.
What are the types of job interviews?
Common formats include the phone or video screening, the one-to-one interview, and the panel interview with several assessors. There are also group interviews with multiple candidates, technical interviews testing specific skills, and competency or behavioural interviews asking how you have handled past situations. Many hiring processes combine several of these across different stages.
What is the difference between an interview and an interrogation?
Both involve questioning, but the tone and purpose differ sharply. An interview is a cooperative meeting to assess or learn about someone, usually for a job. An interrogation is a forceful questioning, often by police, aimed at extracting information or a confession. Interviews are two-way and professional; interrogations are one-sided and pressured.
How can you prepare for an interview?
Research the organisation and the role, and re-read the job description so you can match your experience to it. Prepare examples of past achievements, rehearse answers to common questions, and think of questions to ask them. Plan your route or test your video link, dress appropriately, and aim to arrive calm and a little early.
What is the purpose of an interview?
An interview lets an employer assess whether a candidate suits a role — their skills, experience, and fit with the team. It is also a two-way exchange, letting the candidate judge whether the job suits them. Beyond the CV, it tests communication, attitude, and problem-solving in person, helping both sides decide before any commitment.
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