The History, Definition, and Significance of
the Interview
The interview is a fundamental method of
communication and information gathering
that has played a pivotal role in human
history. It is a structured conversation
between two or more individuals, where
one person, the interviewer, asks questions
to elicit information from the other, the
interviewee. The history of the interview is
rich and varied, evolving over time to
become a cornerstone in various fields,
from journalism to human resources.
History of the Interview
The roots of the interview can be traced
back to ancient times when leaders sought
counsel from trusted advisors. In ancient
China, for example, emperors would
conduct interviews with scholars and
officials to make informed decisions. The
method of questioning and answering has
also been integral to legal proceedings
throughout history, as seen in the Socratic
dialogues in ancient Greece.
However, the modern concept of the
interview as an intentional and systematic
method of gathering information emerged
in the 19th century. Journalists, seeking
firsthand information for news articles,
popularized the interview as a tool for
obtaining direct quotes and insights from
individuals involved in newsworthy events.
The emergence of the interview in
journalism marked a shift from relying
solely on written accounts to incorporating
direct perspectives.
Definition of the Interview
An interview is a purposeful and structured
conversation where one party, the
interviewer, seeks information or opinions
from another party, the interviewee. It
involves a series of questions designed to
elicit specific responses and can take
various forms, including one-on-one
interviews, group interviews, panel
interviews, and more. The interview process
may involve open-ended questions to
encourage detailed responses or closed-
ended questions for specific information.
The significance of the interview lies in its
ability to provide firsthand, real-time
information, allowing for a deeper
understanding of a subject. Interviews are
conducted in various settings, ranging from
job interviews to research interviews, and
their structure and purpose can vary
accordingly.
Significance of the Interview
1. **Information Gathering:** Interviews
serve as a primary method for collecting
qualitative data. Researchers, journalists,
and professionals use interviews to gather
insights, opinions, and experiences directly
from individuals, enriching the
understanding of a subject.
2. **Decision-Making:** Job interviews are
a classic example of how interviews play a
crucial role in decision-making. Employers
use interviews to assess a candidate's
qualifications, skills, and cultural fit, aiding
in the selection process.
3. **Human Connection:** Interviews
facilitate a personal connection between
the interviewer and interviewee. This
connection can be vital in journalism, where
building rapport can lead to more candid
responses, and in therapeutic settings,
where the connection between the
interviewer and interviewee is essential for
the success of the session.

4. **Communication Skills:** Participating

in interviews hones communication skills for
both the interviewer and interviewee. It
requires effective listening, articulation of
thoughts, and the ability to convey
information clearly.

5. **Record of History:** Oral history

interviews preserve firsthand accounts of
historical events and personal experiences.
These interviews provide valuable insights
into the past and contribute to a more
comprehensive understanding of history.

The interview, with its roots in ancient

dialogue and its evolution into a structured
and purposeful communication method,
holds significant importance in various
aspects of human interaction. Its
adaptability across disciplines, from
journalism to research to human resources,
underscores its enduring relevance. As
society continues to evolve, the interview
remains an invaluable tool for
understanding, documenting, and
connecting with the diverse narratives that
shape our world.