An interview is a structured conversation between a candidate and the organisation - typically the hiring manager and others - assessing whether the candidate fits the role's requirements and the team. Most processes run more than one round, moving from broader fit to deeper technical or behavioural probing.
What it means
A well-run interview follows a planned structure rather than an unstructured chat, since structure improves both the fairness and the predictive value of the assessment. A competency-based interview is one common structured format.
Where it fits in
Interview outcomes feed directly into the hiring decision, and interview notes captured in the applicant tracking system are often the documentation referred back to if a hiring decision is later questioned.
Key rules
- A structured assessment conversation, usually across one or more rounds.
- Structure improves fairness and predictive value over an unstructured chat.
- Feeds directly into the hiring decision.
- Notes captured become part of the documented hiring record.
