What is an Interview?

S2-SA3-0141

Grade Level:

Class 5

NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication

Definition

What is it?

An interview is a formal conversation where one person asks questions and another person answers them. It's usually done to gather information, assess suitability for a job or admission, or understand someone's views on a topic.

Simple Example

Quick Example

Imagine a reporter from a local newspaper asking a famous cricket player questions about their recent match performance. The reporter is interviewing the player to get details for their news story.

Worked Example

Step-by-Step

Let's say you're applying for a scholarship for Class 11. The school principal needs to choose the best student. This is how an interview might work:

1. You receive an invitation for an interview with the principal.
---2. On the day, you greet the principal politely.
---3. The principal asks you questions like, "Why do you want this scholarship?" or "What are your favourite subjects?"
---4. You listen carefully to each question.
---5. You answer truthfully and clearly, giving examples if possible.
---6. The principal takes notes on your answers to help make a decision.
---7. After the interview, you thank the principal for their time.
---RESULT: The principal now has more information about you to decide who gets the scholarship.

Why It Matters

Interviews are vital for understanding people and situations. Journalists use them to report news, social scientists to study communities, and companies to hire employees. Learning about interviews helps you communicate better and prepare for future opportunities like college admissions or job applications.

Common Mistakes

MISTAKE: Not listening to the full question before answering. | CORRECTION: Always listen carefully to the entire question to understand what is being asked before you start speaking.

MISTAKE: Giving very short, one-word answers like 'Yes' or 'No'. | CORRECTION: Provide complete answers with a little detail or explanation to show your thoughts and understanding.

MISTAKE: Forgetting to be polite or thank the interviewer. | CORRECTION: Always use polite language, maintain eye contact, and thank the interviewer at the beginning and end of the conversation.

Practice Questions

Try It Yourself

QUESTION: What is the main goal of an interview? | ANSWER: The main goal of an interview is to gather information or assess someone's suitability for a role or topic.

QUESTION: Name two situations where someone might be interviewed. | ANSWER: Two situations could be a job application and a news reporter gathering information for a story.

QUESTION: Imagine you are interviewing your school principal about their favourite memory from school. Write two questions you would ask. | ANSWER: (Possible questions) 1. "What is your fondest memory from your own school days, and why?" 2. "Did you have a favourite teacher, and what made them special?"

MCQ

Quick Quiz

Which of these is NOT a common reason for an interview?

To decide who gets a job

To gather information for a news story

To play a game of cricket with friends

To understand someone's opinion on a topic

The Correct Answer Is:

Options A, B, and D are all common reasons for conducting an interview, as they involve asking questions to gain information or make a decision. Playing a game of cricket is a recreational activity, not an interview.

Real World Connection

In the Real World

In India, you see interviews everywhere! From journalists interviewing politicians on TV news channels like NDTV or Aaj Tak, to companies like TCS or Infosys interviewing fresh graduates for IT jobs, to even your local doctor asking you questions about your health. Interviews are a crucial part of how we communicate and make decisions in society.

Key Vocabulary

Key Terms

FORMAL: Done according to rules or customs | ASSESS: To evaluate or judge something | SUITABILITY: Being right or appropriate for a particular purpose | REPORTER: A person who gathers and reports news | CANDIDATE: A person who is applying for a job or position

What's Next

What to Learn Next

Now that you understand what an interview is, you can learn about 'How to Prepare for an Interview'. This will help you know what steps to take to do well in any interview situation, from school projects to future career opportunities!