What does interviewing mean?
“Interviewing” means asking someone a series of questions in order to learn more about them, their opinions, their experience, or their suitability for a role. It is used in journalism, research, broadcasting, public inquiries, and recruitment. In the employment context, “interviewing” can describe the candidate’s participation in a job interview, as in “interviewing for a position,” or the employer’s evaluation of candidates, as in “interviewing applicants.” The word is also commonly used with words such as “candidates,” “panel,” and “process.” Although an interview may be informal, the term often suggests a more organized exchange than a casual conversation, with prepared or purposeful questions. As a present-participle form, “interviewing” is especially natural when describing an activity in progress or a recurring professional practice.
verb (present participle and gerund)Asking questions of someone, especially for a job, research, broadcasting, or official inquiry. It can also refer to the activity of applying for a job through such questioning.
- Conducting a formal or informal series of questions to gather information from someone.
- Applying for a job through a questioning process.
"The panel spent the morning interviewing candidates for the vacant position."
"The journalist is interviewing survivors of the flood for a radio report."
"She spent the afternoon interviewing for a position at the school."
The word combines roots associated with looking between or among things, reflecting the practice of getting to know a person through the questions they answer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interviewing come from?
The word belongs to a family of English vocabulary associated with viewing, examining, and asking questions. The central element “view” comes through French and ultimately Latin roots meaning “to see.” The development of the word involved the idea of exchanging views or looking into a matter through questions, although the precise historical route should not be overstated. Related English words include “preview,” “review,” and “revision,” which share the same broad roots of seeing and examining.
Related word forms
How interviewing is actually used
In British English, the form “interviewing for a job” is especially common; American English also uses “interviewing for a position.” The word is normally used when the activity is ongoing or emphasizes the process.