Interviewee vs. Respondent — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Interviewee is a person participating in an interview, often to provide information or apply for a position, whereas a respondent is someone who answers questions, typically in a survey or legal context.
Difference Between Interviewee and Respondent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An interviewee is primarily involved in interviews, which can be for jobs, research, or media purposes. This setting is generally conversational and can be either formal or informal, depending on the context. On the other hand, a respondent is engaged in providing responses to inquiries, which may come through surveys, polls, or legal proceedings. The nature of these interactions is usually structured and based on specific questions.
Interviewees often prepare for their interviews by researching the company or the interviewer to make a good impression and provide relevant answers. They are active participants in a dialogue designed to assess their qualifications or opinions. Whereas respondents typically answer within predefined options or limited frameworks, especially in surveys or questionnaires, reflecting passive participation.
In job interviews, an interviewee's goal is often to secure a position or advance in a selection process, making their responses strategically aligned with job requirements and organizational culture. On the other hand, respondents in surveys are usually contributing data to research or feedback efforts, with less personal stake in the outcome.
The interaction with an interviewee is usually face-to-face, over the phone, or via video calls, providing a personal touch and allowing for nuanced communication. Conversely, respondents often engage through written forms or digital platforms, where personal interaction is minimal or non-existent.
The feedback loop for interviewees can be immediate, as interviewers often provide on-the-spot reactions or follow-up questions. However, respondents might not receive direct feedback or results from their input unless it is part of a study's conclusion sharing process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A person interviewed for a position, opinion, or information.
A person who answers questions in a survey, study, or legal matter.
Context
Job interviews, media interviews, academic research.
Surveys, legal documents, research questionnaires.
Interaction Type
Conversational, often face-to-face or virtual.
Structured, often through forms or written submissions.
Goal
To provide information, secure a job, or express an opinion.
To provide data or feedback, often anonymously.
Feedback
Immediate, can involve direct interaction and follow-up.
Limited or no direct feedback, typically one-way communication.
Compare with Definitions
Interviewee
A person being interviewed for a job.
The interviewee impressed the panel with her thorough preparation.
Respondent
A person answering questions in a survey.
Each respondent was asked to complete the questionnaire.
Interviewee
A person giving a testimonial.
The interviewee spoke about her experiences with the product.
Respondent
A defendant in a legal case.
The respondent is required to submit a written defense.
Interviewee
A subject in academic or market research.
Each interviewee provided unique perspectives on the topic.
Respondent
A participant in a market research study.
Respondents typically receive a small payment for their participation.
Interviewee
A participant in a media interview.
The interviewee shared insights about the film industry.
Respondent
Someone replying to an academic study.
Respondents were selected based on specific criteria.
Interviewee
A candidate in an oral examination.
The interviewee answered the questions with confidence.
Respondent
A user providing feedback in a public consultation.
Every respondent had concerns about the new city plan.
Interviewee
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Respondent
A respondent is a person who is called upon to issue a response to a communication made by another. The term is used in legal contexts, in survey methodology, and in psychological conditioning.
Interviewee
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Respondent
A party against whom a petition is filed, especially one in an appeal or a divorce case.
Interviewee
An account or a reproduction of such a conversation.
Respondent
A person who replies to something, especially one supplying information for a questionnaire or responding to an advertisement
Most respondents to our questionnaire considered their practices to be in accordance with current medical guidelines
Interviewee
(Informal) An interviewee
An actor who was a tough interview.
Respondent
In the position of a party defending against a petition
The respondent defendant
Interviewee
To obtain an interview from.
Respondent
Replying to something
The respondent firms in the survey
Interviewee
To have an interview
Interviewed with a publishing company.
Respondent
Involving or denoting a response, especially a conditioned reflex, to a specific stimulus.
Interviewee
Someone being interviewed, i.e. the person answering the questions.
Respondent
One who responds.
Interviewee
A person who is interviewed.
Respondent
(Law) The defending party in certain legal proceedings, as in a case brought by petition.
Interviewee
A person who is interviewed
Respondent
Giving or given as an answer; responsive.
Respondent
(Law) Of or being a respondent in a proceeding.
Respondent
One who responds; one who replies.
Respondent
(law) A defendant, especially in a case instituted by a petition or in appellate and divorce proceedings.
Respondent
A person replying to a questionnaire.
Respondent
Disposed or expected to respond; answering; according; corresponding.
Respondent
Disposed or expected to respond; answering; according; corresponding.
Wealth respondent to payment and contributions.
Respondent
One who responds. It corresponds in general to defendant.
Respondent
The codefendant (especially in a divorce proceeding) who is accused of adultery with the corespondent
Respondent
Someone who responds
Respondent
Replying;
An answering glance
An answering smile
Common Curiosities
What types of questions do respondents answer?
Respondents typically answer structured questions in surveys or studies, which can be open-ended or multiple-choice.
What is an interviewee?
An interviewee is someone who participates in an interview, which can be for various purposes like employment, research, or media.
What does a respondent do?
A respondent answers questions, usually in the context of surveys, research, or legal proceedings.
How do interviewees prepare for interviews?
Interviewees often research the organization, practice answering typical interview questions, and plan their attire and arrival time.
Can someone be both an interviewee and a respondent?
Yes, someone can be both an interviewee and a respondent, depending on the context and the nature of the interaction.
Are respondents anonymous?
In many cases, respondents remain anonymous, especially in large-scale surveys or research studies.
How is feedback given to an interviewee?
Feedback to an interviewee can be direct and immediate during or after the interview process.
How often do respondents participate in studies?
Frequency can vary; some respondents participate only once, while others might be part of longitudinal studies.
What is the main difference between an interviewee and a respondent?
The main difference lies in the nature of their participation; interviewees are actively engaged in a conversational setting, whereas respondents typically provide answers in a more passive, structured format.
What skills are important for an interviewee?
Communication, preparation, and honesty are key skills for an interviewee.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
