Interviewer vs. Interviewee — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on June 2, 2024
The Interviewer conducts the interview; the Interviewee is the person being interviewed.
Difference Between Interviewer and Interviewee
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Interviewer is the individual or entity responsible for posing questions and conducting the interview process. They usually represent a company, institution, or media outlet. Their role is to assess, gather information, and understand the Interviewee's perspective, qualifications, or story. The Interviewee, in contrast, is the one who responds to these questions.
Interviewees are typically candidates for a job, subjects of a news story, or any individual whose views, experiences, or expertise are sought. They provide answers, clarify doubts, and present themselves in the best possible manner. Interviewers, on the other hand, are tasked with evaluating these answers and making decisions based on the information provided.
While the role of the Interviewer is active in the sense of leading the conversation and ensuring all necessary topics are covered, the Interviewee's role is reactive, responding to the questions and sometimes asking questions of their own. Both roles are crucial for the interview process to be meaningful and productive.
The dynamic between Interviewer and Interviewee can vary. In job interviews, the Interviewer holds a position of authority, assessing the Interviewee's fit for a role. In journalistic contexts, the Interviewer might act as a bridge between the Interviewee and the audience, ensuring the audience gets a clear and accurate account of the Interviewee's experiences or viewpoints.
Interviewers often require training or experience to conduct effective interviews. They must be adept at communication, critical thinking, and sometimes even negotiation. Interviewees, depending on the context, might prepare by anticipating questions, rehearsing responses, and ensuring they understand the purpose of the interview.
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Comparison Chart
Role
Conducts the interview
Responds to questions in the interview
Perspective
Seeks information and evaluates responses
Provides information and presents themselves
Preparation
Frames questions, sets interview agenda
Anticipates questions, rehearses answers
Position in a Job Interview
Authority, evaluates fit for a role
Candidate, demonstrates fit for a role
Training/Experience
Often requires training in interview techniques
May prepare by understanding the interview's context
Compare with Definitions
Interviewer
An Interviewer is a person who asks questions during an interview.
The Interviewer was thorough in assessing the candidate's skills.
Interviewee
An Interviewee is the person answering questions in an interview.
The Interviewee seemed nervous but well-prepared.
Interviewer
Interviewers set the agenda and lead the interview process.
The Interviewer began with questions about the applicant's background.
Interviewee
Interviewees provide information, views, or expertise during interviews.
The author, as the Interviewee, shared insights about her new book.
Interviewer
Interviewers represent companies or media outlets to gather information.
The journalist acted as an Interviewer for the news segment.
Interviewee
The role of the Interviewee is to present themselves or their views effectively.
The Interviewee highlighted his achievements during the chat.
Interviewer
An Interviewer must be skilled in communication and critical thinking.
A good Interviewer knows how to ask open-ended questions.
Interviewee
Interviewees often prepare by anticipating potential questions.
The Interviewee had clear, concise answers for every query.
Interviewer
The role of the Interviewer is to evaluate and understand the Interviewee's perspective.
The Interviewer took notes throughout the discussion.
Interviewee
The Interviewee might also ask questions to understand the interview's context.
The Interviewee inquired about the company's work culture.
Interviewer
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Interviewee
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Interviewer
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Interviewee
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Interviewer
An account or a reproduction of such a conversation.
Interviewee
An account or a reproduction of such a conversation.
Interviewer
(Informal) An interviewee
An actor who was a tough interview.
Interviewee
(Informal) An interviewee
An actor who was a tough interview.
Interviewer
To obtain an interview from.
Interviewee
To obtain an interview from.
Interviewer
To have an interview
Interviewed with a publishing company.
Interviewee
To have an interview
Interviewed with a publishing company.
Interviewer
One who interviews.
Interviewee
Someone being interviewed, i.e. the person answering the questions.
Interviewer
One who interviews; especially, one who obtains an interview with another for the purpose of eliciting his opinions or obtaining information for publication.
It would have made him the prince of interviewers in these days.
Interviewee
A person who is interviewed.
Interviewer
A person who conducts an interview
Interviewee
A person who is interviewed
Common Curiosities
Who typically has authority in a job interview?
In a job interview, the Interviewer usually holds a position of authority.
Who is the Interviewee?
The Interviewee is the individual responding to questions during an interview.
Do Interviewees need to prepare for interviews?
Yes, Interviewees often prepare by anticipating questions and rehearsing answers.
Who is the Interviewer?
The Interviewer is the person or entity conducting the interview, asking questions.
What's the primary role of the Interviewer?
The Interviewer's primary role is to assess, gather information, and understand the Interviewee's perspective.
Is training necessary for an Interviewer?
While not always mandatory, training can enhance an Interviewer's effectiveness in conducting interviews.
Do Interviewees have any responsibilities?
Yes, Interviewees should answer truthfully, provide relevant information, and engage cooperatively in the interview process.
Can an Interviewee ask questions during an interview?
Yes, Interviewees can, and often should, ask questions to clarify or understand the interview's context.
Can the roles of Interviewer and Interviewee reverse in a single session?
While uncommon, roles can reverse if, for instance, an Interviewee seeks specific information from the Interviewer.
Why is the dynamic between Interviewer and Interviewee important?
A balanced dynamic ensures a productive interview where both parties feel respected and understood.
How should Interviewers frame their questions?
Interviewers should frame questions clearly, avoiding bias and ensuring they gather the necessary information.
What skills should an Interviewer possess?
An Interviewer should have strong communication skills, critical thinking, empathy, and sometimes negotiation skills.
Why might someone be an Interviewee in a media context?
In media, an Interviewee might provide insights, share experiences, or offer expert opinions on a topic.
How should an Interviewee handle difficult questions?
Interviewees should stay calm, take a moment to think, and provide concise and honest answers.
Is it essential for an Interviewer to be neutral?
In many contexts, especially journalism, Interviewers should maintain neutrality to ensure unbiased information collection.
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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.
