채용 면접
A job interview is a meeting where a company talks to a person to see if they are the right fit for a job.
Explanation at your level:
A job interview is a meeting. You go to a company. A person asks you questions. You answer the questions. You want the job. The boss wants to know if you are good. It is a very important talk.
When you want a new job, you go to a job interview. You meet the manager. They ask about your work and your skills. You should wear nice clothes. It is a formal meeting to see if you can do the job well.
A job interview is a formal meeting between a candidate and an employer. The employer asks questions to learn about your experience and personality. It is your chance to show why you are the best person for the role. Preparation is the key to success.
A job interview is a crucial step in the recruitment process. It allows the employer to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a specific position. Beyond just checking your resume, they look for soft skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Being able to articulate your achievements clearly is essential.
The job interview serves as a diagnostic tool for organizations to assess talent. It is not merely a Q&A session; it is a strategic interaction where candidates must demonstrate their value proposition. Employers use behavioral and technical questioning to gauge how a candidate would perform under pressure or within a team dynamic.
In the modern professional landscape, the job interview has evolved into a multifaceted evaluation. It encompasses psychometric testing, situational judgment, and cultural integration assessments. Candidates are expected to navigate complex inquiries that test their critical thinking and emotional intelligence, effectively 'selling' their professional narrative to potential stakeholders.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A job interview is a formal meeting for hiring.
- The person asking is the interviewer.
- The person answering is the interviewee.
- Preparation is key to success.
A job interview is the bridge between applying for a role and actually getting hired. It is essentially a professional conversation where the employer gets to know the person behind the resume.
You can think of it as a two-way street. While the company is testing your skills and experience, you are also evaluating if the company culture is a place where you would actually enjoy spending your time.
Whether it happens in person, over the phone, or via video call, the core goal remains the same: to assess suitability. It is a high-stakes moment, but it is also a chance to show your personality and enthusiasm for the work you want to do.
The word interview comes from the French word entrevoir, which means 'to see each other' or 'to have a glimpse of.' It implies a meeting of minds or a brief look into someone's character.
In the early 20th century, the concept of a job interview became standardized as companies grew larger and needed more formal ways to vet employees. Before this, hiring was often based on personal recommendations or simple face-to-face chats without a set structure.
Interestingly, the term evolved from journalism, where an interview was a meeting to get information from a source. By the 1920s, businesses adopted this practice to 'extract' information from candidates. Today, it has evolved into a highly complex process involving behavioral questions and multiple rounds of assessment.
In professional settings, we often use the phrase 'to have an interview' or 'to go for an interview'. It is a neutral term used in almost every industry, from retail to high-level corporate roles.
Common collocations include 'to ace an interview', which means to do very well, or 'to land an interview', which means you were invited to one after applying. You might also hear about a 'final-round interview', which indicates you are very close to getting the job.
The register is generally formal. If you are talking to a friend, you might say, 'I have an interview today,' but in a cover letter, you would refer to it as a 'formal interview process.' Always use clear, professional language when discussing these meetings.
1. To ace the interview: To perform exceptionally well. Example: 'She studied for days and totally aced the interview.'
2. To be in the hot seat: To be in a position where you are being questioned intensely. Example: 'He felt like he was in the hot seat during the technical round.'
3. To sell yourself: To present your skills and achievements in a persuasive way. Example: 'You need to sell yourself if you want that promotion.'
4. To break the ice: To do something to make people feel more comfortable at the start of a meeting. Example: 'The manager told a joke to break the ice before the questioning started.'
5. A foot in the door: A small opportunity that leads to a bigger one. Example: 'This internship is a great way to get a foot in the door at the company.'
The word interview is a countable noun. You can have one interview or several interviews. It is often used with the indefinite article 'an' because it starts with a vowel sound.
Pronunciation-wise, the stress is on the first syllable: IN-ter-view. In British English, the 't' might be slightly softened, while American English often features a 'flap t' or a clear 't' sound. It rhymes with words like 'preview' or 'review'.
Grammatically, it often follows the verb 'to have' or 'to attend'. You don't usually say 'do an interview' unless you are the one asking the questions (as an interviewer). Remember to use the preposition 'for' when talking about the specific job: 'I have an interview for the marketing position.'
Fun Fact
The word was originally used in journalism before business.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'in' sound, soft 't', 'view' at the end.
Stronger 'r' sound in the middle.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it as 'inter-view' with equal stress
- Missing the 'r' sound in US English
- Confusing 'interview' with 'interviewer'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Standard usage
Common in professional speaking
Common in media
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Articles (a/an/the)
An interview
Prepositions for events
At an interview
Verb-Noun Collocations
Have an interview
Examples by Level
I have a job interview today.
I / have / a / job interview / today.
Use 'a' before job interview.
The interview is at ten.
The / interview / is / at / ten.
Use 'the' for a specific event.
I want this job.
I / want / this / job.
Simple present.
She is ready for the interview.
She / is / ready / for / the / interview.
Ready + for.
He is at the interview.
He / is / at / the / interview.
At + location.
The boss asks questions.
The / boss / asks / questions.
Third person singular.
I need a good job.
I / need / a / good / job.
Adjective + noun.
Is the interview hard?
Is / the / interview / hard?
Question form.
I prepared for my job interview all night.
The manager liked my answers in the interview.
She got a call for a job interview.
Please arrive early for your interview.
The interview lasted for thirty minutes.
He felt nervous before the interview started.
They scheduled the interview for Monday.
I hope I pass the job interview.
The hiring manager conducted a very thorough interview.
I have three interviews scheduled for this week.
During the interview, I highlighted my previous experience.
It is important to research the company before your interview.
She received a job offer after her second interview.
The interview process was quite long and difficult.
I wore my best suit to the job interview.
They asked me several behavioral questions during the interview.
I managed to ace the interview despite feeling nervous.
The interviewer was impressed by my portfolio.
You need to articulate your strengths clearly in an interview.
The final round of interviews is usually with the CEO.
She handled the tough questions during the interview with ease.
It is a standard practice to follow up after an interview.
The interview provided great insight into the company culture.
I am currently preparing for a virtual job interview.
The interview was less of a formal quiz and more of a collaborative discussion.
He demonstrated his technical proficiency throughout the interview.
The panel interview can be intimidating for many candidates.
She was able to pivot the conversation toward her leadership experience.
The interview process includes a competency-based assessment.
I found the interview to be a challenging yet rewarding experience.
They are looking for candidates who can think on their feet during the interview.
The interview served as a litmus test for my problem-solving skills.
The interview was an exhaustive interrogation of my professional philosophy.
He navigated the interview with a level of poise that was truly remarkable.
The recruitment strategy relies heavily on the structured interview format.
She articulated her vision for the role eloquently during the interview.
The interview process is designed to filter out those lacking cultural alignment.
His performance in the interview was a masterclass in professional communication.
The interview concluded with a rigorous examination of his past projects.
Securing the position required navigating a grueling series of interviews.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"Break the ice"
To make people feel comfortable.
He told a joke to break the ice.
neutral"In the hot seat"
Being questioned intensely.
I felt like I was in the hot seat.
casual"Sell yourself"
To promote your strengths.
You need to sell yourself better.
neutral"Foot in the door"
Getting an initial opportunity.
This is a foot in the door.
neutral"Think on your feet"
To react quickly.
You must think on your feet.
neutral"The ball is in your court"
It is your turn to act.
I sent my resume; now the ball is in their court.
casualEasily Confused
Similar root.
The person asking.
The interviewer was kind.
Similar root.
The person answering.
The interviewee was nervous.
Starts with 'inter'.
To get involved.
He intervened in the fight.
Starts with 'inter'.
Inside.
Internal communication.
Sentence Patterns
I have an interview for [position].
I have an interview for the job.
The interview went [adjective].
The interview went well.
I am preparing for an interview with [company].
I am preparing for an interview with Google.
He aced the interview by [verb-ing].
He aced the interview by being honest.
The interview process consists of [number] rounds.
The process consists of three rounds.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
We interview 'with' a person or company.
Unless you are the interviewer, you 'have' an interview.
We use 'go well' to describe events.
It is more professional to say position or role.
Use the possessive form.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine your office as a palace for interviews.
Native Usage
Say 'I have an interview' not 'I do an interview'.
Cultural Insight
Firm handshakes are standard in the West.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before interview.
Say It Right
Focus on the first syllable stress.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't say 'I did an interview'.
Did You Know?
The term comes from French.
Study Smart
Record yourself answering questions.
Be Prepared
Always bring a copy of your resume.
Body Language
Maintain eye contact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
INTER (between) + VIEW (see) = Seeing between the lines.
Visual Association
A person sitting in a chair across from a boss.
Word Web
Challenge
Roleplay an interview with a friend today.
Word Origin
French
Original meaning: To see each other
Cultural Context
Avoid asking about religion, age, or marital status.
In the US/UK, interviews are very structured. Eye contact and firm handshakes are expected.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- hiring manager
- job offer
- salary negotiation
School
- college interview
- admissions board
- academic goals
Networking
- informational interview
- career path
- professional network
HR
- competency-based
- screening
- onboarding
Conversation Starters
"How was your job interview?"
"What is the hardest interview question you have faced?"
"Do you prefer virtual or in-person interviews?"
"How do you prepare for an interview?"
"What do you think is the key to a successful interview?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your most memorable job interview experience.
Write about how you would prepare for your dream job interview.
What questions would you ask an interviewer?
Reflect on how your confidence changes during an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsA formal meeting to assess a candidate.
Research the company and practice answers.
Professional attire is usually best.
No, many are virtual now.
One candidate, multiple interviewers.
Yes, it is encouraged.
Interviewer asks, interviewee answers.
Usually, but can be for research.
Test Yourself
I have a job ___ today.
The word is interview.
Which is correct?
We say 'have an interview'.
An interviewer is the person who gets the job.
The interviewee gets the job.
Word
Meaning
Common idioms.
I prepared for the job interview.
She ___ the interview with ease.
Handle is correct.
What does 'think on your feet' mean?
It means to react quickly.
A panel interview involves one person.
It involves a group of people.
He navigated the interview with poise.
The candidate's ___ was impressive.
Noun form.
Score: /10
Summary
A job interview is a professional conversation designed to find the best match for both the employer and the candidate.
- A job interview is a formal meeting for hiring.
- The person asking is the interviewer.
- The person answering is the interviewee.
- Preparation is key to success.
Memory Palace
Imagine your office as a palace for interviews.
Native Usage
Say 'I have an interview' not 'I do an interview'.
Cultural Insight
Firm handshakes are standard in the West.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'an' before interview.
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