Interviews: Meaning, Types, and Tips

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Picture a recent graduate nervously preparing for their first job interview, or a UX designer eager to discover why users abandon a new feature. In both cases, interviews become the bridge between questions and answers, offering real human insights that data alone can’t provide. 

In this design journal, we will learn what interviews are, explore their different types, understand their importance in various fields, and discover actionable tips to help you succeed, whether you’re hiring, researching, or designing better user experiences.

Introduction to interviews

When you hear the word “interview,” what comes to mind? 

At its core, an interview is a structured conversation where one person asks questions and another provides answers. 

This simple interview definition forms the basis for countless scenarios in our lives, from job applications and academic research to journalism and user experience design.

Formally, an interview is a method of gathering information, opinions, or insights from individuals through direct questioning. 

Informally, it’s a conversation with a purpose. Whether you’re a job seeker, a researcher, or a designer, understanding the fundamentals of interviews can help you unlock valuable information and make informed decisions.

Importance of interviews

Interviews are more than just question-and-answer sessions; they are powerful tools that shape decisions, build relationships, and drive progress in various fields. 

Let’s explore why interviews matter in different contexts:

In hiring processes

The most familiar use of interviews is in recruitment. Employers rely on interviews to evaluate candidates beyond their resumes. 

Through common interview questions and tailored discussions, hiring managers assess not only skills and experience but also cultural fit and potential. 

The right interview can reveal a candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for the team, making it a critical step in hiring.

In user research

In the world of product development and design, user interviews are invaluable. These interviews help teams understand real user needs, preferences, and pain points. 

By engaging directly with users, companies can gather insights that shape product features, improve usability, and create delightful experiences. 

User interviews are a cornerstone of effective UI UX design, ensuring that products are built with the end-user in mind.

Other applications

Beyond hiring and user research, interviews play a vital role in journalism, market research, academic studies, and more. 

Journalists use interviews to uncover stories and perspectives, while researchers gather qualitative data to inform theories and solutions. 

In every context, interviews serve as a bridge between questions and answers, helping us learn, connect, and innovate.

Types of interviews

Interviews come in many shapes and sizes, each suited to different goals and scenarios. 

Understanding the types of interviews can help you choose the right approach, whether you’re conducting research, hiring, or gathering feedback.

Structured interviews

Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions, asked in the same order for every participant. This consistency ensures fairness and makes it easier to compare responses. 

Structured interviews are commonly used in hiring, where objectivity and standardization are crucial. They help reduce bias and ensure that every candidate is evaluated against the same criteria.

Unstructured interviews

On the other hand, unstructured interviews are more conversational and flexible. The interviewer may have a list of topics but allows the conversation to flow naturally, adapting questions based on the interviewee’s responses. 

This type is especially useful in user interviews and qualitative research, where the goal is to explore experiences and perspectives in depth.

When to use each type

Structured interviews are ideal for situations where consistency and comparability are important, such as job interviews or large-scale surveys.

Unstructured interviews are best when you want rich, detailed insights, such as in user research or exploratory studies.

Behavioral interviews

Behavioral interviews focus on how a person has handled situations in the past, using the idea that past behavior predicts future performance. 

Interviewers ask questions like, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work,” prompting candidates to share specific examples.

The STAR method

A popular technique for answering behavioral questions is the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the context.
• Task: Explain your responsibility.
• Action: Detail what you did.
• Result: Share the outcome.

Using STAR helps candidates provide clear, structured responses and helps interviewers assess competencies like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.

Technical interviews

Technical interviews assess job-specific skills, such as programming, engineering, or data analysis. 

Preparation is key: review core concepts, practice coding challenges, and understand the tools and technologies relevant to the role.

Common technical interview formats

Technical interviews may include:

• Live coding or whiteboard exercises
• Take-home assignments
• System design discussions
• Problem-solving scenarios

These formats test not only technical knowledge but also communication and analytical thinking.

User interviews: understanding your audience

User interviews are a foundational method in user research and UI UX design. 

Planning starts with clear objectives: 

What do you want to learn? 

Who are your target users? 

Prepare open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses and avoid leading the participant.

Conducting user interviews

During the interview, create a comfortable environment. Build rapport, listen actively, and probe for deeper insights. 

The goal is to understand the user’s needs, motivations, and pain points, not just collect surface-level feedback.

Analyzing user interview data

After conducting user interviews, analyze the responses to identify patterns, themes, and actionable insights. Look for recurring pain points, unmet needs, and opportunities for improvement. 

This analysis informs design decisions, prioritizes features, and ensures your product truly serves its users.

How interviews help in UI UX design

Interviews are a cornerstone of effective UI UX design. By conducting user interviews, designers and product teams can deeply understand their users, leading to more intuitive and impactful products. 

Let’s explore how interviews drive better design outcomes:

Understanding user needs and goals

The foundation of any successful product is a deep understanding of its users. Through user interviews, designers can discover what users truly want to achieve, their motivations, and their expectations. 

Unlike surveys or analytics, interviews offer rich, qualitative insights that reveal the “why” behind user behaviors. 

These conversations help teams move beyond assumptions and design features that genuinely serve user goals.

Identifying pain points and challenges

One of the most valuable outcomes of user interviews is uncovering pain points. By asking open-ended questions and listening carefully, designers can identify the obstacles and frustrations users face when interacting with a product. 

These insights are crucial for prioritizing improvements, fixing usability issues, and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Validating assumptions and hypotheses

Every product team starts with assumptions about what users need. However, building a product on untested assumptions is risky. 

User interviews allow teams to validate or challenge their hypotheses early in the design process. 

By directly asking users about their preferences, behaviors, and challenges, teams can make informed decisions and reduce the risk of costly mistakes.

Guiding feature prioritization and design decisions

Not all features are equally important to users. Interviews help teams prioritize features that will have the most impact. 

By understanding which needs are most pressing and which pain points are most severe, product managers and designers can focus their efforts on what matters most. 

This approach ensures that resources are invested wisely and that the product evolves in a user-centric direction.

Creating personas and journey maps

Insights from user interviews are often synthesized into personas and journey maps. Personas are fictional characters that represent key user segments, while journey maps visualize the steps users take to achieve their goals. 

Both tools help teams maintain empathy for users throughout the design process and ensure that every decision is grounded in real user feedback.

Common interview questions

Whether you’re preparing for a job interview or planning user interviews, knowing what questions to ask and how to answer them is crucial. 

Let’s break down some of the most common interview questions and how they’re used in different contexts:

FAQ in job interviews

Job interviews often follow a familiar structure, starting with general questions and moving into specifics about your experience and goals. 

Here are some categories of common interview questions you’re likely to encounter:

Common opening questions

• Tell me about yourself.
  This question helps interviewers get to know you and assess how well you communicate.
• Why are you interested in this position?
  Interviewers want to understand your motivation and how your goals align with the company.
• What do you know about our company?
  This tests your research and genuine interest in the organization.

Questions about experience and skills

• Can you describe your previous job responsibilities?
  This allows you to showcase relevant experience and skills.
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  Interviewers look for self-awareness and honesty.
• Give an example of a time you solved a complex problem.
  Here, behavioral interview techniques and the STAR method are often used.

Questions about career goals

• Where do you see yourself in five years?
  This question assesses your ambition and whether you’re likely to stay with the company.
• What are your long-term career aspirations?
  Interviewers want to know if your goals align with the company’s direction.

When preparing for job interviews, review these common interview questions and practice your answers. 

Using the STAR method for behavioral questions can help you structure responses clearly and confidently.

Questions to ask in user interviews

User interviews are a key part of user research, especially in UI UX design. The questions you ask should be open-ended, encouraging users to share their experiences and perspectives. 

Here are some examples:

Understanding user needs

• What are you hoping to accomplish with this product?
  This question uncovers the user’s primary goals and motivations.
• Can you walk me through how you use the product?
  This helps identify typical workflows and usage patterns.

Uncovering pain points

• What challenges do you face when using the product?
  This reveals obstacles and frustrations that users encounter.
• Is there anything you wish the product could do better?
  This question invites suggestions for improvement and highlights unmet needs.

The key to successful user interviews is to listen actively and probe for deeper insights. Avoid leading questions, and let users share their stories in their own words. 

The information gathered from these interviews will guide your design decisions, helping you create products that truly meet user needs.

Tips for interviews

Preparing for interviews- whether job interviews, user interviews, or research sessions– requires more than just rehearsing answers. 

Success comes from a blend of preparation, professionalism, and follow-through. 

Here are essential tips for interviews to help you stand out and make a lasting impression.

How to prepare effectively

• Research the company or interview subject:
  Begin by learning about the company, its mission, and its products or services. For user interviews, understand your target audience and their context. This preparation helps tailor your responses and questions, showing genuine interest and professionalism.
• Review the job description or research goals:
  Carefully study the job description or research objectives. Identify the skills, experience, or insights required so you can align your answers or questions accordingly.
• Practice common interview questions:
  Rehearse answers to common interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want this role?” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses, especially for behavioral interviews.
• Prepare work examples and references:
  Bring a portfolio or examples of your work, and have a reference list ready if requested. This is especially important for technical interviews and creative roles.
• Use the company’s product:
  If possible, use the company’s product or service before the interview. This demonstrates initiative and allows you to speak knowledgeably about your experience.
• Practice with a friend or mentor:
  Mock interviews with someone you trust can help you refine your answers, improve your delivery, and gain confidence.

Dos and don’ts during an interview

Dos:

• Dress appropriately and maintain good hygiene.
• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to show punctuality.
• Greet your interviewer with a smile, firm handshake, and positive body language.
• Listen carefully and answer questions honestly and concisely.
• Use proper grammar and communicate clearly, even if you need to pause to correct yourself.
• Relate answers to your skills, accomplishments, and the job requirements using the STAR method.
• Ask thoughtful questions about the company, team, or role to show engagement.
• Express enthusiasm and close on a positive note, asking about next steps and thanking the interviewer for their time.

Don’ts:

• Don’t arrive unprepared or without researching the company.
• Avoid oversharing personal information or discussing salary and benefits unless the interviewer brings it up.
• Don’t speak negatively about past employers; focus on what you learned from previous roles.
• Don’t interrupt or dominate the conversation; let the interviewer set the pace.
• Avoid lying or exaggerating your experience; honesty is always preferred.
• Don’t expect a job offer immediately; the process often involves multiple rounds.
• Never leave without expressing gratitude and confirming your interest in the role.

Follow-up strategies

• Send a thank-you note:
  Within 24–48 hours after the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to express appreciation and reaffirm your interest in the position or project. This small gesture can set you apart from other candidates.
• Be brief and professional:
  Keep your follow-up concise, polite, and focused on gratitude and next steps. Avoid multiple follow-ups in a short time span.
• Ask about next steps:
  Before leaving the interview, politely inquire about the next steps in the process and the expected timeline. This shows initiative and helps manage your expectations.
• Take notes:
  After the interview, jot down key points, names, and topics discussed. This helps you prepare for future rounds and personalize your follow-up communication.
• Stay patient and positive:
  The hiring or selection process can take time. Remain professional and patient while waiting for a response, and trust that your preparation and follow-up will make a positive impression.

How AI is transforming the interview process

The rise of AI for interviews is reshaping the way organizations recruit, assess, and select candidates, even how user interviews are conducted in research and design.

AI-powered screening and assessment

AI-driven tools can efficiently screen resumes, analyze application data, and shortlist candidates based on skills, experience, and keywords. 

This automation saves recruiters time and helps ensure a fairer, more objective selection process. 

Some platforms even use AI to conduct initial video interviews, analyzing speech, facial expressions, and body language to provide unbiased evaluations.

AI in virtual interviews

Virtual evaluations powered by AI are becoming increasingly common. These platforms can schedule interviews, guide candidates through standardized questions, and assess responses in real time. 

For user interviews, AI can transcribe sessions, identify themes, and highlight key insights, making it easier for researchers to analyze large volumes of qualitative data.

AI tools for interview preparation

Job seekers can now use AI-based platforms to practice common interview questions, receive instant feedback, and improve their responses. 

These tools analyze your speech, grammar, and delivery, offering tips for interviews and personalized suggestions for improvement.

Ethical considerations

While AI for interviews brings efficiency and scalability, it also raises important ethical questions. 

Ensuring fairness, minimizing algorithmic bias, and protecting candidate privacy are paramount. 

Organizations must be transparent about how AI is used and ensure that human judgment remains part of the decision-making process.

The future of interviews

As AI continues to evolve, it will play an even greater role in both hiring and research. However, the human element- empathy, intuition, and personal connection- remains irreplaceable. 

The most effective interview processes will blend the efficiency of AI with the insight and understanding that only people can provide.

Conclusion

Interviews are a vital tool across many fields, from hiring and user research to product design and beyond. Understanding the interview definition helps us appreciate its purpose: to gather meaningful information through conversation. 

Knowing the various types of interviews, such as structured, behavioral, technical, and user interviews, allows you to approach each with the right mindset and preparation.

Using proven tips, like thorough research, practicing common interview questions, and mastering follow-up strategies, can significantly improve your chances of success. 

Additionally, the rise of AI for interviews is transforming how we prepare, conduct, and analyze interviews, offering new efficiencies while raising important ethical considerations.

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Frequently asked questions 

What is the main purpose of an interview?

The main purpose of an interview is to collect information that helps make informed decisions, whether it’s hiring the right candidate, understanding user needs, or gathering qualitative data for research.

How can I prepare for different types of interviews?

Preparation varies by type. For structured, practice standardized questions; for behavioral, use the STAR method; for technical interviews, review relevant skills; and for user interviews, develop open-ended questions that encourage detailed responses.

What are some common interview questions I should expect?

Common questions include inquiries about your background, skills, experiences, and career goals. Examples are “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

How is AI used in modern interviews?

AI is used to automate resume screening, conduct virtual interviews, analyze candidate responses, and provide feedback. It helps streamline the hiring process and improve interview preparation, but it must be applied ethically to avoid bias.

What are user interviews, and why are they important?

User interviews are conversations with real users aimed at understanding their needs, behaviors, and pain points. They are crucial in UI UX design and product development because they provide deep insights that guide user-centered solutions.