Meaning & definition: the interview is a selection technique which enables the employer to view the total individual and directly appraise him and his behaviour. It is a method by which an applications personality (including his intelligence, breadth of interests, and general attitudes towards life) can be obtained by a face to face contact.

According to the Scott and others, "an interview is a purposeful exchange of ideas, the answering of the questions and communication between two or more persons".

In other words, an interview is an attempt to secure maximum amount of information from the candidate concerning his suitability for the job under the consideration.