Direct Interview Example

There are different types of interviews depending on the type of information sought and the role played by both the interviewer and the interviewee during the interaction. In the case of direct interviewthe interviewer has a leading role, because it asks questions around a specific question, and based on a previously designed form. In these types of interviews, the interviewee is expected to provide short and concise answers.

The direct interview is characterized by being led by the interviewer, and does not allow the interviewee to ramble much in his answers. These types of interviews are widely used during the first parts of the job selection process.

Below are some direct interview examples.

Example of direct interview for job search:

Work interview
Interviewer = Juan
Interviewee = Maria.

Juan: What's your name?

Mary: Maria Velázquez

Juan: How old are you?

Maria: 25 years old.

Juan: What is your marital status?

Maria: Single

Juan: Do you have any marriage plans?

María: In the medium term, yes.

Juan: More or less in how long?

María: About three more years.

Juan: What career did you study?

Maria: International Relations

Juan: Where did you study?

María: At the University of the North

Juan: How many semesters did your career last?

Mary: Nine

Juan: Do you have work experience?

María: Yes, I have 2 years of experience.

Juan: Where did you work?

María: In an NGO dedicated to safeguarding human rights

Juan: And why did you stop working there?

María: Due to change of residence

Juan: Where did you live before?

María: In Monclova, Coahuila

Juan: Thank you very much for your time, Maria.

Maria: Thank you.

Example of a direct interview with the doctor:

Interviewer: Imelda
Interviewee: Mariana

Imelda: What is her full name?

Mariana: Mariana Ramírez Martínez

Imelda: How old is she?

Mariana: 30 years

Imelda: Does your family have a history of cancer?

Mariana: Only my grandfather had liver cancer.

Imelda: History of diabetes or hypertension in his family?

Mariana: No, nobody.

Imelda: Do you smoke?

Mariana: Very little

Imelda: How often?

Mariana: Only when I go out, on average about three cigarettes a week.

Imelda: Alright, baby?

Mariana: No, nothing.

Imelda: What do you do?

Mariana: I am a lawyer, I work in an office.

Imelda: Do you exercise?

Mariana: I only go for a walk three times a week

Imelda: Do you eat your three meals a day?

Mariana: Yes, although sometimes I don't have breakfast.

Imelda: Do you usually eat between meals?

Mariana: Sometimes I eat fruit, some other cookies or bread.

Imelda: What are your symptoms?

Mariana: I have a pain in my back

Imelda: Where on the back?

Mariana: In the lower back.

Imelda: When did the pain start?

Mariana: Three days ago.

Imelda: Has it increased?

Mariana: Yes.

Imelda: Alright, let me check you out.