interviewee

Imagine you're putting on a play. One person asks the questions, and the other person answers them. That second person is the interviewee. It is simply the person being questioned in an interview, whether the interview is for a job, a news story, a school project, or research.

The word "interviewee" helps us be specific. We can say "the interviewer asked the interviewee about their experience" instead of saying "the person being interviewed" every time. You will often hear it in work settings, in journalism, and in research. It points clearly to the person on the answering side of the interview.

The word "interviewee" refers to the person being interviewed. While it seems straightforward, understanding its context helps clarify its use. An interview is a conversation with a purpose—usually to gather information or assess someone's suitability for something. The "interviewer" conducts the interview, and the "interviewee" participates in it.

You'll most commonly encounter "interviewee" in professional settings, particularly during job applications. A company might say, "We will contact qualified interviewees to schedule a second round of interviews." However, it is not limited to jobs. Journalists interviewing sources for a news story also have interviewees. Researchers conducting studies use the term too, because the people answering their questions can also be called interviewees.

It's important to note that "interviewee" is a relatively formal word. In casual conversation, you might simply say "the person I interviewed" or "the candidate." But in professional writing and communication, using "interviewee" adds clarity and precision.

Think of it this way: the interview is a dance between two people. The interviewer leads, but the interviewee responds—they are an essential part of the process. So next time you hear about someone being interviewed, remember that person is the interviewee, ready to share their story or qualifications!