Interview vs. Appointment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
An interview is a formal meeting focused on assessing qualifications for a specific role or purpose, whereas an appointment is a scheduled meeting with a set time and place for any purpose.
Difference Between Interview and Appointment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An interview is typically a structured interaction, often used in professional or academic settings, where one party evaluates another's suitability for a job, role, or opportunity. The primary aim is to gather information about the interviewee's skills, experiences, and personality to determine their fit for a specific purpose. On the other hand, an appointment refers to any arranged meeting between two or more parties at a designated time and place, which can range from medical visits to business consultations.
Interviews are usually more formal and have a clear evaluative component, focusing on questions and answers to assess the candidate. Appointments, while they can be formal, do not necessarily involve evaluation but are rather opportunities for any number of activities, including service, consultation, or discussion.
The outcomes of interviews are often decisive, leading to decisions about employment, admission, or similar results based on the interaction. Conversely, appointments may lead to a variety of outcomes depending on the purpose of the meeting, such as medical treatment, professional advice, or personal services.
In the context of preparation, interviews require significant preparation by the interviewee, who must be ready to present qualifications and discuss experiences relevant to the position or reason for the interview. Appointments might also require preparation, such as gathering documents or preparing questions, but the focus is generally less on impressing or being evaluated.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual contexts, but in professional settings, the distinctions are important to understand. For example, you might have an appointment with a HR manager, which could include an interview, but you could also have an appointment to discuss benefits or scheduling without any evaluative component.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A formal meeting to assess qualifications.
A scheduled meeting for various purposes.
Purpose
Evaluation for a specific role or opportunity.
General meeting, could be for service or discussion.
Formality
Typically formal and structured.
Can be formal or informal, depending on the context.
Outcome
Decision about role suitability.
Varied outcomes, depending on meeting purpose.
Preparation
Requires detailed preparation for evaluation.
Preparation depends on the nature of the meeting.
Compare with Definitions
Interview
A formal meeting where questions are asked to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a role.
She prepared diligently for her job interview at the tech firm.
Appointment
A scheduled time agreed upon for a meeting or service.
He made an appointment with his doctor for a routine checkup.
Interview
A method to assess skills, experience, and fit.
The interview focused on her skills in project management.
Appointment
Used for planning and organizing personal, medical, or professional interactions.
They scheduled an appointment to review the contract details.
Interview
An evaluative interaction that can impact the interviewee's career or academic path.
His interview with the board was crucial for his promotion.
Appointment
Can be for professional services, such as legal or financial advice.
They set an appointment with the financial advisor to discuss investment options.
Interview
Often used in professional, academic, or media settings to gather detailed information.
The journalist conducted an interview with the mayor about the new policies.
Appointment
Often involves discussing specific issues or receiving specific services.
She has a hair appointment at the salon this Saturday.
Interview
A critical step in hiring processes or admissions.
The university interviews each candidate before offering scholarships.
Appointment
Can be a recurring event, like weekly therapy sessions.
His therapy appointments are crucial for his well-being.
Interview
An interview is essentially a structured conversation where one participant asks questions, and the other provides answers. In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee.
Appointment
The act of appointing or designating someone for an office or position.
Interview
A meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation.
Appointment
The office or position to which one has been appointed.
Interview
Hold an interview with (someone)
She was interviewed by a reporter from the Daily News
Police are keen to interview two men seen nearby
Appointment
An arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place.
Interview
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Appointment
Appointments Furnishings, fittings, or equipment.
Interview
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Appointment
(Law) The act of directing the disposition of property by virtue of a power granted for this purpose.
Interview
An account or a reproduction of such a conversation.
Appointment
The act of appointing a person to hold an office or to have a position of trust
His appointment as treasurer was deemed suitable.
Interview
(Informal) An interviewee
An actor who was a tough interview.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to a service or office; an office to which one is appointed
The appointment of treasurer
Interview
To obtain an interview from.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement.
Interview
To have an interview
Interviewed with a publishing company.
Appointment
An arrangement between people to meet; an engagement.
They made an appointment to meet at six.
I'm leaving work early because I have a doctor's appointment.
Interview
(obsolete) An official face-to-face meeting of monarchs or other important figures.
Appointment
(religion) Decree; direction; established order or constitution.
To submit to the divine appointments.
Interview
Any face-to-face meeting, especially of an official or adversarial nature.
Appointment
(law) The exercise of the power of designating (under a power of appointment) a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Interview
A conversation in person (or, by extension, over the telephone, Internet etc.) between a journalist and someone whose opinion or statements he or she wishes to record for publication, broadcast etc.
The reporter gave the witness an interview.
Appointment
(government) The assignment of a person by an official to perform a duty, such as a presidential appointment of a judge to a court.
Interview
A formal meeting, in person, for the assessment of a candidate or applicant.
It was a dreadful interview; I have no hope of getting the job.
Appointment
(in the plural) Equipment, furniture.
Interview
An audition.
Appointment
(US) An honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college.
To have an appointment
Interview
A police interrogation of a suspect or party in an investigation.
Appointment
(obsolete) The allowance paid to a public officer.
Interview
(transitive) To ask questions of (somebody); to have an interview.
He interviewed the witness.
The witness was interviewed.
Appointment
The act of appointing; designation of a person to hold an office or discharge a trust; as, he erred by the appointment of unsuitable men.
Interview
(intransitive) To be interviewed; to attend an interview.
Appointment
The state of being appointed to som service or office; an office to which one is appointed; station; position; an, the appointment of treasurer.
Interview
A mutual sight or view; a meeting face to face; usually, a formal or official meeting for consultation; a conference; as, the secretary had an interview with the President.
Appointment
Stipulation; agreement; the act of fixing by mutual agreement. Hence:: Arrangement for a meeting; engagement; as, they made an appointment to meet at six.
Interview
A conversation, or questioning, for the purpose of eliciting information for publication; the published statement so elicited.
Appointment
Decree; direction; established order or constitution; as, to submit to the divine appointments.
According to the appointment of the priests.
Interview
To have an interview with; to question or converse with, especially for the purpose of obtaining information for publication.
Appointment
The exercise of the power of designating (under a "power of appointment") a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.
Interview
The questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists;
My interviews with teen-agers revealed a weakening of religious bonds
Appointment
Equipment, furniture, as for a ship or an army; whatever is appointed for use and management; outfit; (pl.) the accouterments of military officers or soldiers, as belts, sashes, swords.
The cavaliers emulated their chief in the richness of their appointments.
I'll prove it in my shackles, with these handsVoid of appointment, that thou liest.
Interview
A conference (usually with someone important);
He had a consultation with the judge
He requested an audience with the king
Appointment
An allowance to a person, esp. to a public officer; a perquisite; - properly only in the plural.
An expense proportioned to his appointments and fortune is necessary.
Interview
Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Appointment
A honorary part or exercise, as an oration, etc., at a public exhibition of a college; as, to have an appointment.
Interview
Discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation;
We interviewed the job candidates
Appointment
The act of putting a person into a non-elective position;
The appointment had to be approved by the whole committee
Interview
Go for an interview in the hope of being hired;
The job candidate interviewed everywhere
Appointment
A meeting arranged in advance;
She asked how to avoid kissing at the end of a date
Appointment
(usually plural) furnishings and equipment (especially for a ship or hotel)
Appointment
A person who is appointed to a job or position
Appointment
The job to which you are (or hope to be) appointed;
He applied for an appointment in the treasury
Appointment
(law) the act of disposing of property by virtue of the power of appointment;
She allocated part of the trust to her church by appointment
Common Curiosities
What is an interview?
An interview is a formal meeting set to assess an individual’s qualifications and suitability for a specific role or opportunity.
How do interviews differ from appointments?
Interviews are specifically for evaluation and decision-making regarding a person's fit for a role, while appointments can be for a variety of reasons without necessarily involving an assessment.
Can an interview be considered an appointment?
Yes, an interview can be considered a type of appointment, but it is specifically aimed at evaluation and selection.
What should one prepare for an interview compared to a general appointment?
For an interview, preparation involves understanding the role, rehearsing answers to potential questions, and demonstrating qualifications. For a general appointment, preparation might simply involve gathering necessary documents or preparing specific questions related to the service or discussion.
How can one effectively prepare for an interview?
Effective preparation for an interview includes researching the company or institution, practicing answers to common interview questions, and preparing questions to ask the interviewer.
What are the typical outcomes of an interview?
The typical outcomes of an interview might include a job offer, admission into a program, or feedback on the individual’s qualifications.
Why is it important to be punctual for an appointment?
Punctuality shows respect for the other person's time and ensures that you receive full service or have adequate time for discussion.
What is an appointment?
An appointment is a scheduled meeting which can be for any purpose, from medical consultations to professional services.
Are appointments only for professional settings?
No, appointments can be made for personal, medical, professional, or any other type of meeting.
What is the etiquette for cancelling an appointment?
The etiquette for cancelling an appointment involves notifying the other party as soon as possible, preferably with a reason for the cancellation and rescheduling if necessary.
How are virtual interviews different from in-person interviews?
Virtual interviews require the same level of preparation as in-person interviews but also include ensuring a suitable technology setup, quiet environment, and professional appearance on camera.
Can an appointment be informal?
Yes, appointments can be informal, such as meeting a friend for coffee, which still requires agreeing on a time and place.
How should one follow up after an interview?
Following up after an interview typically involves sending a thank-you email or note, reiterating interest in the position, and possibly addressing any points discussed during the interview.
What should one do if running late for an appointment?
If running late for an appointment, it is courteous to call and inform the office or individual, giving an estimated time of arrival.
Is it acceptable to reschedule an interview like a regular appointment?
It is generally acceptable to reschedule an interview, but it should be done with advance notice and a valid reason, as frequent rescheduling might reflect poorly on the candidate’s reliability.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
