Interviewee Types
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def
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classification of interviewees based on psychological characteristics and communication behavior, used to adapt interview strategies for more effective information gathering
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based on personality type (Florence Littauer, Personality Plus, 1992)
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Sanguine (Expressive & Social)
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characteristics — talkative, enjoys storytelling, expressive, enthusiastic
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challenge — tends to stray from the main topic
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strategy — use structured questions and actively redirect back to the interview goal
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e.g., a marketing manager who enthusiastically discusses new products but often drifts from the core question
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Phlegmatic (Calm & Relaxed)
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Choleric (Dominant & Assertive)
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characteristics — results-oriented, direct, assertive, impatient
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challenge — impatient in answering; may attempt to control or redirect the interview
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strategy — use a direct approach; state the interview purpose and expected outcomes clearly from the start
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e.g., a startup CEO who only wants to hear about bottom-line results
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Melancholic (Analytical & Perfectionist)
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characteristics — detail-oriented, careful in speech, analytical
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challenge — may over-elaborate or be excessively cautious in sharing information
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strategy — prepare questions that emphasize facts and analysis; allow time for thoughtful answers
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e.g., a QA engineer who provides an extremely detailed analysis of every bug found
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based on extraversion level (Hans Eysenck, The Biological Basis of Personality, 1967)
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Introvert
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characteristics — more comfortable with written communication; less spontaneous in live interviews
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challenge — may appear passive or closed off
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strategy — use questions that allow for reflection time before answering; consider written pre-interview questions
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e.g., a backend developer who prefers explaining solutions through diagrams or writing rather than speaking
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Extrovert
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characteristics — talkative, active, enthusiastic in interviews
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challenge — may lack focus and speak at length without a clear direction
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strategy — use summarization techniques to keep the conversation on track
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e.g., an IT sales representative who enthusiastically explains products but without clear direction
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Ambivert
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characteristics — balanced between introvert and extrovert; flexible in communication
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challenge — behavior may shift depending on the interview situation and environment
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strategy — adapt interview techniques dynamically based on the interviewee's reactions
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e.g., a project manager who is active in meetings but comfortable with independent analysis
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