pohovor

Pohovor is a term used in Czech and Slovak to denote a formal conversation designed to obtain information or assess a person. In everyday use it most often refers to an employment interview, but it can also describe admissions interviews for universities, internships, or other programs, as well as oral examinations or official inquiries. The form and setting vary, from one-on-one meetings to panel or group formats.

Etymology: The word derives from hovořit, to speak, with the prefix po-. It conveys a sense of a formal, goal-oriented talk rather than casual dialogue. In Czech and Slovak, pohovor is distinct from a simple rozhovor (conversation) by its structured purpose and evaluative aspect.

Common types and structure: A job pohovor usually includes introduction, questions about education and experience, behavioral or situational questions, and a closing discussion about next steps. Some interviews incorporate tasks, tests, or case studies. Education-related pohovory may assess subject mastery or motivation. In practice, formats range from structured, with fixed questions, to semi-structured or unstructured, and can be conducted individually, in panels, or in groups.

Preparation and evaluation: Candidates prepare by researching the organization, reflecting on relevant examples, and preparing questions to ask. Interviewers assess qualifications, competence, communication, motivation, and cultural fit, while aiming for consistency and fairness. Ethical considerations include non-discrimination and privacy; some jurisdictions limit certain questions during interviews.