Two Examples of Interview Transcriptions

Examples of Interview Transcript Formats: Full Verbatim and Clean Verbatim

Taking notes during a job interview can make you miss key points from your conversation. With an interview transcript, you get the entire discussion recorded, so you never lose important details. This guide explains the two main formats for interview transcripts, gives real examples, and helps you choose the best method for your hiring process.

Why Use Interview Transcripts?

• Helps you fully focus on the conversation instead of taking notes.
• Ensures you don't forget vital answers from the candidate.
• Provides a written record that you can easily review or share.
• Makes it easier to compare candidates fairly and accurately.

According to a 2023 survey, 74% of hiring managers said having transcripts of interviews improved their decision-making and reduced bias (SHRM, 2023).

Popular Interview Transcript Formats

Transcripts can be formatted in two main ways:

• Full Verbatim
• Clean Verbatim

Both types can also include timestamps for easier reference to the audio.

What Is a Full Verbatim Interview Transcript?

Full verbatim captures every word exactly as spoken. This includes:

• Filler words ("um," "uh," "you know")
• False starts
• Stutters and repetitions
• Laughter and other sounds

This format is useful if you need to study how well someone speaks, or if their exact word choice and communication style are important to the role.

Full Verbatim Interview Transcript Example

Interviewer: Okay, let’s start. I’m going to ask you a few questions, and, uh, you can answer them as you see fit.

Interviewee: Okay.

Interviewer: Um, so, first things first. How old are you?

Interviewee: Um, I’m 25 this year.

Interviewer: Okay. Um, so, what do you know about-- Hang on. Before that, what are you doing at the moment?

Interviewee: Well, I-I-I just finished an internship at my uncle’s company. He runs a, um- like a furniture factory.

Interviewer: And--

Interviewee: Oh, well, I helped him with, you know, ordering and stuff. It wasn’t very-- I only did it because I needed the experience. It’s not something I want to return to.

Interviewer: Alright. Now, what do you know about HR?

Interviewee: [coughs] Sorry. In my last semester in college, I took an HR course. It was interesting. We kinda learned about-about hiring and retaining employees and that sorta thing.

Interviewer: That sounds very thorough.

Interviewee: [laughs] It was alright. Anyway, I-- Hmm, I realized that it’s a field I wouldn’t mind trying out.

Interviewer: Great. So what do you know about our company?

Interviewee: Mm, not much, exactly. I think-- Okay, so I read about what you guys do on the cab ride over.

Interviewer: Mm-hmm.

Interviewee: You know, there isn’t much on your Facebook page.

Interviewer: Did you check out our website?

Interviewee: Right. I, uh, didn’t think about doing that.

Interviewer: [laughs] That’s unfortunate. Well, we’re an international logistics firm, and we handle the import and export of products between Asia and the US.

Interviewee: Oh.

Interviewer: Okay. Well, I know we just started, but I’ve gotta run.

Interviewee: But--

Interviewer: We’ll pick this up later. I’ll call you.

Interviewee: Um, okay. Bye.

[00:02:01] [END OF AUDIO]

What Is a Clean Verbatim Interview Transcript?

Clean verbatim takes out distractions like filler words, repeated phrases, and false starts. It focuses on the main ideas and complete answers. Choose this format if you want a quick, easy-to-read record of the conversation.

Clean Verbatim Interview Transcript Example

Interviewer: Okay, let’s start. I’m going to ask you a few questions and you can answer them as you see fit.

Interviewee: Okay.

Interviewer: First things first. How old are you?

Interviewee: I’m 25 this year.

Interviewer: Okay. What do you know about-- Hang on. Before that, what are you doing at the moment?

Interviewee: Well, I just finished an internship at my uncle’s company. He runs a furniture factory. I helped him with ordering and stuff. I only did it because I needed the experience. It’s not something I want to return to.

Interviewer: Alright. Now, what do you know about HR?

Interviewee: [coughs] Sorry. In my last semester in college, I took an HR course. It was interesting. We learned about hiring and retaining employees and that sort of thing.

Interviewer: That sounds very thorough.

Interviewee: [laughs] It was alright. Anyway, I realized that it’s a field I wouldn’t mind trying out.

Interviewer: Great. So what do you know about our company?

Interviewee: Not much, exactly. I read about what you do on the cab ride over. There isn’t much on your Facebook page.

Interviewer: Did you check out our website?

Interviewee: Right. I didn’t think about doing that.

Interviewer: [laughs] That’s unfortunate. We’re an international logistics firm, and we handle the import and export of products between Asia and the US. Okay. I know we just started, but I have to run. We’ll pick this up later. I’ll call you.

Interviewee: Okay. Bye.

[00:02:01] [END OF AUDIO]

Adding Timestamps to Your Interview Transcript

Timestamps are time markers placed in your transcript. They help you identify when each response happened, making it easier to find and review specific parts of the audio. Both full verbatim and clean verbatim transcripts can include timestamps, usually every 30 seconds or at the start of each speaker's turn.

Automated vs. Human Interview Transcription

Automated Transcription

• Fast and often less expensive.
• Best when audio is clear, with little background noise.
• Accuracy depends on speaker clarity and accents.
• May struggle with overlapping voices or industry-specific terms.

A study found that automated transcription accuracy ranges from 84% to 91% on clear audio, but drops with speakers who have accents (Stanford, 2023).

Explore automated transcription services for quick turnaround options.

Human Transcription

• Delivers the highest accuracy.
• Handles slang, accents, and complex discussions.
• Essential for legal, HR, or sensitive topics where every word matters.

Human transcribers have an average accuracy rate above 99% (GoTranscript, 2024).

If accuracy matters to your process, choose professional human transcription.

Choosing the Right Approach

• Use automated transcription when speed is more important than perfection.
• Use human transcription for
  critical hiring decisions, sensitive information, or poor audio quality.

Compare transcription pricing to match your budget and needs.

How to Order Interview Transcripts

• Upload your interview recording directly for transcription.
• Choose between full verbatim, clean verbatim, and timestamp options.
• Decide on automated or manual review.
• Receive your transcript ready to review, share, or store.

Extra Services for Interview Recordings

• Get closed captions or subtitles for accessibility.
• Use transcription proofreading services for extra checking.
• Order text translations or audio translations for non-English interviews.
• Review value with affordable captioning rates.

Conclusion: Make Hiring Easier with GoTranscript Interview Transcripts

Whether you manage a single interview or run a series of candidate screenings, having accurate transcripts helps you make better decisions. Choose between full verbatim and clean verbatim formats, add timestamps as needed, and select from automated or human-based transcription services to match your needs.

GoTranscript offers a complete set of solutions, including human and AI-powered transcription, translation, captioning, and proofreading. You can easily order interview transcripts, captions, and more for your hiring process—all at a reasonable price.