What is a structured job interview? Optimizing the interview process

Job interviews are a key step in the personnel selection process. Through these conversations, recruiters evaluate candidates and make important decisions to determine if they are suitable for the position. However, not all interviews are conducted in the same way. In the quest to improve objectivity and efficiency in interviews, a technique known as structured job interviews has emerged. 

This is undoubtedly a tool that you should be familiar with. At T2W, we have extensive experience in recruitment and selection processes, so we are well-versed in this topic. In this article, we will explore in detail what a structured job interview is and how it can benefit both recruiters and candidates. 

What is a structured job interview? 

A structured employment interview offers a systematic and standardized approach to conducting selection interviews. For this reason, they are often referred to as standardized interviews. The main objective of a structured job interview is to reduce subjectivity and bias in the selection process. 

Let’s remember that, in a regular scenario, through unstructured job interviews, the questions in a job interview can vary, and interviewers have more freedom to improvise. This can significantly change the flow of the interview from candidate to candidate. In contrast, structured interviews are based on a set of predefined questions and a clear methodology. 

Interviews with evaluation criteria 

By having a set of standardized questions, all candidates are evaluated based on the same criteria, providing a more solid basis for comparison and informed decision-making. This allows for a fair and objective assessment of candidates’ skills, competencies, and experience. 

In addition to question standardization, structured job interviews can also include a rating scale or an evaluation matrix. These tools help recruiters measure and record candidates’ responses consistently, facilitating comparison and decision-making based on concrete data. 

Questions in a structured job interview 

There are different types of questions that can be used in a structured job interview. Some of them are situational questions, where hypothetical situations are presented to assess how the candidate would handle certain circumstances at work. 

Behavioral questions are also used, seeking specific examples of past behaviors to predict future performance. Other questions may be related to technical skills or specific knowledge required for the position. 

Benefits of a structured job interview 

1. Reduced biases in recruitment 

The benefits of structured job interviews are numerous. Firstly, by having a more objective approach, the influence of unconscious biases in decision-making is heavily reduced. Recruiters can evaluate candidates more fairly and accurately, based on specific and measurable criteria. 

2. More detailed evaluation 

Furthermore, question standardization and the evaluation process facilitate comparison among candidates and the identification of each individual’s strengths and weaknesses. This is especially useful when multiple interviewers are involved or when evaluating large volumes of candidates. 

3. A fairer process 

On the other hand, candidates also benefit from a standardized interview process. With clear and predefined questions, they have the opportunity to prepare more effectively and demonstrate their relevant skills and experience. This provides them with a sense of fairness and transparency in the selection process. 

The Bottom Line

In summary, structured job interviews are an efficient and objective technique that seeks to improve the personnel selection process. By standardizing questions and evaluation criteria, subjectivity is reduced, and a fair and equitable assessment is promoted. 

Both recruiters and candidates benefit from this approach, as decisions are made based on concrete data, and a fair opportunity is provided to showcase both skills and experience. In an increasingly competitive job market, structured job interviews have become a valuable tool for finding the best talent and making informed hiring decisions. 

At Talent2Win, we strive to align your company’s business objectives with the best Talent Acquisition strategies available. If you want to learn more about the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us.