Structured Interview

What is a structured interview? 

A structured interview is a standardized method where the interviewer asks each candidate the same predetermined questions in the same order. This approach ensures that all candidates are evaluated consistently, minimizing biases and providing a clear basis for comparison. Structured interviews are commonly used when objectivity and fairness are critical, such as in hiring processes or research studies. The questions in a structured interview are often based on job-related competencies or specific criteria that are essential for the role, and they can include both behavioral and situational questions.

Structured Interview Example 

An example of a structured interview might be during the recruitment process for a customer service representative. The interviewer could ask each candidate the same set of questions, such as: 

1.Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult customer? What was the situation, and how did you resolve it? 

2.How do you prioritize tasks when multiple customers need assistance simultaneously? 

3.What steps do you take to ensure that you provide accurate and helpful information to customers? 

By asking all candidates the same questions, the interviewer can objectively compare their responses to determine which candidate has the most relevant experience and skills for the role. This consistency helps to reduce the influence of unconscious bias and ensures that the evaluation process is fair for all candidates. 

How Mercer | Mettl can help 

Organizations looking to conduct structured interviews can do so using Mercer | Mettl Interviews. It is an automated platform with many features that help interviewers use interactive tools and simulators seamlessly. It includes: 

Multi-panel interviews: Conduct consecutive interviews with multiple candidates and interviewers simultaneously, ensuring efficient and quick decision-making.  

Simple setup: Log in and start the interview without hassle and minimize time to set up, allowing an easy interview experience for candidates and interviewers.  

Seamless collaboration: Ensure an engaging and collaborative experience with the tool’s seamless audio, video, and chat capabilities.  

Interactive tool: Utilize various interactive tools to create flowcharts and diagrams, evaluating candidates’ creative thinking and ability.