Job interviews are a crucial part of the hiring process, allowing employers to assess candidates and determine their suitability for a role. They have gained popularity due to their effectiveness in evaluating applicants fairly and objectively.

However, in order to get to the interview stage, you need to first impress recruiters with an impeccable CV. Therefore, make sure you update it on a regular basis, add relevant work experience and qualifications, and tailor it to each job role you’re applying for. It is worth working with a professional CV writing service to make the most of your job applications.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of structured interviews, highlight the benefits they offer, and offer 6 tips to help candidates excel in their next structured interview.

What Is A Structured Interview?

In this section, we will explore the concept of structured interviews and how they differ from unstructured interviews.

Structured interviews can be defined as a systematic and standardised approach to interviewing candidates. Unlike unstructured interviews, which may vary in terms of questions and evaluation criteria, they follow a predetermined set of questions and a scoring rubric. This approach ensures that all candidates are assessed using the same criteria, promoting fairness and objectivity.

The key features of structured interviews are standardised questions that are relevant to the job requirements. This consistency allows for a more accurate comparison of candidates and eliminates any bias that may arise from varying questions. Moreover, structured interviews employ a consistent interview process for all candidates, reducing the risk of unequal treatment.

Structured vs Unstructured Interview

Unstructured interviews are more flexible in nature. The questions asked may vary for each candidate, depending on the interviewer's discretion. This flexibility, while allowing for a more conversational style, can lead to inconsistency and bias in evaluating job applicants.

Structured interviews, on the other hand, adhere to a more uniform, objective approach. They involve the use of predetermined questions that are relevant to the job requirements. By employing a consistent set of questions for all candidates, structured interviews provide a fair and equal evaluation process. This standardised approach reduces bias and improves the reliability of the hiring process

Benefits of Structured Interviews

One significant benefit of structured interviews is their enhanced predictive validity. They are designed to assess job-related competencies and predict future job performance. Research studies have shown that structured interviews have higher predictive validity compared to unstructured interviews, making them a valuable tool in selecting the most suitable candidates.

Structured interviews also contribute to increased fairness and equity in the hiring process. By utilising standardised questions that focus on job-related qualifications, structured interviews help mitigate bias and ensure equal opportunities for all candidates. This approach ensures that candidates are evaluated based on their skills and qualifications rather than personal biases or preferences.

Another advantage of structured interviews is improved reliability. They provide consistent and reliable results. All candidates are assessed using the same set of questions and evaluation criteria, reducing the potential for errors and discrepancies in candidate evaluation.

Furthermore, structured interviews offer time and resource efficiency. The use of set questions and evaluation criteria streamlines the interview process, saving time and resources for both the interviewer and the candidate. This efficiency allows interviewers to assess candidates efficiently and make informed decisions within a reasonable timeframe.

6 Tips To Ace Your Next Structured Interview

Now that we’ve explained what the benefits are, here are some practical tips for candidates to excel in structured interviews and increase their chances of success.

Thoroughly Research the Organization and Role

To prepare for a structured interview, it is essential to understand the company values, culture, and job requirements. Conduct thorough research to gain insights into the organisation's background, mission, and recent developments. Additionally, familiarise yourself with the specific role you are interviewing for, including the required competencies and responsibilities.

Prepare Competency-Based Examples

Structured interviews often focus on assessing specific competencies required for the job To showcase your skills effectively, prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these competencies. Describe the situation, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved. Providing detailed explanations will help interviewers assess your suitability for the role.

Familiarise Yourself with Common Interview Questions

While each structured interview may have its own set of questions, there are commonly asked questions that you can anticipate. Take the time to prepare thoughtful responses. Practise aloud or with a friend to enhance your confidence and articulation during the interview.

Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experiences

During the structured interview, emphasise your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Be specific in explaining how your past achievements demonstrate your ability to succeed in the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide a clear understanding of your capabilities.

Listen and Respond Thoughtfully

Actively listen to the interviewers' questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. Respond thoughtfully, providing concise and well-structured answers. Focus on addressing the key points of each question and highlight how your skills and experiences align with the organisation's needs.

Ask Relevant Questions

Towards the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask if you have any questions. Prepare a list of relevant questions about the organisation, team dynamics, or the specific role. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the position and allows you to gather more information to make an informed decision if an offer is extended to you.

Conclusion

Structured interviews provide a fair and objective assessment of candidates' skills and qualifications, benefiting both employers and candidates. By understanding the concept of structured interviews, leveraging their benefits, and following the tips provided, candidates can enhance their performance in structured interviews and increase their chances of securing their desired positions.