What is one significant characteristic of structured interviews?

Structured interviews are characterized by the use of a standardized set of questions that are prewritten and asked of every candidate. This approach ensures consistency across interviews and allows for a fair comparison of candidates’ responses. By asking the same questions, interviewers can evaluate candidates on the same criteria, which helps to mitigate bias and improve the reliability of the selection process. This predictability in the interview format is designed to focus on the specific competencies and qualifications needed for the role, making structured interviews an effective tool for recruitment and selection.

In contrast, flexibility in questioning, the inclusion of random questions, or encouraging informal conversational exchanges would detract from the standardization that defines a structured interview, leading to less reliable comparisons between candidates.