there’s a limit to how much you can learn in a structured interview, because you can’t adapt your questioning on the fly if you notice some particular strength or weakness of a candidate.
I agree. Very often I think that semi-structured interviews (which has a more or less closely planned structure, with the capacity to deviate), will be the best compromise between fully structured and fully unstructured interviews. I think it’s relatively rare that the benefits of being completely structured outweigh the benefits of at least potentially asking a relevant followup question, and rare that the benefits of being completely unstructured outweigh the benefits of having at least a fairly well developed plan, with key questions to ask going on.
My understanding of most structured interview formats is that follow up or clarifying questions are still expected and encouraged. There’s limited value in robotically sticking to a list of identical questions, and missing out on the opportunity to get additional information with a follow-up question.
I find the best interviews feel like a structured conversation. There’s interaction between the panel and the candidate, because that’s how we really interact when we meet together. There are efforts made to help the candidate feel relaxed and comfortable, and to value the experiences that they share with the panel. I cover the same questions in the same order with the candidate, but we might spend longer on some questions than others, depending on the background and strengths / weakness of the candidate.
I agree. Very often I think that semi-structured interviews (which has a more or less closely planned structure, with the capacity to deviate), will be the best compromise between fully structured and fully unstructured interviews. I think it’s relatively rare that the benefits of being completely structured outweigh the benefits of at least potentially asking a relevant followup question, and rare that the benefits of being completely unstructured outweigh the benefits of having at least a fairly well developed plan, with key questions to ask going on.
I fully agree.
My understanding of most structured interview formats is that follow up or clarifying questions are still expected and encouraged. There’s limited value in robotically sticking to a list of identical questions, and missing out on the opportunity to get additional information with a follow-up question.
I find the best interviews feel like a structured conversation. There’s interaction between the panel and the candidate, because that’s how we really interact when we meet together. There are efforts made to help the candidate feel relaxed and comfortable, and to value the experiences that they share with the panel. I cover the same questions in the same order with the candidate, but we might spend longer on some questions than others, depending on the background and strengths / weakness of the candidate.