Knowing which type of job interview is best for your business and how to conduct it successfully is crucial to the hiring process. Skilled and knowledgeable interviewers are better able to:

• Hire the most qualified candidates
• Determine if an applicant’s skills, experience, and attitude fit the job requirements
• Assess whether the job seeker will mesh with the company’s culture
• Decrease long-term turnover costs

Most employment interviews fit into these two categories: structured and unstructured. 

The Structured Interview

In a structured interview, all applicants are asked the same specific questions. This interview style makes it easier for the interviewer to compare and rank applicants based on the same criteria. Asking all candidates the same questions makes it easier to defend against bias or discrimination in the hiring process.

The Unstructured Interview

In an unstructured job interview, the interviewer does not follow a list of specific questions but instead tailors the questions to each applicant’s skills, experience, and personality. This style allows questions to be more open-ended or conversational, allowing candidates to add information that might not be disclosed in a more structured interview.

Structured and unstructured interviews can be conducted in a variety of ways.

Telephone Pre-Screen Interview

This interview assesses whether a candidate has sufficient qualifications to continue the interview process.

One-On-One Interview

This interview can be conducted in person or virtually and usually employs a behavioral, competency-based, or situational approach.

Panel Interview

An applicant is interviewed by two or more people in a panel interview. This approach helps gain a broader perspective on the candidate and can also be used as a training exercise for inexperienced interviewers.

Interview Tips

After deciding on the interview’s structure, an interviewer needs to prepare ahead of time.

Familiarize Yourself With The Candidate’s Resume And Cover Letter

It’s safe to assume that if an interview has been scheduled, then the applicant fits the job description. However, taking some time to look over the resume and cover letter will help you create intentional interview questions.

Know The Job Requirements

Begin the interview by introducing yourself and giving some background information about the company and the open role. Candidates can better understand the job responsibilities if they can see the big picture of how their work would fit into the mission and values of the company. Explain to the candidate how the interview will be structured and what will happen during that time to set clear expectations.

Rank Critical Success Factors For The Position

Knowing which skills, qualities, experiences, and characteristics are most important to the role will help you determine whether the candidate is a good fit.

Select Specific Questions

It’s likely your questions will spark some follow-up questions. Asking candidates to expand on their answers can often provide deeper insight into their thought processes, work ethic, personality, and experience.

Candidates Are Interviewing Your Company Too

You can think they are the best candidate available, but that won’t mean much if they are unimpressed by the way you conducted the interview. Show interest in what the candidate has to say, and remember that you are representing the company culture.

Decide How You Will Close The Interview

Consider allowing time for the candidate to ask questions. Many interviewers close interviews by describing the next steps and when they can expect to hear from you.

Check out our other blogs for more insights on interviews:

• 10 Interview Questions To Ask Candidates
• Ask The Right Interview Questions
• How To Wow Your Candidates With An Awesome Interview

Looking to interview superior talent? Let us help. Premier Talent Partners provides exceptional staffing and employment experiences for our clients and candidates. We work with all sizes of companies across the United States and offer diverse, all-inclusive staffing nationwide. Let’s get started!