Structured Interview vs. Unstructured Interview

Main Difference

The main difference between a structured interview and the unstructured interview is that a structured interview is where all the questions prepared from beforehand and an unstructured interview is an interview which does not pursue any specific format or style of questions.

Difference Between Structured Interview and Unstructured Interview

Comparison Chart

Structured Interview vs. Unstructured Interview

A structured interview is a kind of interview in which the inquirer asks a particular set of predetermined questions whereas an unstructured interview is an interview in which the inquirer asks questions which not prepared in advance. Structured Interview is a kind of individual interview, in which the inquirer uses a fixed format conversely unstructured Interview is one, that does not use any fixed format. A structured interview is a method of quantitative research used for the survey, which objectives at displaying the preset questions, in every interview, which the same sequence whereas unstructured interview is a qualitative research procedure, in which the questions prepared during the interview. In structured interviews, questions are scheduled and created in advance, which means that all applicants are asked the same questions in the same sort. In unstructured interviews, questions arise spontaneously in a free-flowing conversation, which means that different candidates asked different questions.

Structured interviews are also known as Standardized, Patterned, Planned and Formal interviews. Whereas unstructured interviews are also known as Informal, Casual, and Free-flowing interviews. In a structured interview, the place of the questions before the candidate is close-ended, that needs a certain piece of information from the candidates, or in fact, he/she has to choose between diverse options provided. Conversely, unstructured interview, the questions are open-ended, that retorted in many ways, i.e., the candidate is free to give considerate answers and thus influence the interviewer.

What is a Structured Interview?

A structured interview is a fixed format interview in which all questions are prepared beforehand and put in the same sort to each interview. It provides the precision and reliability required in certain situations, also called directive interview. The questions asked in a set / standardized command, and the interviewer will not diverge from the interview schedule or investigate beyond the answers received. Structured interviews are easy to repeat as a fixed set of closed questions are used, which are easy to quantify. Structure interviews are not flexible which means new questions cannot be asked offhand as an interview schedule followed. Structured interview questions can be open as well as close-ended.

Advantages

• Make the process easy
• Can be checked upon
• Expands the line of questioning
• Gives you the best idea of the issue
• Questions restated
• Examine understanding level
• Can get to know details

Disadvantages

• Very little rapport
• Limited assessments as well as tensions
• Internal disconnect
• Cannot alter questions
• Complex questions
• Lack of testing communication
• Experts required

What is Unstructured Interview?

Unstructured interviews are like a free flow discussion which is very informal and open to discuss. Even though the unstructured interview is a very casual type, it has lots of intents. This type of interview is more like a non-directive interview and has an amiable approach to it. Good use of an unstructured interview relies on the interviewer. The interviewer would be able to evaluate the candidate very well because of the sudden free-flowing questions and mostly because questions raised from the candidate’s reply.

Advantages

• A better understanding
• It is very flexible
• A very practical method
• It is a very valid
• It breaks the communication gap
• It develops a good hope to the candidate

Disadvantages

• Time-consuming
• There are opportunities to get diverted from the entire interview
• Not suitable for certain candidates
• There are hazards of speaking about confidential matters during the interview

Conclusion

Accordingly, when the inquirer organized, the same questions, are place before the candidates, which are job-related. Rather, when the interview is unstructured, questions may diverge from applicant to applicant, for the same job, which may or may not be associated with the job. Additionally, in a structured interview, there is an over the early system or conduct to check the results. Compared this, there is no such pre-developed system or guide for checking interview results.