A structured interview is sometimes referred to as a pattern interview. There are two ways to conduct a structured interview:
1. Asking a set of questions to each candidate individually.
2. Having candidates fill out a questionnaire form.
As a candidate, it’s important to be aware that these questions are prepared in advance and will be asked of other candidates as well. This allows for comparison of answers.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Structured Interviews
Advantages:
When comparing structured interviews to unstructured ones, the main advantage is that all applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate the required skills and experience for the job.
Additionally, as an initial selection process, structured interview questions are designed to obtain all the necessary data and professional details about each applicant.
Disadvantages:
The disadvantages of structured interviews are that the company needs to interview a sufficient number of applicants to begin the comparison, which is time-consuming and resource intensive. Secondly, structured interviews primarily focus on data collection and lack the ability to assess a candidate’s communication skills.
Structured Interviews: A Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates
Structured interviews require careful preparation to ensure that you can effectively showcase your skills and qualifications.
Here are some tips to help you prepare:
1. Research the company: Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and culture. This knowledge will enable you to tailor your answers to align with the organization’s objectives and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
2. Understand the job requirements: Analyze the job description and make a list of the key skills and qualifications required for the role. Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your proficiency in those areas.
3. Practice answering common questions: While the specific questions may vary, there are common themes that often arise in structured interviews.
Practice answering questions about your experience, strengths and weaknesses, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and provide specific examples.
4. Be concise and focused: Structured interviews typically have a time limit for each question, so it’s important to be concise and to the point in your answers. Avoid rambling or providing excessive details. Instead, highlight the most relevant information that demonstrates your qualifications for the role.
5. Ask thoughtful questions: At the end of the interview, you will likely be given the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the company, the team, or the role itself. This demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement in the opportunity.
6. Practice good body language and communication skills: Pay attention to your body language during the interview. Maintain eye contact, sit up straight, and use confident and professional language. Practice active listening to ensure that you fully understand the interviewer’s questions before responding.
Remember, the key to success in a structured interview is to provide clear and concise answers that demonstrate your skills and qualifications.
By thoroughly preparing and showcasing your abilities, you can increase your chances of impressing the interviewers and landing the job.
Common Structured Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
Some questions may vary depending on the type of position, but many questions are common across interviews, including structured interviews.
Here are examples of basic questions asked in a structured interview and tips on how to answer them:
1. Tell me about yourself (or tell us about your previous jobs – i.e., your professional experience):
This is often the first question in any interview, structured or semi-structured. The goal is to determine the candidate’s professionalism and whether they have done their homework before applying for the job.
The answer should be concise, focusing on positive aspects relevant to the job search.
2. What are your academic qualifications?
Academic qualifications are important for most job profiles today. Almost every job with responsibilities requires specific qualifications. Ensure that you have the necessary academic qualifications before applying for a job opening.
3. Why are you interested in this job?
Also known as “What brings you to us?” This question is commonly asked for more exciting jobs, such as writer, copywriter, or advertising professional roles. It aims to assess whether the candidate understands the advantages and disadvantages of the advertising industry. Avoid answers focused solely on money or stating that the job is easy. Instead, emphasize your genuine interest in the profession.
Refer to the articles:
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question is a form of SWOT analysis that interviewers expect candidates to prepare for in advance. Demonstrating self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses shows maturity and knowledge needed for the job.
Refer to the article: Examples of weaknesses and strengths.
5. Questions related to personal life:
Some questions may touch on your family and personal life. Although seemingly harmless, these questions can impact hiring decisions. Companies may prefer single individuals or those who are well-settled based on the job requirements. For example, a company hiring traveling salesmen may prefer bachelors, while a company seeking a senior manager may prioritize candidates in stable relationships. Answer such questions honestly.
6. Would you be willing to travel once a month out of the city/state/country?
Answer these questions truthfully and factually. Balancing personal and professional lives can be challenging, so it’s important to clarify your preferences during the interview. If you are not willing to travel once a month, it’s better to communicate this information to the interviewer.
Further readings: