What characterizes a structured interview?

A structured interview is characterized by a predetermined sequence of questions that are asked to every participant in the same order. This consistency ensures that all candidates are evaluated on the same criteria, which aids in reducing biases and making the evaluation process more systematic. The format allows the interviewer to compare responses directly, as everyone is responding to the same set of questions.

This approach is particularly useful in settings where the information being gathered needs to be reliable and valid, such as in hiring processes, research studies, or evaluations. It minimizes variation that could arise from different interviewing styles or topics, focusing instead on specific competencies or information relevant to the purpose of the interview.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a structured interview. For instance, an open discussion with no predetermined questions indicates a conversational style typical of unstructured interviews. A flexible questioning approach also suggests a level of improvisation that's contrary to the rigidity of a structured format. Additionally, focusing solely on personal experiences limits the scope of questions and does not align with the systematic nature of a structured interview, which seeks comprehensive and comparable data.