What is a structured interview – and why is it worthwhile?

In contrast to an unstructured interview, the structured interview is based on a clearly defined catalogue of questions. You ask all candidates the same questions – tailored to the advertised position and the required competencies. This creates:

• Comparability
• Transparency
• Objectivity

Especially in larger selection processes or when several people are involved in the decision-making, the structured interview provides a real advantage: You can assess candidates systematically, compare team feedback more easily and make more informed decisions. Misunderstandings or subjective impressions are reduced – making the selection process more efficient and fair for everyone involved.

The process of a structured interview: Step by step

Ideally, a structured interview follows a fixed sequence in several phases:

1. Opening the conversation:
   Casual small talk (not for assessment!) helps to break the ice.  
   
2. Self-presentation by the talent: 
   Current professional situation, career background, personal expectations.
3. Catalogue of questions:
   You ask prepared questions on expertise, behaviour, motivation, goals, etc.
4. Open conversation phase:
   Here you can respond spontaneously to answers and ask follow-up questions.
5. Information from your side:
   You present the company, the role and the next steps in the process.
6. Closing the interview:
   Time for the talent’s questions and an outlook on what comes next.

Questions in a structured interview: What matters most

Each question should pursue a specific goal – ideally reflecting a competency or behaviour.

The following topics are particularly relevant:

• Motivation and reasons for leaving a previous role
• Professional and social skills
• Behaviour in a team
• Understanding of leadership (for management positions)
• Handling of stress, criticism, feedback
• Values, career goals and willingness to learn

Examples of structured interview questions

Self-organisation

• How do you prioritise tasks when several deadlines occur at once?
• What do you do when you get stuck on a task?
• Do you prefer working in detail or seeing the big picture – and why?

Social skills & team behaviour

• Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict within a team. How did you approach it?
• What does good teamwork mean to you?
• How do you handle criticism from supervisors?

You’ll find more examples of structured questions in our structured interview guide!  

The four types of structured interviews

Depending on the position and level of experience, you can choose between different interview formats:

1. Behaviour Description Interview (BDI)
   Focuses on real experiences from the past (“Tell me about a situation where …”).
2. Biographical Interview (BI)
   Detailed exploration of the CV, including critical events or job changes.
3. Situational Interview (SI)
   You present hypothetical situations that the talent has to solve spontaneously – particularly suitable for entry-level roles.
4. Multimodal Interview (MMI)
   Combines structured and unstructured elements in eight phases – ideal for leadership positions or complex roles.

Advantages and disadvantages of the structured interview

A structured interview offers many benefits – but also presents certain challenges. As with any method, its effectiveness depends on how consistently (and at the same time flexibly) you apply it. Here's an overview of the key advantages and possible pitfalls of this interview format:

Advantages

• Objective comparison through standardised questions
• Fairness for all candidates
• Clear basis for decision-making
• Better traceability for the team

Challenges

• Risk of monotonous conversations

Tip: Combine structure with flexibility. Use part of the interview for spontaneous questions and individual exchange – this keeps the interview dynamic and authentic.

Get our structured interview guide with question catalogue!

Would you like to conduct a structured interview but don’t have the right preparation? We’ve created a free structured interview guide for you – including all the key phases, tips and a variety of inspiring questions.

Get your guide now and enter your next job interview professionally prepared!