Human Resources
Structured interview
Definition
A structured interview is a selection interview in which every candidate answers the same job-related questions, scored against the same rating scale by trained interviewers.
Why use a structured interview?
It makes candidates comparable and reduces decisions based on first impressions or personal liking. It also leaves a written record of why a candidate was chosen.
How do you build a structured interview?
- Pick the key competencies for the role.
- Write behavioural and situational questions for each one.
- Agree a scoring guide with examples of weak and strong answers.
- Score each answer before discussing candidates.
See the structured interview guide and the Structured Interviewing and Candidate Evaluation course. Follow it with pre-employment screening.
Where can you go next?
Courses, checks and reading on the same work.- CourseStructured Interviewing & Candidate Evaluation
- CourseInternal & External Recruitment Management
- CertificationCertified HR Selection Manager (CHSM)
- Free online assessmentAre your interviews and background checks consistent? Free selection readiness check
- GuideHow to run a structured interview
- Glossary termPre-employment screening
- Glossary termOnboarding
Which sources does this page use?
This page states no statutory figures, so it cites no official source.
Updated 20 October 2026. General information from the Certifyd team, not legal, tax or safety advice for your workplace.