Final answer:
A highly structured interview with a consistent set of questions for all candidates, scored using a standardized system, is known as a structured interview. It differs from unstructured interviews, which are more conversational and vary between candidates.
Step-by-step explanation:
A highly structured interview that involves a two-way exchange of information is called a structured interview. Unlike an unstructured interview where questions may vary greatly from one candidate to the next, in a structured interview, every candidate is asked the same set of prepared questions. The responses are then scored using a standardized rating system, enabling the interviewer to make accurate comparisons across interviews. This method has been found to be more effective at predicting subsequent job performance.
Characteristics of a structured interview include thorough preparation, systematic questioning, and the use of a standard scoring system. It contrasts with an informational interview, which is more about networking and learning, and an unstructured interview, which is more like a free-flowing conversation with no predetermined questions.