Final answer:
The interview type described where questions vary between candidates and the conversation flows spontaneously is known as an unstructured interview. It allows for a more personal and in-depth discussion, contrasting with the more predictive and consistent structured interview format.
Step-by-step explanation:
The traditional type of interview referred to in the question is an unstructured interview. In an unstructured interview, the interviewer and the applicant engage in a conversation that is more like a free-flowing discussion rather than a regimented question-and-answer session.
The questions are not pre-determined and can differ between candidates. This type of interview allows for a more personal and spontaneous interaction, enabling the interviewer to get a fuller understanding of the candidate's personality and qualifications beyond what is on the resume. Compared to a structured interview, where every candidate is asked the same questions in the same order and responses are rated using a standard system, the unstructured format is less formal and can adapt to the direction of the conversation.
However, structured interviews are generally found to be more effective at predicting job performance, as the consistency and scoring system allows for a more objective comparison between candidates.