Question

Advantages and disadvantages of unstructured and structured interviews + explanation

Answer 1

Structured interviews utilize pre-set questions and rating systems suitable for comparing candidates, but may limit depth of personal insight. Unstructured interviews are more flexible and can reveal more about individuals, but lack standardization and can be influenced by interviewer bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Structured and Unstructured Interviews:

Structured and unstructured interviews are commonly used in various fields including business, social sciences, and education. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages based on the context of their application.

Structured Interviews:

Structured interviews have predetermined questions that are asked to all interviewees. This standardization allows for easy comparison between candidates since they all encounter the same questions. A major advantage is the improved effectiveness in predicting job performance, based on a study by McDaniel et al. (1994). However, the disadvantage is that it may not allow for deeper insights into a candidate's unique qualities or thoughts, potentially leading to a less comprehensive assessment of personality or creativity.

Unstructured Interviews:

Unstructured interviews offer an open-ended, conversational format, where the interviewer may pose different questions based on the flow of the conversation. The advantage of an unstructured interview is its flexibility, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere and the possibility of revealing more about the interviewee's personality and opinions. Nonetheless, a significant disadvantage is the lack of comparability between candidates and the possibility of interviewer bias influencing the outcome of the interview.

It is important to consider factors such as the nature of the job, the desired outcome of the interview, and the skills of the interviewer when choosing between these two interviewing approaches.

Answer 2

ADVANTAGES OF UNSTRUCTURED INTERVIEWS

Rapport and sensitivity - informality allows interviewer to gain rapport so more likely to open up. e.g. Labov in formal interview found it hard to open up as uneasy as linguistically deprived but by using relaxed style (e.g. sitting on floor) children relaxed and opened up

Rapport and sensitivity - informality allows interviewer to gain rapport so more likely to open up. e.g. Labov in formal interview found it hard to open up as uneasy as linguistically deprived but by using relaxed style (e.g. sitting on floor) children relaxed and opened upchecking understanding - easier for interviewer and interviewee to check each others meanings. - if interviewee doesn't understand question they can ask - or if interviewer is unsure what interviewees meanings are can ask follow up questions to find out more

Rapport and sensitivity - informality allows interviewer to gain rapport so more likely to open up. e.g. Labov in formal interview found it hard to open up as uneasy as linguistically deprived but by using relaxed style (e.g. sitting on floor) children relaxed and opened upchecking understanding - easier for interviewer and interviewee to check each others meanings. - if interviewee doesn't understand question they can ask - or if interviewer is unsure what interviewees meanings are can ask follow up questions to find out moreFlexibility - no fixed set of questions so can explore whats interesting/relevant at the time. Interviewer can find new ideas and hypotheses

DISADVANTAGES OF UNSTRUCTURED INTERVIEWS

Practical Problems - Unstructured interviews take long time to conduct - limits number that can be carried out = small sample size compared with methods such as questionnaires - less representative

Practical Problems - Unstructured interviews take long time to conduct - limits number that can be carried out = small sample size compared with methods such as questionnaires - less representativeReliability - not reliable as not standardized - each one unique as may ask different questions to different people if something interesting occurs so its almost impossible to replicate

Practical Problems - Unstructured interviews take long time to conduct - limits number that can be carried out = small sample size compared with methods such as questionnaires - less representativeReliability - not reliable as not standardized - each one unique as may ask different questions to different people if something interesting occurs so its almost impossible to replicateEthical Issues - In an interview it may be hard to not answer questions that may be sensitive or that interviewee doesnt want to talk about - also issues with confidentiality or harm if sensitive topic

ADVANTAGES OF STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS

Structured interviews introduce more objectivity into your hiring process—even when there are multiple interviewers involved. By creating a standardized list of questions and assessment methods, you can make equitable comparisons between candidates because you've left less room for common interviewer biases.

DISADVANTAGE OF STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS

The candidate is required to plan more in advance.

The candidate is required to plan more in advance.The questions need development, review, and testing to approve and implement.

The candidate is required to plan more in advance.The questions need development, review, and testing to approve and implement.The pre-planned set of questions is at risk of being revealed, which can help applicants game the system.

The candidate is required to plan more in advance.The questions need development, review, and testing to approve and implement.The pre-planned set of questions is at risk of being revealed, which can help applicants game the system.The questions may not seem personal or relevant to each individual applicant.