Interviews

 I personally believe every interview needs a balance of structured format and unstructured open ended questions. The standard questions focus on the qualities found in the job analysis for the role. Their goal being to assure that the applicant meets the minimum criteria for the role if not exceeds it. Additional questions should narrow in on answers provided. For example; “Where did you get your degree?” is a standard question but once the answer is given we can focus on the interesting part of the response, “What was the most rewarding (or difficult) part of that program?”. Elaborating can provide a more complete picture of what the applicant has to offer. 

Following expected pacing can be beneficial in these situations as people know what to expect and can stress less about the process. This means more engagement with the process. From m=personal experience this also allows the interviewer to control the pacing, focus, and dynamic of the interview. When I applied to my nursery job I had a two part interview. One that was obviously structured and a secondary one that was unstructured in questions and environment. Essentially, it was a walk around of the grounds with a mix of informational and social dialogue to evaluate how I would respond to the work environment. Being a plant nursery I am sure they were also evaluating my response to the natural environment as well.