Unstructured interviewing is a type of interview that is conducted without a set of predetermined questions or a formal structure to encourage the conversation to flow. In this type of interview, the interviewer is free to ask questions that arise spontaneously and to explore the interviewee's responses in more detail.
In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of unstructured interviewing and provide some tips on how to conduct an effective unstructured interview.
Advantages of Unstructured Interviewing
One of the main advantages of unstructured interviewing is that it allows for a more natural conversation between the interviewer and interviewee. This can lead to more detailed, insightful, and genuine responses, as the interviewee feels more comfortable and engaged in the conversation.
Unstructured interviews also allow the interviewer to explore unexpected or unique responses, which can provide valuable insights that may not have been obtained through a structured interview. This can be particularly useful in job interviews because it allows the interviewer to understand more about the interviewee’s personality that might otherwise be missed when using a formal interview structure.
This interviewing method allows the interviewee to detail their interest in the Company, display their understanding of the job’s requirements, and show how they might interact with others on a daily basis. All of these aspects can show the interviewer if they are fit for the role.
Another advantage of unstructured interviewing is that it can be more efficient than structured interviewing, as the interviewer does not need to spend time developing and testing a set of questions. This can be particularly useful in situations where time or resources are limited.
Disadvantages of Unstructured Interviewing
One of the main disadvantages of unstructured interviewing is that it can be more difficult to analyze and compare responses across different interviewees. Without a set of standardized questions, it can be challenging to identify common themes or patterns in the data.
Unstructured interviewing can also be more prone to interviewer bias, as the interviewer may inadvertently influence the interviewee's responses through their own biases or preconceptions. This can be particularly problematic if the interviewer and interviewee differ in values or personality types.
Preparing as an Interviewee
Be as genuine as possible; think of the interview as any other conversation. Think about what your strengths are, and be prepared to relate those strengths and your background to the job requirements and culture of the Company. Unstructured interviewing is a great opportunity for you to display your listening and communication skills.
Tips for an Unstructured Interview
If you are planning to conduct an unstructured interview, there are several tips you can follow to ensure that you obtain high-quality and insightful data. It’s important to establish a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease and encourage them to open up. Listen carefully to the interviewee's responses and follow up with additional questions or prompts. This can help to elicit more detailed and nuanced responses and can help to clarify any ambiguities or misunderstandings.
Lastly, be aware of your own biases and preconceptions to avoid influencing the interviewee's responses in any way. This can be achieved through active listening, open-ended questioning, and avoiding leading or suggestive language.
Unstructured interviewing can be a valuable tool for obtaining detailed and insightful data in a variety of contexts. However, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and to follow some key tips to ensure that the interview is conducted in a fair and effective manner.