Why is a Structured Interview considered the most legally defensible interview format?

• A. Because it uses predetermined questions asked to all candidates, minimizing subjectivity and reducing discrimination.
• B. Because it allows interviewers to explore each candidate's unique experiences.
• C. Because it is shorter than other methods.
• D. Because it is administered online only.

Answer: (B)

The main reason a structured interview is most legally defensible is that it standardizes both the questions and the evaluation. By asking the same predetermined questions to every candidate and using a consistent scoring rubric, decisions are based on job-related criteria rather than personal impressions. This reduces subjectivity and the chance that biases or discriminatory patterns influence who gets hired, making the process easier to defend under equal opportunity laws and in audits or legal challenges. The idea of exploring each candidate’s unique experiences is more typical of unstructured interviews, which can introduce variability and potential bias. Being shorter or online-only doesn’t address fairness or defensibility.