Which type of interview is most likely to be less formal and conducted on the spot by hiring managers?

An unstructured interview is characterized by its informal nature and the flexibility it offers to the interviewer and candidate. In this type of interview, there are no predetermined questions or a fixed format; instead, it allows for a free-flowing conversation where the interviewer can ask questions based on the responses of the interviewee. This spontaneity often leads to a more relaxed atmosphere, which can help candidates feel more comfortable expressing themselves.

Hiring managers may choose to conduct unstructured interviews on the spot as a way to gauge a candidate’s personality and fit within the team in a less intimidating environment. This approach can be particularly effective for assessing soft skills, communication styles, and whether the candidate’s values align with the company culture.

In contrast, other types of interviews, such as panel, structured, and group interviews, generally follow a more formal format. Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers questioning one candidate, structured interviews have a set list of questions that are asked in a specific order to ensure consistency, and group interviews typically involve multiple candidates being assessed simultaneously, all of which contribute to a more formalized environment.