Which interview format combines a prepared set of questions with flexibility for follow-up questions?

• A. Structured interview
• B. Unstructured interview
• C. Semi-structured interview
• D. Behavioral interview

Answer: (C)

A semi-structured interview blends consistency with adaptability. It uses a prepared set of questions to cover the essential topics and ensure fairness across interviews, but it also allows the interviewer to probe candidate responses with follow-up questions, pursuing deeper insight or clarification as needed. This combination lets you compare candidates on the same framework while still capturing unique qualifications and experiences.

Structured interviews are too rigid because they stick to the exact script and limit follow-up; unstructured interviews lack a prepared set, which can lead to inconsistency; behavioral interviews focus on past actions and typically use prompts geared toward those experiences rather than a flexible questioning approach.