A structured interview is preferred over an unstructured one because it:

Interviews are a common selection tool, but their effectiveness can vary significantly based on their structure. Structured interviews offer distinct advantages over unstructured ones.

• Is more consistent and legally defensible (B) is the correct answer. A structured interview uses a standardized set of job-related questions asked in the same order to all candidates, with consistent scoring criteria. This standardization reduces interviewer bias, ensures fairness, makes the process more reliable, and provides a stronger legal defense against discrimination claims due to its objective nature.
• Takes less time (A) is incorrect. Structured interviews often require more time for preparation and thorough execution compared to unstructured interviews, which can be more spontaneous.
• Requires no training for interviewers (C) is incorrect. Structured interviews actually require more training for interviewers to ensure they adhere to the script, scoring guidelines, and avoid introducing personal biases.
• Focuses only on personality (D) is incorrect. Structured interviews typically focus on job-relevant competencies, skills, and past behaviors, not solely on personality, although personality traits relevant to the job may be assessed.