How does a depth interview differ from a structured interview?

A depth interview is characterized by its focus on exploring a candidate's detailed personal experiences, motivations, and perspectives. Unlike a structured interview, which typically adheres to a set list of predetermined questions and format, a depth interview allows for flexibility in questioning and encourages deeper dialogue. This format is particularly effective in gaining insights into how a candidate has handled specific situations in their past, which can provide valuable context for their potential future performance in a role.

Depth interviews engage the interviewee in a way that encourages elaboration on their responses, allowing the interviewer to probe further based on their answers. This leads to a richer understanding of the candidate's skills, values, and behaviors, revealing nuances that structured interviews might miss due to their rigidity and focus on specific pre-planned questions.

The other options do not align with the core characteristics of a depth interview. While a structured interview emphasizes consistency and comparability through pre-planned questions, as indicated in another option, it is not inherently informal nor conducted in a group setting—signifying that the dynamics of the conversation differ notably between the two formats.