Use your time in a structured interview to show off what makes you unique.

If you're gearing up for a structured interview, congratulations – you're one step closer to landing your dream job. Structured interviews may sound formal, but they're actually one of the best opportunities for you to shine. Why? Because the format gives you a clear roadmap for how to prepare and deliver standout answers that set you apart from other job seekers.

In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to confidently tackle structured interview questions. From understanding what they are to using proven techniques to answer them like a pro, you'll leave here ready to walk into that interview and wow your interviewer.

What are structured interview questions?

At the outset, a structured interview, and the questions that accompany it, sounds pretty rigid. The format is consistent and pre-planned: every job seeker gets the same questions, in the same order, and is assigned a score based on their answers.

What's so great about it? You don't have to worry about the interview being a guessing game. It's better to walk into the interviewer's office knowing exactly what to expect. 

Here's why employers use structured interviews:

  • They're fair: By asking every candidate the same questions, companies reduce bias and create a level playing field.

  • They're consistent: With clear scoring criteria, it's easier for interviewers to objectively evaluate who's the best fit for the job.

  • They offer great predictive power: Research shows that structured interviews are better at predicting job performance compared to unstructured interviews.

Why this is good for you:

  • You can prepare: Since the questions are standardized, you have a better chance of anticipating what will be asked.

  • Your experience has a bright spotlight shined on it: Structured questions focus on real examples from your past. This means your unique background takes center stage – not how well you “wing it” under pressure.

Think of structured interview questions as a roadmap. Instead of wandering through vague questions like “Tell me about yourself,” you'll get prompts designed to help you highlight real-world experiences that prove your strengths and skills.

Here are some examples of structured interview questions you might encounter:

  • Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team to accomplish a goal. What was your role, and what was the outcome?

  • Describe a challenging problem you faced at work. How did you approach solving it?

  • Can you share an example of a time you disagreed with a coworker? How did you handle the situation?

  • Give me an example of a time you took initiative on a project. What actions did you take, and what was the result?

  • Describe a time when you had to learn a new skill or process quickly. How did you manage it?

What happens during a structured interview?

Even though a structured interview feels more formal than a casual chat with the hiring manager, there is nothing to stress about. In fact, you can rest easy knowing you're being judged on a level playing field based on your ability to give thoughtful and relevant answers rather than on how charming or quick on your feet you are. 

Here's what you can expect:

  • The introduction: The interviewer will explain the process, often telling you how many questions they'll ask and how your responses will be assessed.
  • The questions: These are typically behavioral or situational. Each one focuses on a specific skill or competency – like leadership, conflict resolution, or creativity.
  • The scoring: Your answers are evaluated using a standard scoring guide, which means interviewers are looking for specific details and clear examples.

Get ready for your structured interview

Here's where the magic happens. With a little preparation, you can walk into your interview feeling confident and ready to crush it.

1. Know what they're looking for

Start by studying the job description. Pay attention to the skills and qualifications listed, as structured interview questions will likely focus on these areas. If teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving are mentioned, prepare stories that showcase your strengths in those areas.

2. Practice the STAR method

Ever heard of the STAR method? It's a foolproof way to structure your answers so they hit all the right notes:

  • Situation: Set the stage. What was going on?

  • Task: What was your role or responsibility?

  • Action: What specific steps did you take to address the challenge?

  • Result: How did it turn out? Bonus points for measurable outcomes!

Here's an example for practice:

  • Question: “Can you describe a time you solved a challenging problem at work?”

  • Answer: “At my last job, we were behind on a project because of a delay with one of our vendors. It was my job to get us back on track, and I had to do so without sacrificing quality. I found a backup vendor, negotiated expedited delivery terms, and worked with my team to adjust the project timeline. We completed the project two days early and saved 10% on costs with the new vendor.”

3. Prepare a “greatest hits” list

Think back on your career and jot down your top achievements, challenges, and learning experiences. This will make it easier to adapt your stories to different types of questions. What's great about this is that it doesn't matter whether you have a couple of decades of experience under your belt or you're a college graduate – there's always something you can draw on from your background. 

  • A story you can tell about some team you worked with 

  • A process you changed that made things better at work or at a place you volunteered

  • A time when you went above and beyond to exceed expectations 

  • An instance when you mentored someone else

  • Some big challenge you had to overcome

The possibilities are endless. The goal is to prove you are capable of thinking on your feet to solve problems, collaborate with others to get things done, or communicate in a way that everyone can understand. 

4. Rehearse, rehearse, and rehearse some more

Practice answering questions out loud – ideally with a friend or mentor who can give feedback. If you're on your own, record yourself to see how you come across. The benefit of all this rehearsing is the fact that you'll be able to stay calm and collected. 

Structured interviews might feel a little stiff, but that doesn't mean you can't bring some personality. Smile, maintain eye contact, and remember: the interviewers are rooting for you to succeed.

Sample structured interview questions (and how to answer them)

Let's dive into some structured interview questions examples and how to answer them like a pro so that you wow the interviewer. Remember, though: you have to stand out from the crowd, so be sure you're tailoring your answers to the job you want and the company you want to work for. Also, be as specific as possible and use numbers every chance you get.

Example 1: Leadership

  • Question: “Can you give an example of a time when you led a team to achieve a goal?”

  • Answer: “In my last role, my team was tasked with launching a new product on a tight deadline. As the team lead, it was my job to keep everyone on track and ensure we met our launch date. I created a project timeline, assigned clear responsibilities, and held weekly check-ins to address any roadblocks. The product launched on time and exceeded our sales forecast by 20% in the first quarter.”

Example 2: Problem-Solving

  • Question: “Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work.”
  • Answer: “During a company-wide restructuring, my department's budget was cut by 25%, which meant I had to find a way to meet objectives with fewer resources. I identified tasks we could outsource more affordably and prioritized high-impact projects. We met all our targets despite the cuts and even improved efficiency by 15%.”

Don't forget to ask questions of your own

At the end of your structured interview, the interviewer will undoubtedly ask you if you have any questions for them. The answer you give should never be “No.” When it's your turn, ask questions that show you're genuinely interested. Your questions could include things like:

  • What qualities make someone successful in this role?

  • How does this position contribute to the company's big-picture goals?

Show them what you've got

You've got this! Structured interviews aren't about tricking you—they're about giving you the chance to show you're the best fit for the job. With some thoughtful preparation, a few STAR stories, and a confident attitude, you'll be ready to walk into that room and make a lasting impression.

Ready to nail your next interview? Our coaching experts will help you master structured interview questions and secure that job offer. Book your session now!

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: