Structured interviews are a type of interview where the interviewer asks a standardized set of questions to each interviewee in the same order. The questions are often close-ended, meaning that the answer choices are fixed in advance, although open-ended questions can also be included. Structured interviews are used in a variety of contexts, including survey research, qualitative research, and hiring.

In survey research, structured interviews are a means of collecting data for a statistical survey. The interviewer reads the questions exactly as they appear on the survey questionnaire, and the choice of answers to the questions is often fixed in advance. By doing so, structured interviews often have increased validity.

In qualitative research, structured interviews can also be used as a methodology. For structured qualitative interviews, researchers develop an interview schedule which lists the wording and sequencing of questions. Interview schedules are sometimes considered a means by which researchers can increase the reliability and credibility of research data.

In the hiring process, structured interviews have been found to provide better hiring decisions as they are more accurate and objective. Structured interviews ensure that all candidates are asked the same predetermined questions in the same order, and all responses are evaluated using the same rating scale and standards for acceptable answers. This method ensures a fair and objective evaluation of candidates, improving the reliability and validity of the hiring process. Structured interviews also ensure that all candidates are treated fairly and given the same opportunities to showcase their abilities, reducing discrimination issues.

However, structured interviews may appear cold and impersonal without allowing participants to digress from the established interview process. Conversely, unstructured interviews may allow for a personal connection between interviewer and interviewee.