International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

What is primarily assessed during interviews according to a structured interview format?

1. Their background and qualifications

2. How they respond to unexpected questions

3. Their ability to adapt to change

4. The consistency of responses among candidates

The correct answer is: The consistency of responses among candidates

In a structured interview format, the primary focus is on ensuring that each candidate is assessed in a consistent manner, which allows for reliable comparisons between candidates. This consistency is achieved through standardized questions and a uniform evaluation process. By maintaining the same questions and assessment criteria across all interviewees, the interviewer is better able to gauge the differences and similarities in candidates' responses, leading to more objective decision-making regarding who might be the best fit for the position. While other aspects, such as candidates’ backgrounds, qualifications, responses to unexpected questions, and adaptability, can be important elements of the overall evaluation, the cornerstone of structured interviews is primarily about maintaining consistency. This consistency ensures fair comparisons and helps minimize biases that can occur in unstructured interviews, where the interviewer may ask different questions to different candidates, making it challenging to assess their qualifications objectively.