Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

Which of the following interview types is characterized by a more casual and unstructured format?

1. Non-Directive Interview

2. Structured Interview

3. Behavioral Interview

4. Stress Interview

The correct answer is: Non-Directive Interview

The non-directive interview is recognized for its casual and unstructured format. In this type of interview, the interviewer adopts a less formal approach, allowing the conversation to flow more naturally and encouraging the candidate to express their thoughts and experiences without being confined by rigid questions. This method fosters a more conversational atmosphere, enabling the interviewer to explore topics that may arise spontaneously during the discussion. Furthermore, in a non-directive interview, the focus is on understanding the candidate's personality, motivations, and potential fit within the organization, rather than strictly assessing specific competencies or skills through predetermined questions. This flexibility often leads to a more insightful dialogue, as candidates may feel more comfortable sharing their genuine feelings and experiences. Such an approach is particularly effective in assessing qualities like creativity, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. In contrast, structured, behavioral, and stress interviews are designed with specific formats and criteria that guide the interviewer’s questioning and assessment, which differentiates them significantly from the non-directive style.