Using the Interview as a part of an Integrated Selection Process

Most interviewers think they have good "instincts."

While interviewing is the most commonly used selection procedure, in most cases it is considered to be the least valid. Why? Because in most interviews, an untrained interviewer reaches his/her decision about the applicant during the first 3 to 5 minutes of the interview and spends the remainder of the time rationalising his/her decision.  Most interviewers think they have good "instincts"...

But they don't!

The good news for the applicant - first impressions make the difference.

The downside for the company - first impressions mean little in terms of predicting job success.

What do you really know about the candidate and their qualifications after only five short minutes? Very little. What you may know is whether you liked their choice of clothing, if they have a "firm handshake," or whether or not they appeared nervous. Are these the qualities that determine success in the job?  Most interviewers think they have good "instincts"...But they don't.

Unless they are well trained and use a behaviourally-based, structured process.

Generally, in-depth interviews are the last hurdle in the selection process. It is here that the interviewer (or the interview team) makes the final recruitment decision. How can you give the interviewer the right tools to improve their chances of making the correct decision (and reduce the cost of making a mistake)?

Most research indicates that the effectiveness of the interview will be greatly improved if you use a well-developed, structured, behavioural interview process which includes training for the interviewer(s).

A good interview process will:

• Focus the interview on the relevant job competencies

• Encourage the applicant to describe their typical behaviour rather than providing rehearsed answers

• Provide consistency (all applicants are asked the same questions)

• Help you to avoid asking illegal or inappropriate questions

• Allow you to objectively compare candidates

• Improve your hiring decisions

At PS² we help our clients by developing well-constructed interviews and then training their interviewers in good practices. As a result, interviewers are able to provide a more objective, job-related evaluation of the candidate, improving the odds of a making a good recruitment decision. For more information contact Nik Plevan on (07773) 362754 or by e-mail at nik@peoplesuccess.co.uk.
 

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