HRM textbook

CHAPTER 7 INTERVIEWING CANDIDATES 219
give answers that are more spontaneous (although more confident interviewees do better,
of course .) 20 In a typical study, interviewers tended to evaluate applicants more favorably
in telephone versus face-to-face interviews, particularly where the interviewees were less
physically attractive. However, the interviewers came to about the same conclusions
regarding the interviewees whether the interview was face-to-face or by videoconference.
The applicants themselves preferred the face-to-face interviews. 21
VIDEO/WEB-ASSISTED INTERVIEWS Firms have long used the Web to do
selection interviews (particularly the initial, prescreening interviews). With iPad-type
video functionalities and the widespread use of Skype , their use is growing.
For instance, Cisco Systems, Inc., recruiters conduct preliminary interviews online.
Applicants use their own camera-supported PC or iPads (or go to a local FedEx Office
or similar business). Then, at the appointed time, they link to Cisco via Web video
for the prescreening interview. Naturally, such video interviews reduce travel and
recruiting expenses. Job interviewing apps are available through Apple s App Store.
One is from Martin s iPhone Apps. For people seeking technical jobs, this app includes
hundreds of potential interview questions, such as Brain Teasers, Algorithms, C/C++,
and Personal. 22
Having a Skype job interview doesn t require special preparations for the
employer, but Career FAQs (www.careerfaqs.com.au) says there are things that
interviewees should keep in mind. Many of these may seem obvious. However,
it s often the obvious things people overlook (for more on how to take interviews,
see Appendix 2 to this chapter, pages 238 239): 23
* Make sure you look presentable. You might feel silly sitting at home wearing a
suit, but it could make all the difference.
* Clean up the room. Whether the interview is from your own home or a busy
office environment, the interviewer does not want to see you sitting in front of a
pile of junk.
* Test first. As Career FAQs says, Five minutes before the video interview is not a
good time to realize that your Internet is down, Skype isn t working, or your pet
rabbit has chewed through the microphone cord.
* Do a dry run. Try recording yourself before the interview to try answering some
imaginary questions.
* Relax. The golden rule with a Skype interview is to treat it like any other face-to-face
meeting. There is a real person on the other end of the call, so treat them like one.
Smile, look confident and enthusiastic, try to make eye contact, and don t shout,
but do speak clearly.
COMPUTERIZED INTERVIEWS A computerized selection interview is one in
which a job candidate s oral and/or computerized replies are obtained in response to
computerized oral, visual, or written questions and/or situations. Most computerized
interviews present the applicant with a series of questions regarding his or her background,
experience, education, skills, knowledge, and work attitudes that relate to the
job for which the person has applied. Some (video-based) computerized interviews
also confront candidates with realistic scenarios (such as irate customers) to which
they must respond. Such interviews are most often taken online. 24
unstructured sequential interview
An interview in which each interviewer forms
an independent opinion after asking different
questions.
structured sequential interview
An interview in which the applicant is interviewed
sequentially by several persons; each
rates the applicant on a standard form.
panel interview
An interview in which a group of interviewers
questions the applicant.
mass interview
A panel interviews several candidates
simultaneously.