Narrowing Applicant Pools | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Structured interviews and reference checks are vital for choosing the right candidates, while options for interviewers and the number of candidates to interview should be carefully considered.

Key Insights

• ✋ Structured interviews have higher validity compared to unstructured interviews.
• 👻 Hiring units can act as the hiring committee, allowing for a more collaborative approach.
• 🧘 Selection panels are frequently used for entry-level positions to enhance diversity and gather multiple opinions.
• ❓ Interviewing only the most qualified candidates is the most common approach.
• 💁 Alternative methods like online or telephone interviews can provide valuable information and save time.
• 💁 Reference checks can be conducted before interviews to gather additional information.
• 🐕‍🦺 The "rule of three" restricts the number of candidates to be interviewed but is criticized in some civil service systems.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important to conduct high-quality interviews and reference checks?

High-quality interviews and reference checks are crucial because they help ensure that the right candidates are selected, preventing wasted resources and avoiding potential legal issues. They increase the validity of the selection process.

Q: What are the options for who conducts the interview?

The options for who conducts the interview include the supervisor, the human resource department or a third party, a panel or committee, and a series of interviews involving various individuals. The choice depends on the organization's needs and the level of the position being filled.

Q: When should all candidates be interviewed?

Interviewing all candidates is less commonly used but can be suitable when the applicant pool is small and multiple positions are open, or when time allows. It can also be a strategy to discover hidden talent in cases where exceptional candidates may not be apparent based on initial qualifications.

Q: Why is the "rule of three" often followed in the selection process?

The "rule of three" restricts hiring authorities to interviewing the top three candidates who are certified. It aims to prevent political interference or cronyism in the selection process. However, this practice is criticized, and some agencies now allow for interviewing a larger number of candidates based on discretion.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Unstructured interviews and haphazard reference checks lead to low validity and wasted resources.

• Hiring units may act as the hiring committee, while selection panels can be used for entry-level positions.

• Interviewing only the most qualified candidates is the most common approach, but there are cases where interviewing all candidates or using alternative methods can be beneficial.