Selection Interview Training

Abstract

It has been known for many years that the selection interview is often a far from perfect instrument. However, the unabated popularity of training courses in the selection interview is only one of many indications that managers have no intention of abandoning its use. Given this, it is obviously very important that such training be designed to be maximally effective. This question of the effectiveness of interview training has been investigated as part of an ongoing research programme on the selection interview which is being carried out at Heriot‐Watt University. Both our research findings, and our practical experience of running interview courses ourselves, have led to the development of a new approach to interview training which we have called individual‐centred training. This article describes the origins and basic principles of individual‐centred training for interviewers.