Improving selection interviews with structure: organisations’ use of “behavioural” interviews

Abstract

Explains the advantages of behavioural interviewing as a method of employee selection. Reports on a survey of UK organisations’ use of behavioural interviewing in selection. Both interviewers and candidates were positive about the technique. Benefits identified were better quality information gathering leading to improved selection decisions, more consistency and improved skills of interviewers, as well providing candidates with better opportunities to explain their skills. Concerns were raised regarding the training, practice and time required, scoring procedures and possible limitations in respect of certain candidates. Links with wider use of competencies in HRM are examined as well as links with other selection methods. Concludes that behavioural interviewing has significant benefits in improving selection and can also be applied to other interviewing situations such as discipline and grievance. Discusses implications for interviewers, candidates and trainers. Issues for further research are outlined.