Just how effective are job interveiws?

Question

Job interviews give me the impression of being elaborate pieces of theatre with little practical relevance. I've always been sceptical of the idea that you can guage the quality of prospective employees by simply having a short chat with them. What's your opinion?

Answer 1

They do nothing more than add flesh to a CV.

They're the employment version of speed dating!

Answer 2

I have just been offered a job of recruitment consultant - I have no experience, no relevant skills and I am not a graduate (who most agencies seem to employ) The reason? A damn good CV (which I was offered the job on the basis of) and my smart attire.

The interview went something along the lines of.....
So this is what the job entails........
This is the package...........
When can you start?

Confidence is key to any interview, It really doesn't matter about anything else, a decision will be made on A) Your CV and B) Your first impression. Providing you can show a willingness, desire and confidence then the interview will pass with ease.

So yes interviews are a bit of a sham

Answer 3

According to a recent study in New Scientist magazine - job interviews and assessment centres are equally as effective as making your mind up within 20 seconds of meeting someone! Apparently hiring on first impressions is as succesful as the most scientificly designed hiring process. So job interviews are effective, but only as effective as looking at someone and saying hello!

Answer 4

I went for a interview yesterday, i think they are good mine was half hour, you can see the place you wish to work in more detail also ask questions about the job, also the employer gets to meet the person they may employ e.g they can sum up a person just by their looks or attitude and how they come across. Wheedling the best candidates out.

Answer 5

I think its great to meet the people etc. Half the time the answers to questions aren't necessarily the most honest ones, and you're only answering what you think the employer wants to hear. I sometimes wish I could be honest in a job interview and say I want the job cos I want more money / fed up with my job at the moment etc etc.

Answer 6

No but you can tell a bit more about the character of someone,May be put them one the spot a bit see how they react under pressure. I would n't employ some one with out an interveiw, It is first impression that most business is done on.

Answer 7

Job interviews are good if you are a good liar and can blag really well, something i cant yet i know i that some of the jobs that i have applied for a can basically do. I guess its whether or not the interviewer also takes to you

Answer 8

I agree. I know people who are professional interviewees...they practically make a sport of it. Then they get hired; and they often don't pull their own weight in the workplace...or worse yet, they lied about their qualifications for the job. I think employers should quit trying to impress us with their clever trick questions...say what they mean; mean what they say...and allow the other person to do the same. Then maybe we would get somewhere. Enough with the games.

Answer 9

it actually is a good basis to hire someone, being given the chance to talk to someone regarding his application would give them a better idea of who you really are. We can sit down and think and write beautiful resume's that can readilly wow the employer but the main thing is direct communication via question and answers, this would eventually help them learn more about you, the way you think in a given situation and such.

Answer 10

I think that they're unreliable.

Some people lie and elaborate and others get nervous and say the wrong thing.

I think you get a completely different person in an interview and could easily end up employing the wrong person.

Answer 11

They are as they give an impression of the person.
A chat would be better but time wise this would take too long.
Watching someone at a task would also be a good way but not financially efficient.