Why do Situational Interviews Predict Job Performance? The Role of Interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria

Pia V. Ingold, Martin Kleinmann, Cornelius J. König, Klaus G. Melchers, Chad H. Van Iddekinge
2014 Journal of business and psychology  
Purpose -This study aimed at shedding light on why situational interviews predict job performance. We examined an explanation based upon the importance of interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria (i.e., to read the targeted interview dimensions) for situational interview performance. Design/methodology/approach -Data were obtained from 97 interviewees who participated in a mock interview to train for future applications. This approach enabled us to conduct the situational interviews under
more » ... dardized conditions, to assess interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria, and at the same time, to collect job performance data from interviewee's current supervisors. Findings -We found that interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria scores were not only positively related to their interview performance, but also predicted job performance as rated by their supervisors. Furthermore, controlling for interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria significantly lowered the relationship between performance in the situational interview and job performance. Implications -Better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the criterion-related validity of situational interviews is crucial for theoretical progress and improving personnel selection procedures. This study highlights the relevance of interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria for predicting job performance. It also underscores the importance of constructing interviews to enable candidates to show their criterion-relevant abilities. Originality/value -This study shows that interviewees' Ability to Identify Criteria contributes to a better understanding of why the situational interview predicts job performance.
doi:10.1007/s10869-014-9368-3 fatcat:ll544wbj5bhzdjowdygpzt7wze