Applicant Perceptions of Simulated Behavior Description Interviews

Behavior description interviews (Janz, 1982) were compared to standard interview techniques in the context of a recruiting interview. Positive or negative recruiter affect was combined with the two types of interview techniques to determine if positive recruiter affect can reduce the hypothesized stress induced by behavior description interviews. Simulated recruiting interviews were presented using videotaped interviews where different types of questions were asked (behavior description vs. standard) and recruiter affect was manipulated through eye contact, smiling, and other non-verbal communication. Sixty-seven undergraduates were randomly assigned to view one of the four simulated interviews. Subjects' perceptions of the recruiter and interview were collected on a post-experimental questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated main effects for both type of interview questions (F = 2.69, p < .05) and recruiter affect (F = 9.25, p < .001). Implications for recruiting interviews were discussed.