How does the interview change the importance of résumé information in acceptance decisions? An experimental study in the hotel industry

The present study examines the effects of résumé information and interview conditions on postinterview acceptance decisions in a laboratory selection setting of the hotel industry. Data from 229 responses by undergraduate students majoring in hospitality management in Taipei indicated that résumé-based cognitive abilities (CAs) were positively related to applicant’s chance of being accepted after the interview. Furthermore, the effect of résumé-based interpersonal abilities (IAs) was stronger for female applicants in the interview than their male counterparts. The effect of CAs was also stronger when applicants used excuse rather than justification as defense tactics during interviews.