Computer-assisted interviewing (CAI) uses a computer program to manage questions and receive responses, making it easier to compare candidates. There are several approaches, including computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) and self-interviews, but detractors note the impersonal nature of the process. Telephone interviews are also possible.
Also known as CAI, computer-assisted interviewing is a strategy that involves using a computer program to manage questions and receive responses. Depending on the exact nature of the process, the interviewer may manually enter the answers into a database or template designed for the interview process, or the interviewee may actually sit at a computer terminal and type the answers to each question as it appears on the screen . Proponents of this approach note that using computer resources for interviews makes it easier to compare the relative merits of each candidate, making it easier to manage the selection process. Detractors focus on the somewhat impersonal nature of computer-assisted interviews, noting that this approach leaves out valuable clues about the applicant’s behavior that would otherwise be gleaned in a more standard interview situation.
There are several approaches to computerized interviewing. One approach is known as a computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI). In this type of interview, the questions and answers are fed into a schedule which is then used to assess the qualities and talents the candidate can bring to the job. Depending on how exactly CAPI is employed, the interviewer may ask the questions and type answers into the program, or the applicant may be presented with questions by the interviewer and encouraged to type answers into the appropriate field in the program. With either approach, program protocols can be used to compare each candidate’s attributes with others and make recommendations as to which of the candidates is the most qualified.
A variant of this type of computer-assisted interview is known as a “self-interview” and does not require the direct intervention of an interviewer. With this approach, the person being interviewed is seated at a computer terminal and is asked to type the answers to the questions as they appear on the screen. In some cases, the questions will require simple yes/no answers, while others have multiple choice in design. Typically at least some of the questions require longer and more detailed answers. The software program will then sort the responses and compare the responses to other applications, providing recommendations for which candidates should be considered for a particular position.
Computer-assisted interviewing can also take place using the telephone as a means of asking questions and providing answers. With this approach, the interview often involves the candidate responding by pressing certain keys on a digital telephone keypad as a means of indicating certain answers to the questions being asked. Questions can be asked by a live interviewer who interacts with the applicant during the interview, or the process can be fully automated. Typically, the candidate is informed of the results at the end of the interview or by email or post within a few working days.
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