What is the psychology of job interviews?

Most people, at some point in their lives, experience the stress of being interviewed for a job they want. Many also face the challenge of interviewing other people. But what does the science tell us about this unique social situation?

The Psychology of Job Interviews discusses the strategies and tactics that both applicants and interviewers can use to make their interviews more successful; from how to make a good first impression to how to decide which candidate is the best fit for the role.

“Job interviews often have the reputation of being stressful, subjective, and biased,” explains the author, Nicolas Roulin, an Associate Professor in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Manitoba. “I highlight how they can be turned into valid and reliable selection tools, based on decades of research.”

Based on empirical research rather than second hand advice, The Psychology of Job Interviews guides job applicants on how best to prepare for and perform in an interview. Illustrated with examples throughout, it also provides managers with best-practice advice in selecting the right candidate.

“This book not only presents evidence-based best practices and recommendations to help design and conduct effective interviews,” highlights the author, “it also explains how applicants can manage expectations or stress, and perform at their best.”

Relevant to professional and casual readers alike, Roulin tackles different aspects of the job interview including; why organisations use them, how to prepare them, how to interview effectively, how interview outcomes can be influenced and what mistakes to avoid.

Debunking several popular myths along the way, The Psychology of Job Interviews is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding what is really happening in a job interview, whichever side of the desk you are sitting.