The Art, Science, and Importance of Structured Interviewing
About this Episode
Heather shares insightful research, revealing that candidates with a structured interview were 35% happier — even when rejected. She goes on to share:
- How structured interviews mitigate biases and promote fairness
- The concept of homophily (the tendency to favor those who remind us of ourselves) and how structured interviews can counteract this bias
- Her take in the debate over cover letters
The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in talent acquisition and management strategies.
Topics
This Episode's Guest
Heather Doshay
Partner @ SignalFire
Heather Doshay is a Partner at SignalFire, an early-stage VC firm with a focus on AI, machine learning (ML), developer tools, healthcare, and cybersecurity. In her role, she serves as a direct advisor to SignalFire’s portfolio companies as well as a strategic partner internally, operationalizing strategy into scalable programs. Heather leverages these experiences, as well as her doctorate, to be a force multiplier in her space.
Key Learnings
Heather Doshay points out that structured interviews produce happier candidates, mitigate bias, and promote fairness. They also help ensure all the interviewers are aligned around what they should be looking for and actively listen to the candidates.
Major takeaways:
- The Power of Structured Interviews - Heather sheds light on the effectiveness of structured interviews. These interviews are not only the best way to predict job performance but are also preferred by candidates. A Google study revealed that candidates who had a structured interview were 35% happier, even when they didn't get the job. This approach to interviewing mitigates biases and promotes fairness, leading to better hiring outcomes.
- The Role of Active Listening in Interviews - Active listening is a crucial skill for both interviewers and interviewees. Heather emphasizes the importance of practicing active listening, repeating back what you hear the person saying, and taking notes. This not only ensures understanding but also helps jog memory when it comes to making hiring decisions.
- Aligning Scorecards and Feedback to Job Descriptions - Heather suggests that when designing a structured interview, it's beneficial to align scorecards and feedback with the job description. This approach helps assess the core requirements of the role and ensures that the interview process is relevant and efficient.
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