| Abstract: | Past research on variables affecting hiring decisions has emphasized the role of applicant and interviewer demographics. However, recent studies have questioned the generalizability of findings from laboratory interviews to real interviews. In this article, a model of demographics and interviewing decisions is proposed and tested with actual employment interviews. Industrial interviewers (N?=?8) provided demographic data concerning themselves and applicants (N?=?71), rated applicants on widely studied attributes, and made two hiring decisions. The data support the model that interview outcomes are directly dependent on the more logically relevant variables, such as skill. Furthermore, the influence of demographics is modest and less important than other variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
