Who do you trust - a computer OR a person?

This is not a test question; this is also (clearly) not an attempt to be humorous.  This is a serious question relating to the topic of interviews.   Using computer technology to help with interviewing is not necessarily new, but it is evolving and is something we should be aware of.

We seem to be more open to a computer

When computers were first used in the screening process, it was found that candidates were more honest when answering questions about their past . . . . . . reasons for terminations, past 'use' of company property, etc.  The hypothesis was that candidates were telling a machine.  They were not disclosing information to a person.  Thus - no harm!

Evolution - new terms and uses

The terms we need to know today are variations on a theme:

• CAPI - Computer Assisted Personal Interview
• CASI - Computer Assisted Self Interview
• CATI - Computer Assisted Telephone Interview
• ACTI - Automated Computer Telephone Interview

The theme is the same - companies use computers to ask candidates questions; the candidates interact with/use computers to respond to questions.  Interestingly, this is a technique that companies use for collecting market research.  After getting service done on a car, we get a survey (sometimes many!) asking us about our experience.  The concept is the same.

Clear advantages:

• Interviewers and interviewees cannot miss questions or be asked the wrong questions.
• Questions can be 'customized' according to previously set and tested protocols.
• The computer checks, on an ongoing basis, for inadmissible or inconsistent responses.
• Data entry errors are caught in real time.
• Results do not need to be transcribed.

And yes - there are disadvantages:

• Many candidates are turned off by this technique (impression management for companies needing to attract people).
• Candidates that are not computer savvy or who do not have easy access to the latest in technology are excluded.
• The answers lack any sort of feedback or qualitative comments that a personal interviewer can provide.

The technique is here to stay

As with any new technology, we need to embrace it - and use it as appropriate.  Continued testing (as an employer) will be critical as this area continues to evolve.