What is the primary basis for predictions made in selection interviews regarding an applicant's future job performance?

The primary basis for predictions made in selection interviews regarding an applicant's future job performance is derived from oral responses to oral inquiries. During an interview, candidates are given the opportunity to articulate their experiences, thoughts, and skills in response to questions posed by the interviewer. This method allows the interviewer to gather insights into a candidate's competencies, reasoning abilities, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position.

Oral responses provide a dynamic interaction that can reveal how candidates think on their feet, how well they can convey information, and how they handle questions that may require them to draw upon their past experiences. This face-to-face dialogue often gives interviewers a clearer sense of the applicant's personality and cultural fit within the organization, which are critical factors in predicting job performance.

While prior job experience and psychometric tests are valuable tools in the hiring process, oral communication during interviews specifically targets the candidate’s immediate competencies and reasoning relevant to the actual job duties. Written applications, although useful for providing background information, do not offer the same depth of insight into a candidate’s character and thought process that an interactive interview does.