Which interview format is often preferable for assessing interpersonal skills and intelligence?

The most suitable interview format for assessing interpersonal skills and intelligence is typically the face-to-face interview. This setting provides an interactive environment where candidates can demonstrate their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, as well as engage in real-time discussions.

In a face-to-face interview, the interviewer can observe not only the content of the candidate’s responses but also their body language, eye contact, and emotional reactions, which are crucial indicators of interpersonal skills. Additionally, the dynamic interactions that occur in person allow for follow-up questions and clarifications that can reveal deeper insights into the candidate’s thinking processes, problem-solving abilities, and overall intelligence.

While phone interviews can serve a purpose in screening candidates, they lack the visual cues necessary to fully evaluate interpersonal skills. Group interviews may assess how candidates interact in a team setting, but they can be less effective at measuring individual qualities due to the competition among candidates for speaking time. Video interviews offer some visual context but may not provide the same level of engagement or clarity as talking in person.

By prioritizing face-to-face formats for these evaluations, organizations are more likely to gain a comprehensive understanding of candidates' capabilities in interpersonal interactions and cognitive functioning.