Applicant selection procedures: a more objective approach to the interview process

The applicant interview process is a valued component of the selection of students into the University of Colorado Medical Technology Program. However, problems related to the inherent subjectivity of the interview caused the faculty to investigate a more objective approach. A behaviorally anchored measurement instrument was developed and faculty rater training techniques were instituted to enhance objectivity and reliability. The new interview system performed measurably better than did its predecessor as demonstrated by higher reliability coefficients and a significant canonical correlation with a set of four student success variables. These outcomes are to be expected from the procedure used and demonstrate that careful design and implementation of an interview process will yield objective results that are reliable enough to predict student success.