Responses to Past-Behavior Questions in Face-To-Face and Asynchronous Video Interviews: Storytelling, Interview Performance and Criterion Validity

Abstract

Past-behavior questions are valid predictors of job performance in face-to-face (FTF) interviews. However, their criterion validity in asynchronous video interviews (AVIs) is under-researched. Our experiment investigated the effect of interview medium (FTF versus AVI) on participants’ responses to past-behavior questions, interview performance, and the criterion validity of past-behavior questions. Participants (n = 229) completed a standardized work sample as a measure of work sample performance followed by a mock interview in an AVI or FTF setting, in which one past-behavior question targeted that work sample. Participants’ responses and interview performance were similar across interview media, but they described more values and opinions in AVIs. Participants’ overall interview performance in AVIs and FTF settings were valid predictors of work sample performance, as was their performance at the past-behavior question targeting the work sample. These findings suggest that AVIs are a valid method to assess applicants that is comparable to FTF interviews.