The Application of Aristotle’s Rhetorical Theory to Evaluate Fresh Graduates’ Job Interview Performance

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to apply Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, and logos framework to evaluate job interview performance by fresh graduates participating in online interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic (March-May 2020). Data were collected from twenty participants (males 12 and females 8 between 22 and 24 years old) from one of the organisations in Malaysia. The data were analysed qualitatively using NVIVO based on Aristotle’s framework. The findings revealed that the selected candidates predominantly used ethos 75%, pathos 40% and logos 58% compared to the reserved and the non-selected candidates. Furthermore, the non-selected candidates had poor English language proficiency, persuasive skills, and communication skills. The present study highlights the value of Aristotle’s framework for understanding interview presentations, points to the importance of persuasive skills mastery by university graduates, and also informs course designers and practitioners who assist graduating students.