Interview in selection of personnel

An interview is a face-to-face talk with a candidate, by which the panel tests the things that written applications and tests cannot show. For selecting project personnel (engineers, supervisors, foremen) the panel looks at the following abilities.

1. Technical knowledge and skill: command of the subject, codes, drawings, estimating, equipment, and ability to answer practical site problems.
2. Experience: relevant past projects, responsibility held and results achieved.
3. Communication ability: clarity, listening, language and confidence in expressing ideas.
4. Problem-solving and decision-making ability: how the candidate reacts to a given situation, such as a delay, a quality fault or a labour dispute.
5. Leadership and supervisory ability: capacity to direct workers and manage a team.
6. Attitude and motivation: interest in the job, willingness to work at the site, honesty and commitment.
7. Personality and behaviour: courtesy, maturity, emotional stability, appearance, and ability to work under pressure.
8. Teamwork and interpersonal skill: cooperation with others and with different groups.
9. Integrity and discipline: punctuality, ethics and record of conduct.
10. Physical fitness and willingness to travel or live on site.
11. Initiative, learning and potential for growth.
12. Expectations: salary and career goals compatible with the project.

The panel gives marks to each point on a rating sheet so that the selection is objective and fair.