PSYCHOLOGY MASTER'S THESIS ABSTRACT

Karla Asad Abulhusn
Industrial/Organizational
August 2008

The Effects of Exposure, Cognitive Ability, and Interview Self-Efficacy on Employment Interview Performance

    The present study investigated whether individual difference variables impact interview performance.  Specifically, previous interviewing exposure (previous interview coaching and practice), cognitive ability, and interview self-efficacy were examined in relation to interview performance. 
    One hundred forty four psychology subject pool participants engaged in an experimental session that required approximately one and a half hours to receive the interview-coaching workshop, complete all measures including a Wonderlic Personnel Test, and partake in a four question mock interview.  Participants in a control group did not receive an interview-coaching workshop. 
    Cognitive ability and interview self-efficacy were positively correlated with interview performance.  Contrary to expectations, however, previous interviewing exposure had little impact on interview performance.  Results suggest coaching programs may want to focus on improving interviewee's self-efficacy; other implications of the results are also discussed.

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