Cook, K. W., Vance, C. A., & Spector, P. E. (2000). The relation of candidate personality with selection interview outcomes. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 30, 867-885. Abstract

Two studies examined the relation of personality on the interview process. The impetus for these studies was an apparent lack of attention to this area in the existing literature. Previous literature has focused largely on interviewer impressions of applicants, ignoring specific applicant behaviors and characteristics. Study 1 was designed to examine these behaviors and characteristics in a lab setting, while Study 2 examined similar variables in a field setting. Study 1 demonstrated that Type A/Achievement Strivings, Extraversion, Work Locus of Control, Neuroticism, and Trait Anxiety were related to interview outcomes in simulated employment interviews. Study 2 examined the relation of personality characteristics to outcomes of actual interviews conducted by college recruiters. Type A/Achievement Strivings, Work Locus of Control, and Trait Anxiety were found to be related to interviewer decision outcomes. (Copyright 1999, Journal of Applied Social Psychology.)