Page 11 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

interviews. Each mini interview will allow interviewers policy should be well-written, follow the institution’s
insight into the personal competencies and character- guidelines, and contain these components:
istics of the interviewees but differ in how they might ƒ purpose (including a concise list of the noncogni-
fit in the acceptable resources and timetable of the pro- tive characteristics the interview process will be
gram’s admissions cycle. Special consideration of how assessing)
the interview process will factor into an existing scoring ƒ process description (explaining the interview for-
method, if applicable, is necessary. For example, if the mat so candidates know what to expect)
program already determines acceptance via ranking of ƒ how the interview will determine acceptance (ie,
the applicant’s grade point average, then perhaps the averaging points or final ranking)
interview component will have a score added to or aver- ƒ notification timeline description
aged with the grade point average. A suggested option ƒ reference and commitment to the institution’s
better suited for large candidate pools is to use the grade nondiscriminatory policy
point average score and interview scores independently
in a multistage acceptance process (ie, only the top Publicizing the New Interview Process
number of candidates progress to the interview). This To be transparent and fair to all prospective stu-
last option will result in a more manageable number of dents, publicizing the future addition of an interview
interviewees. process is necessary and time sensitive. Programs
To ensure a fair and nondiscriminatory approach, are responsible for incorporating various publication
programs should use a structured interview format methods to provide details regarding the application
instead of a nonstructured or semistructured method. requirements. Following the institutional adminis-
Although more personal, nonstructured and semis- trative and marketing guidelines, programs should
tructured styles allow spontaneous conversation and consider using their webpage, printable admissions fact
behaviors of bias and subjectivity to influence the pro- sheets and recruitment documents, information ses-
cess. A highly structured approach protects all parties sions, and school-sponsored social media platforms to
and the consistency of the interviews by requiring the spread the message regarding the change. Announcing
same questions of each applicant in a specific order. the process a minimum of a full year before implemen-
It also is a more legally secure method. In a study by tation will ensure candidates know the expectations
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Pau et al, researchers investigated the offerings of 2 and have time to make any desired preparations. The
structured formats, the multiple mini interviews and addition of a new interview process should not be
the panel interview. The study concluded that the out- incorporated solely as another hurdle or challenge the
comes of each were correlated, with the multiple mini candidate must conquer for acceptance. Including
interviews presenting a couple of slight advantages, resources, such as a document containing tips for inter-
including the various perspectives the multiple mini viewing or links to reputable interview preparation
interviews layout provides. However, both formats websites, will create an atmosphere of student support
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require multiple interviewers and have the vital benefit and reduce some anxieties candidates might experience.
of combined insight. Once the interview process becomes a reality, programs
should update all publications to reflect any changes
Create a Policy discovered in the postmortem analysis and ensure all
Another component of Standard 1, Objective 1.3 of program admission publications contain accurate and
the JRCERT Standards is that admission practices are current information for prospective students.
“consistent with published policies.” Suppose the inter-
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view process involves more than 1 application-based Developing the Interview Questions and
allied health program in the same institution. In that Rating Scale
case, this policy could be written and published at the According to Koenig et al, many attributes are
division level to support all applicable programs. The essential to a student’s success in the classroom, such as

2 asrt.org/publications