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JRCERT Update
desire to learn, integrity, and self-management, which candidate to the next and amongst multiple panels used
are not necessarily the top competencies for patient for more extensive programs is of utmost importance.
care environments. If the program desires to assess the To maximize clarity for all, programs should gather
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emotional intelligence and noncognitive attributes for the interviewers to review the questions and scoring
entry into the program and the medical community, process before conducting the interviews (see Box). In
a subset of core characteristics linked to both can be addition, a reference document or answer guide and an
determined by conducting a small amount of research explanation of the anchors can be a different approach
and reaching out to the program’s communities of inter- to maintaining a uniform process.
est for input.
The questions for assessing noncognitive traits Box
should be written to elicit responses that give an insight Checklist for the Panel Interview
into how a candidate might respond in certain situa- Meeting with interviewers – Review questions, scorecards,
tions and encourage them to share openly. Behavioral anchors for scoring, and answer guides.
and situational questions are formats that will stimulate Check-in process – Recruit helpers (student liaisons or
more than a yes-no response. Behavioral interview ambassadors) to greet and escort interviewees to the
questions will ask the interviewee to reflect on the assigned interview panel.
past and provide insight to assess specific skills based Provide guidelines to interviewees:
on experiences. Alternatively, situational interview interview format (ie, time limits per response
questions use hypothetical scenarios focusing on the or interview, number of questions, number of
future and a candidate’s intentions. A study conducted interviewers on panel)
by Latham et al reveals that there can be some issues interview location and room number
with theoretical questioning as the interviewee might departure instructions
respond with what they discern is the best or correct notification of results timeline
answer instead of the truth. For this reason, the con- No-show plan – Plan for unforeseen illnesses or other
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sideration of using behavioral expectation scales that events that cause the interviewee to not show up for
include anchors for interviewers to reference when rat- the interview (ie, phone or video conferencing option,
ing responses is necessary. makeup day).
Creating the Interview Panel Conclusion
To be inclusive and diverse, programs should think Incorporating an interview as part of the admis-
strategically about the responsibility of conducting sions process can provide a reliable and valid approach
professional interviews when selecting the interviewers. to assessing the noncognitive attributes of applicants
Programs should look to industry experts, such as clini- and can be an attainable goal for any radiologic science
cal upper-level department managers, especially those or health professions program. A systematic approach,
experienced in hiring, and clinical preceptors affiliated beginning with forming a special project committee
with the program, to join the program faculty as inter- to select critical components and paying attention
viewers. These professionals often are willing to serve to essential elements before implementing the new
in a volunteer capacity to better the program’s strategy. interview, can ensure the process is consistent with all
They will thoroughly know which critical soft skills to related accreditation standards and is a fair and nondis-
assess for and will be eager to participate in a process criminatory approach to selecting program students.
that affects the future of their profession. A mixture of
backgrounds and experiences in the interview panel’s
makeup will ensure the element of different perspec- Meredith R Brown, MS, R.T.(R), serves on the JRCERT
tives is present regardless of which interview format is board of directors and is the radiologic technology program
chosen. Ensuring the process remains consistent from 1 director for McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas.
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, September/October 2022, Volume 94, Number 1 3
