2005年专八英语作文真题:Interview: An Essential Step in Recruiting

There is no denying the fact that interview is a frequently used means in recruiting prospective employees. Both employers and job-seekers attach increasing importance to this procedure. The former allocate special time and staff for this task while the latter spend a lot of time and energy figuring out answers to possible questions, not to mention the money spent on dress. However, people’s views differ sharply as to the role of interview as a selection procedure. Some hold the positive view. They claim that it is an essential step in selecting talents, while others think light of this method. Personally, I believe that job interview plays an essential role in recruiting. First, interview is of vital importance in recruiting employees for such positions as actors or actresses, shopping assistants, air hostesses, models, etc, which have special demands for physical appearances, bearing and presence. These elements cannot be judged only according to self-description in the resume. This is where the proverb “to see is to believe” works. Secondly, interview reveals more about a prospective employee in such aspects as communicative skills and personalities. There is no doubt that communication is of striking importance in such a society featured by increasingly fine division of labor. Weakness in communication and co-operation would hinder the development and success of an entire team. Some people may be excellent in single work, but they may not be good at coordinating with others. Besides, some may have drawbacks in personalities. Yet this can hardly be seen through the resume. Therefore, interview is needed. Thirdly, through interview, the employer can have a better understanding of the prospective employee’s level of professional knowledge. In a society of increasingly fierce competition, some are tempted to forge diplomas and certificates or exaggerate their capacities. Interview can work as a guard against these liars. Some companies arrange a written test that goes along with job interview. This serves as an effective touchstone. It is true that interview may also prove unreliable. For instance, some interviewees may exert every effort to present themselves as knowledgeable and competent during the interview while actually they are not. However, if they can lie during an interview, they may also cheat in exams or be dishonest in their resumes. An interview wouldn't add to the risk of recruiting a wrong employee. Actually, it serves as a second check against liars. To sum up, interview is indispensable in recruiting employees in that it can tell more about a candidate.