What do situational interviews primarily assess?

Situational interviews are structured to evaluate how candidates might handle specific scenarios they could encounter in the role they are applying for. This type of interview focuses on the candidate's decision-making abilities, particularly concerning job-related situations. By presenting hypothetical situations and asking the interviewee to describe how they would respond, employers can gain insight into the candidate's critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and ability to perform under pressure.

This approach allows evaluators to assess candidates not just on their technical skills or past experiences, but rather on their capacity to navigate real-world challenges that are relevant to the position. The emphasis on job-relevant decision-making abilities provides a clear understanding of how the candidate might fit within the organizational culture and contribute to the team's success.