What method of selection is most commonly used by companies for hiring employees?

The most commonly used method for hiring employees is interviews. This approach allows employers to assess candidates' qualifications, experiences, and interpersonal skills in a direct and interactive manner. Interviews provide a platform for employers to evaluate how potential employees communicate, think on their feet, and fit into the company culture.

This method raises the opportunity for follow-up questions, enabling interviewers to probe further into a candidate's responses and clarify any ambiguous points during the discussion. Interviews can also highlight candidates' soft skills—such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving—that might not be captured adequately through other assessment methods.

While references are important for validating a candidate's background and past performance, they typically come into play later in the hiring process and rely heavily on the perceptions of others. Work sampling provides a practical demonstration of skills, but it can be resource-intensive and may not cover all aspects of the candidate's potential role. Cognitive tests assess specific mental capabilities but do not necessarily gauge other important attributes, such as personality and cultural fit.

Overall, the interactive nature and holistic assessment potential of interviews make them the preferred choice for many organizations when selecting candidates.