The personal interview is important in the hiring process primarily because:

The personal interview plays a crucial role in the hiring process primarily because it identifies potential red flags. This aspect of the interview is vital as it allows the interviewer to assess not just the qualifications presented on a resume but also to explore the candidate's behavior, consistency in their responses, and any discrepancies in their background information. By engaging in a dialogue, an interviewer can observe non-verbal cues, assess communication skills, and delve deeper into the candidate's past experiences, which can help uncover any concerns about their suitability for the position.

The personal interview serves as an essential platform to discuss sensitive topics such as gaps in employment, reasons for leaving previous jobs, or other potentially concerning elements that may not be evident from the resume alone. This direct interaction enables hiring managers to make more informed decisions by understanding how a candidate presents themselves and how they might fit into the company culture.

While verifying skills, assessing attitude, and establishing a personal connection are indeed important facets of the interview, they serve more as supporting functions rather than the primary focus of identifying red flags, which is critical for mitigating potential hiring risks.