Chapter 14, Problem 11CT

Summary Introduction

To think critically about:

The advantages and disadvantages of online psychometric and skills tests used in recruitment.

Introduction:

In recruitment psychometric and skills tests with multiple choice questions is a popular screening method. These tests are often conducted online for the convenience of both the employer and the applicant.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

Employers use online psychometric and skills tests with multiple choice questions for recruiting. In these tests, sometimes applicants face difficulties because they are not sure whether to be truthful or tell what the employer expects.

Psychometric tests are generally used to measure the mind of applicants. Same as other methods there are some advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

Psychometric and skills tests will measure not only candidates’ education levels, experience and skills, they are used to measure the behavioral traits and personality which is difficult to assess in interviews. Online tests are more cost and time effective and easy to monitor and assess. Another advantage of this method is that it provides more information quickly about the candidate.

Yet, employers must be mindful not to base the selection only on this method as sometimes candidates may tell what the employers expect rather than the truth. Moreover, it is difficult to standardize psychometric tests among different languages. There can be cultural bias as well.

Conclusion: Online psychometric and skills tests with multiple choice questions are popular methods of recruitment. As there are advantages and disadvantages of these methods, they should be used with other methods such as interviews.