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 skill tests with multiple choice questions is a popular screening method. These tests are often conducted online for the convenience of the employer and the applicant.

Explanation of Solution

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

Psychometric and skill tests will measure not only education level, experience and skills, they are also used to measure their behavioral traits and personality which is difficult to assess in interviews.

Online tests are more cost and time effective as well as 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. 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.