Pre-employment Testing

Pre-employment Testing or Knowledge Management Tools

Using pre-employment testing as part of the hiring process has become more common.  Perhaps it’s a reflection of the way the world is changing, but I see many companies using knowledge management tools to help with the hiring process.

They are testing applicants to help learn the candidate’s skill set, strengths and/or personality profile. They are seeking a technological solution to determine a potential employee’s personal values, ethics and life skills.  The idea is this will give them some idea of how the candidate will perform in their company.

It’s a combination of technology and psychology.  There are hundreds of tests out there all trying to determine in advance, what type of person this is.  What color is your personality?  Are you a leader or a follower? An introvert or extrovert? Do you perceive or judge? What letter of the alphabet are you?  Are you a leader or follower? The list goes on and on.

Skewing Pre-employment Tests

I majored in Organizational Behavior.  I know that it is entirely possible to take these tests and skew them to say whatever you want them to say. In some instances it’s pretty simple to get the “score” you think the company wants.

For example, given a question about how you prefer to spend your time (with a group or alone).  How you answer that one may lead you to be scored as an extrovert or an introvert.  If you’re applying for a job in marketing or sales, you’ll want to appear to be an extrovert.  If you’re applying for an accounting or analytical role, maybe an introvert would be better.

It’s not a good idea for anyone to overthink these tests. It’s pointless to worry about them.  If you’re honest about your answers, you might even learn something about yourself.

I have worked with companies who put a great deal of importance on the results of these tests.  And, others take the results, compare them to what they believe and make a decision based on what’s in their heart or their gut. In other words they trust their instincts rather than take the word of a personality test.

If you are interested in learning more about Personality Tests https://www.calm-water.com/the-cult-of-personality-testing/