Computer assessments get into candidates’ minds

Applying for a retail job ain’t what it used to be, so I learned this year. My 18-year-old niece repeatedly asked me for help in filling out online applications this summer. Almost all the questionnaires included lengthy and tiresome “personality assessments.”

From what I could gather, the 100+ questions help employers determine if candidates are antisocial, apt to steal or chronically tardy. A way to winnow out the losers before they even get an interview, I suppose.

I began to wonder just how effective these tests are. I mean, really, can’t most people anticipate the answer an employer would expect and respond accordingly? Seems like these assessments might be most effective for eliminating candidates with no attention for detail.

I’m pushing my skepticism aside to investigate computer assessments for my Market Smart: In Depth column. Have you got an opinion on these tests? Are you using computer assessments in your own business? I’d like to hear about your experiences. Post a comment or send an e-mail to smartinez@branchsmith.com.

-- Sarah