Hiring and psychometric personality tests

eyemamom
Sun, 08 Nov 2015 13:21:13 +0000

Do you think those tests give worthwhile information?

Hiring in my office can be really tough. I think we’re all bad at it. I hire a lot of entry level positions where you are expected to process a certain amount of data a day. It isn’t mindless, but a college degree is overkill. There is potential for advancement and opportunities to take on more responsibility.

People at this level don’t know how to be interviewed either. We always ask throughout the hiring process if they have any questions and I rarely get asked anything.

The process is first interview with open ended questions and talking through a typical day in their current job, examples of things, then we give a basic knowledge computer test with typing.

Second interview is a paid half day where the billing manager teaches them the basic skills of the job and we can see how they pick it up and they can see what it’s really like to work in the office.

Third interview is with me and the administrator where we talk about their day, follow up with any lingering questions and we make sure they understand our business philosophy and expectations. Before the first interview we do a basic background check, including social media, we call references.

I worked hard to get a nice, positive encouraging environment. Once people are in and trained we have low turnover. But it seems to be a job where you either get it, or you don’t. I can usually tell within the first few days if they’ll make it and be good.

It’s almost comical how things flame out sometimes. One issue that’s hard to discern is their attitude and work ethic. I live in a more rural area, outside a major metropolitan area. I am starting to feel like we would have as much luck just bringing in random people off the street.

We’re really growing and really need help.