Psychometric Testing

I recently went to a job interview for a new management post. I completed the job interview satisfactorily, talking about myself and asking questions about the position I was interviewing for. I had every indication from the interview panel that they were enthused at my approach to the new job. However, they used industrial psychology tools to confirm their opinions.

After the interview I was conducted to a small meeting room and was given a short, online psychometric test. I have taken many such tests, but I the questions for this one seemed rather peculiar. However, I answered them as honestly as I could.

A Lack of Psychology Education

Two days later, I got a rather panic-stricken email from the HR manager, who had attached the resulting report from the test. The profile given was so neutral that virtually no results could be given. Would I like to comment? They had little education in psychology, so they did not know how to interpret the results. I pointed out that the results meant I had a balanced profile, but agreed that some of the elements of the profile simply did not tally with my character. When I was offered the job, no comment was made about my psychometric test.

Tools of Industrial Psychology

Psychometric tests are used in industrial psychology as one of many tools to help discover the mental and emotional health of employees, and good fits for people and jobs. Psychometric testing can be very useful, and I have some faith in the results. However, you have to be sure that the test that is used is good, and is suitable for the kind of employment you are interviewing for.

A good friend of mine who has a PhD in industrial psychology suggested that testing has to be in-depth to obtain reliable results, and that organizations need to make sure they get the very best professional advice. Psychology education is a valuable tool in human resources management, and necessary for the proper use of more advanced methods of recruitment and selection.

Sources: http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/aa/careers/careersinfo/psychometrics.htm

Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.Copyright � 2005 HQ Publications. All rights reserved.