Why Businesses Should Use Psychometric Tests During Recruitment

Psychometric tests have been there since time immemorial. The only difference between then and now is that they have gained more popularity with time because many businesses have been using it as a tool for recruitment and selection. They are used to measure a lot in an individual. Nowadays, it is not about which degree or masters you have done.

Almost everyone that applies for a particular post has the requirements, but the person that is the best fit for the job needs to have more than just qualifications. Psychometric tests are used to measure your intelligence quotient, personality, among other things. By businesses giving potential candidates the aptitude tests, they aim to filter out those who don’t measure up in terms of Intelligence Quotient and personality.

The employers are also able to determine how you would react in a work environment and how you would handle different scenarios. This helps them decide whether you are fit for the job. The aptitude tests given usually measure your intellect and reasoning capabilities, while the personality tests focus on your traits such as motivation, enthusiasm, and ability to work with other people. Below are the reasons why businesses prefer to use psychometric profiling during the recruitment process.

It Aids Recruitment Decisions.

Unlike before, where resume screening and gut feeling could be used to determine the right candidate for the job, things have changed. Use of the gut and resume screening has been reported to lead to some bad choices, especially if the individual hired wasn’t honest in their resume and becomes a liability to the company.

They may even lack the essential traits needed in the workplace, such as honesty, resilience, and determination. The use of psychometric tests is advisable because it provides measurable and objective data which helps the employer to pick out the most suitable candidates, based on the performance of the aptitude tests. It is also fair because it provides a neutral ground for all candidates since each one of them is given the standardized test.

Organizations also prefer the use of psychometric tests because it helps to screen and eliminate the large number of candidates more efficiently. This reduces the workload of the hiring manager and saves them a lot of time.

Individual Training.

Aptitude test provides the hiring team with a lot of information about the candidates. Through this information, they can know how to handle the recruits, what communication styles they prefer as well as what motivates them to do better in the workplace.

The employer can also learn about the knowledge level of the person they plan to hire and customize ways to improve their skills and knowledge. After getting this information, the human resource team can even know which training activities they should focus on to help the recruits get better. Also, the tests give results on one’s weaknesses and strengths. The employee can know which areas need improvement and which areas don’t.  Note that the objective nature of psychometric tests means that there will be fewer chances for conflict.

Team Development.

Through psychometric tests, the employer can be able to determine the different sets of skills and personalities and choose those who will complement the skills of the existing employees. Through the tests, the employer can identify different personalities, and this helps them to create a diverse team. Organizations that embrace diversity tend to outperform organizations that have a team with similar personalities and skills.

Through diversification, the employees learn how to work with other people and also learn new things from each other. Also, from the results of the tests, the hiring team can be able to identify whether there are any existing personality clashes which may be hindering performance.  If there are any, the hiring team could choose to move individuals into groups that will suit their personalities.

Reduction in Turnover.

Since the psychometric tests provide an all-round report of the potential candidates, the employer is able to find the right candidate. They are also able to understand their employees better such that they know what motivates the employees, what values they believe in, as well as what demotivates them. By gathering this information, the employer can put in place policies that will make the employees feel motivated to work every day. The employer will know how to keep the team motivated, and this tremendously increases productivity and revenue in the long run. If the employees are happy and contented at the workplace, they will be more willing to perform well.

Summary

Psychometric tests are an excellent way to eliminate many candidates and remain with a small pool that is likely to provide results. Organizations need to embrace it because it allows the hiring team to know the candidate better and hence make an informed decision about the candidates they choose to hire. Also, the tests help to prevent bias in recruitment.