by Dr. Wendell Williams
Monster Contributing Writer
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I recently took a corporate recruiting position. We are already performing hard-skills testing, such as math and spelling/grammar, and technical skills for computer folks. I would like to eventually implement soft-skills evaluation or personality testing. Do you have any suggestions on how to find some premier products? Thanks for your help!
-- dialrecruit
THE TEST DOCTOR RESPONDS: A word of caution for you: All tests should be validated with job performance. It is not enough to say you are using a test without being able to document why you are using it and how the scores relate to job performance. Unscrupulous or unqualified test vendors often sell soft-skills tests to unsuspecting organizations. The result is poor selection practices, unprofessional conduct and legal liability.
There is no such thing as a premier personality product. Personality tests are often fine for teaching communication programs, but it is a mistake to confuse better communication skills with overall job performance. Personality is also far too complex to be reduced to a few traits. Different factors come into play, depending on the job activities.
Pencil-and-paper tests are poor predictors of soft skills like the ability to communicate, resolve problems, coach, sell or present at meetings. They tend to make people look better than they really are. Soft skills can be accurately measured only when using tightly controlled simulations, trained role players and standardized score sheets.
