- 1). Access online resources, trade journal, magazines and comments from other human resources leaders about employment testing. Understand different perspectives about tests used in making hiring decisions. According to Washington Post staff writer Ariana Eunjung Cha, "about 30 percent of all companies use personality tests in hiring. To many companies, the tests are as important, if not more important, than an applicant's education, experience and recommendations." Proponents of employment testing believe hiring decisions--at least those based in part on the results of employment tests--are justifiable when a standardized testing method is used to determine the candidate's suitability. Ensure that your testing methods do not unintentionally discriminate against certain groups--such as minorities or women--which would violate federal and state employment laws.
- 2). Design an activity to determine if applicants for certain positions have the necessary skill levels and abilities to perform successfully. Observe the applicant's comfort level with an activity that will become a significant portion of her job. For example, some professional occupations require employees to conduct training sessions or facilitate focus groups. After the interview process, ask the candidate to prepare a presentation that demonstrates her public speaking and or facilitation skills. Evaluating a candidate's speaking capabilities enables you to observe her tone, delivery method, ability to engage the audience and ease with which she interacts with an audience.
- 3). Administer employment tests for administrative and clerical skills required by a job, such as typing, grammar and organizational skills. The typing and grammar examinations are the easiest to measure, and the most widely accepted. In addition, you will want to know how proficient he is with commonly used office applications such as Microsoft Office programs. When administering a test for administrative and support role positions, look at the skills in their totality. A fast typist does not make an organized administrative assistant who can handle complex issues in the absence of his manager.
- 4). Evaluate customer services skills through examinations that allow you to evaluate interpersonal communication skills, dealing with difficult clients, problem solving and conflict resolution. You can use a prepared examination available through human resources professional organizations, trade journals and other avenues. In the alternative, design a test based on scenarios that may actually occur in your workplace.
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