Posted on: Sunday, May 30, 2004
Questions help gauge prospective worker's temperament, talents
By Adam Geller
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Employers using computers to screen job applicants usually include multiple-choice personality tests designed to match a candidate's temperament to a position.
Below are samples of questions included in some tests. The first two questions are from tests authored by Unicru Inc., which runs hiring systems for merchants including The Sports Authority and Blockbuster Inc. The third and fourth questions are from a test originated by Kenexa Corp., which administers hiring systems for merchants including the Golden Corral steakhouse chain.
Question: You'd rather blend into a crowd than stand out:
A. Strongly disagree Question: Realistically, some of your projects will never be finished:
A. Strongly disagree Answers: "There are actually no right or wrong answers to these questions," Unicru spokeswoman Kim Beasley said. The most desirable answer varies depending on the job the employer is looking to fill — answers showing a person is outgoing and expressive, for example, might show they are highly qualified for a customer service position, but poorly suited for work in a stockroom. Question: The perfect work environment for me would be:
A. One where I have a lot of independence. Question: An elderly customer comes into the branch and deposits some cash. You count it and give the customer a deposit receipt for $327. Thirty minutes later the customer comes back and says she gave you $337 and wants to know where the $10 has gone.
A. Explain you were careful and did not make an error. Answers: C, B. These questions serve different functions, Kenexa's Richard Harding said. The first is primarily a gauge of personality, the latter a measure of situational judgment. "By coupling these two together, we get a little bit better idea of how they (candidates) would deal with certain situations," he said.
B. Disagree
C. Agree
D. Strongly agree
B. Disagree
C. Agree
D. Strongly agree
B. One where I am part of a team.
C. One where I interact with people most of the day.
D. One where I react to other people's requests.
E. One which allows me to work with the same small group of people each day.
B. Call your supervisor and let her handle it.
C. Explain that you might have miscounted and that if you did it will show up as your balance at the end of the day.
D. Put $10 of your own money into her account.
E. Ask her nicely if she could have miscounted or spent the $10 and forgotten.
