Ch. 6: Employment Testing

Concept and brief description:

Employment testing consists of different tests a company can perform in order to find a suitable person for a position. Tests can be a great way to find out a potential employees abilities. They provide a lot of information that is crucial in deciding what will be best for a company. Tests are needed in order to find the best person for a job.

Emotional hook (provocative question/ claim/real-life problem):

You are interviewing for a new position. The interview process has been quite grueling. You are tired and so are the other applicants. A lot of people are applying for one position and you are really wondering if you stand a chance. However, later in the week you get a phone can informing you that you have been selected for the position. All of the tests you underwent were tiring but make you feel very good considering you beat out at least ten other applicants.

Key points to elicit in discussion:

Employment testing is really interesting. First, it is interesting how many tests companies can and do use in the hiring process. I realize that companies want to find the very best person for a job, but sometimes it feels like you are being interrogated. Second, it is sad to me how many tests are needed just to find out if a person would be considered safe. You have to test for drugs, illegal activities, citizenship, and so forth. Lastly, it is really annoying that there are so many ways a company can discriminate while trying to hire new employees. It seems the company has to spend more time focusing on making sure they don't discriminate than on the actual potential employee.

Facilitative questions:

What was the most intense interview you have ever had? What tests did you have to take? What did the interview consist of?