Psychometric tests
Overview
In the employment market today psychometric testing is on the increase in pre-employment screening. Although this trend has yet to impact on the legal market there are a number of firms that do use psychometric tests as part of their ongoing development of staff during their training and assessment days. Also, it is becoming more common for firms to use tests when pre-selecting trainee solicitors. There may be occasions when it is appropriate to introduce some form of testing either during your recruitment and selection or training and development of staff. We would be happy to discuss this further as we have staff trained and experienced in these areas.
Testing or assessing candidates can be in a number of forms:-
Personality Questionnaire
There is no pass or fail mark for these and it is not based on candidate’s abilities. The personality tools seek to determine how the candidate might behave or present themselves in certain situations. It can also indicate how they might approach problems, react in a team environment or deal with their emotions. They are most effective when used prior to an interview so that the results can be used as part of the recruitment and selection process.
Ability Tests
These tests do look at candidate's specific ability in a given area such as verbal reasoning or numerical reasoning. You should always ensure that this ability is relevant to undertaking the role and also that candidates are prepared to sit the test beforehand. There are usually practice papers that the candidate can have access to prior to the actual test.
Simulation Exercises
These are usually undertaken through assessment centres and can involve group exercises, presentations or role play scenarios. Again relevance to the role is paramount and also continuity in how candidates are assessed.
Two general points to take away with you about testing :-
Employer: Consider what behaviors and abilities are required for good job performance
Candidate: Complete the questions honestly and do not to try and guess at what you think employers might be looking for.
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Solicitor Salary Survey
Additional recruitment services
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