Why do an increasing number of astute Hiring Managers want behavioral assessments?  The end goal is to make the RIGHT HIRE to achieve quick ASSIMILATION, faster PRODUCTIVITY, and longer RETENTION.  Behavioral assessment (sometimes referred to as “Psychometric Testing”) has become increasingly recognized as a valuable source of information when making hiring decisions.

There is a wealth of data to demonstrate that using behavioral assessments in conjunction with sound, responsible recruitment methods reduces employee turnover, and it’s quickly becoming standard practice for many employers and recruiters.

When used strictly one-sided whereas applicants/candidates are tested, the results are vague and often mis-interpreted.   In addition, when compared to a one-size fits-all “corporate culture” , the results don’t help in determining if said candidate is really a good fit for the team he/she will work within AND what effects they will have on team dynamics .  The one-sided test isn’t worth the additional time and expense

When in the current economic climate is behavioral assessments REALLY an essential part of assessing potential candidates?  When testing a candidate, what are you measuring the results against?

Just in case you’re unfamiliar with behavioral assessment, although the process varies from company to company, it usually involves a questionnaire that asks the candidate about their opinions, preferences and priorities.  Behavioral reports can include information such as preferred working environment, how they respond to tight deadlines, preferred management style, approach to selling, and much more.

Define the Role using Team Behavioral Assessments

Figuring out exactly the kind of candidate you’re looking for and creating a job description to match can be a time‐consuming headache. But a simple job survey of the direct stakeholders to the role you are recruiting for, lasting around 12-14 minutes, will produce detailed analysis on how those stakeholders view the role and a composite team analysis on these FOUR POINTS:

 

Save TIME by Conducting Fewer Interviews

A resume or LinkedIn profile tells you whether a person has some of the qualifications and job history but usually it’s impossible to tell if a person has the right attitude, accomplishments until you interview them. Behavioral assessments, on the other hand, can provide you with that information in a fair and objective fashion.

So if, for example, you have 3 to 4 candidates that look great on paper, TWO-WAY behavioral assessments can help you reduce that shortlist to a more manageable number, and leave you with a much more efficient interview process.

An often-overlooked feature of behavioral assessment is its ability to tell you the training and management styles to use to get the best results from your new employee. Getting your recruit up to speed quickly and making them feel comfortable in the role with fast productivity is not only a time saver but it also reduces the expenses incurred through downtime.

Two-Way Behavioral Assessments Reduces Employee Turnover

We’ve already mentioned the fact that behavioral assessments reduces employee turnover, but have you ever stopped to consider just how expensive and time consuming it can be to replace a bad hire?
Aside from the fact that you have to spend time and money, repeating the recruitment process all over again, you also have to repeat the expense of onboarding and assimilation for the eventual replacement.

Although prices vary quite a bit, the average cost of behavioral assessments are s often far less than employers imagine. And any one of the above four points would more than justify the additional, modest investment. But put these four elements together and you have a potential saving of time and money that represents thousands of dollars. Especially in consideration of reducing employee turnover.