Personality Tests
Hi,
I have been out of HR for several years and
am getting back into the field - I am trying to find out what has
changed. I have found more and more companies are requiring
online "personality" tests before granting face to face
interviews. This is obviously after "passing" the initial phone
screen.
When I was actively involved in HR, it was illegal to make hiring decisions based solely
on these kinds of tests. Is that still the case? As
it would be difficult to prove in court that your decision was not
based solely on the outcome of the personality test, aren't these
companies running a significant risk of a law suit by
putting the personality test at this stage of the interview process?
Please be clear, I am not asking because I want to sue anybody - I am asking for my own edification.
Thanks!
Comments
We use personality testing as part of the hiring process. Not as the sole determining factor, but more to determine veracity. We have hired people who, according to the test results, would not match the organization. Some have worked out and some have not. The part where the testing really seems useful is for later down the road when determining if a person is capable of managing groups of people.
I really don't have a problem with using personality tests or
communication style indicator tests, or anything like that. As a
matter of fact, I see lot's of positives if used correctly.
Really, I am just trying to verify that laws have not changed regarding
these tests. It used to be, you could not base hiring decisions
(ie not hiring the individual) solely on the test. Has that
changed?
As far as whether or not these tests are legal, they are, as long as they do not discriminate against people of a protected class under civil rights laws. The EEOC has said that tests that have an adverse impact on people in protected classes and are not job related are discriminatory.
As to my personal opinion, I think that it's a little ridiculous to have applicants take these types of tests. What ever happened to your qualifications for a job!
I just had an email from one of the major HR consulting firms that pointed out new information at the EEOC website at :
http://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/factemployment_procedures.html
regarding employment testing.
I have to agree that I am not fond of personality testing for getting a job. But I will say I have been in management training courses where the testing has helped managers see things from a different perspective (such as the Myers-Briggs test) and that was helpful.
Thanks for your info!