You’ve likely heard the term ‘psychometrics’ thrown around in recruitment discussions, but what does it truly mean, and why should it be part of your hiring toolkit?
In essence, psychometrics refers to the science of objectively measuring attributes such as cognitive abilities, behavioural styles, and personality traits. For a test to be considered “psychometric,” it must be standardised, reliable, and valid—ensuring accurate measurement while avoiding subjective bias. This objectivity makes psychometrics invaluable in identifying candidates whose cognitive abilities and personality align with the demands of the role.
So, let’s explore the compelling reasons why psychometric testing should be at the forefront of your hiring and talent development strategy:
1. Access deeper insights beyond the CV
Psychometrics reveal dimensions of a candidate that can’t be discerned from a resume alone. Aptitude tests measure hard skills, while personality assessments offer a window into soft skills—providing a more holistic view of how a candidate behaves and performs in work environments.
2. Reduces hiring bias
Automated scoring algorithms remove human error, ensuring fair and objective assessments. Every candidate is measured against a large pool of peers, offering a standardised comparison that treats all candidates equally and mitigates unconscious bias.
3. Reduce recruiters’ workload
From candidate self-registration to instant results and feedback reports, psychometric platforms streamline the hiring journey. They assist in shortlisting, crafting interview questions, generating feedback, and matching profiles, enhancing efficiency at every recruitment stage.
4. Tailor assessments to your needs
Flexible online platforms (like ours) enable you to choose traits most relevant to your organisation from a diverse library of scales. Personalise the experience by adding your company’s branding throughout the candidate journey at no extra cost.
5. Predict future job performance
Psychometric assessments are the single most reliable predictor of future job performance, outperforming traditional selection methods like interviews and CVs. Incorporating these assessments increases your chances of finding candidates who will excel in the role.
6. Create a candidate-friendly experience
Designed to be intuitive and engaging, modern psychometric platforms enhance the candidate experience, helping your brand stand out. Research shows candidates appreciate the perceived fairness of psychometric tests, contributing to a positive impression of your organisation.
7. Support team development
Psychometrics aren’t just for hiring; they can be an invaluable tool for team and individual development. Reports such as the Team Strength Report can be used in team building workshops and team-building activities, enhancing understanding and collaboration among team members.
8. Simulate real-world work scenarios
Provide candidates with realistic job scenarios to evaluate problem-solving approaches. Platforms like MessageMe, which mimic instant messaging formats, make it easy to observe candidates’ real-time decision-making in a familiar setting, boosting engagement.
9. Match candidates to roles
Psychometric tests offer insights into what motivates and engages candidates, ensuring they’re placed in roles that align with their strengths. This alignment reduces turnover and enhances new hires’ commitment and productivity.
10. Lower hiring costs
By reducing the risk of a bad hire, psychometric assessments help save on recruitment costs and increase retention. They enable you to identify top performers early, contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective hiring process.
11. Use Insights beyond hiring
Psychometric results aren’t just for hiring decisions; they’re also valuable post-hire. Specialised reports, like our Onboarding Report, empower managers to leverage employees’ strengths from day one, setting them up for success in their roles.
Incorporating psychometrics into your hiring and development processes unlocks new levels of insight, efficiency, and candidate satisfaction. With a scientific approach to hiring, you’re not only building a team but setting the foundation for a resilient and high-performing workforce.
Interested? Speak to the team to find out more.
