Finding the Perfect Fit: Harnessing Functional Assessments for High-Volume Hiring
Time is limited and countless candidates await. Amidst the sea of resumes and the challenges of no-shows and ill-prepared candidates, candidate filtration takes centre stage. Welcome to high-volume hiring.
Pre employment assessments are a boon in the filtration process. They ensure the right candidates advance to the next stage of the hiring process, making the final selection easier.
Today, online assessments have made the filtration stage more effective, with their boundless reach and unparalleled convenience.
Functional assessments offer another filtering layer and double-barreled assurance.
The importance of functional assessments
Today, a combination of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills are needed to thrive in a role.
For instance, business analysts need proficiency in database coding languages (e.g., SQL), statistical analysis languages (Python/R), and statistical software (Excel, Mathematica, etc.). However, their success also hinges on their soft skills, which include communication, critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, data visualisation, attention to detail, holistic thinking, and teamwork.
This is why a variety of pre-employment assessments exist to gauge different facets of candidates’ abilities and skills. These include psychometric, aptitude, technical and functional tests.
Here are some reasons why functional assessments are a force to reckon with:
They assess domain knowledge: Domain knowledge and understanding of one’s own functional role are highly valued attributes and key differentiators in the hiring process.
Functional assessments provide insights into candidates’ industry-specific knowledge and capabilities both at a micro and macro level. This helps companies narrow down the candidate list to those who are seasoned in their field and have a firm understanding of the target market.
They expedite candidate filtration: Functional assessments can be customised to align with specific roles, incorporating real-world scenarios and challenges candidates may encounter in their jobs. Additionally, they offer a standardised method for evaluating candidates. This facilitates objective comparison of candidates and early identification of the most suitable individuals, thereby reducing time-to-hire.
They make hiring bias-free: Functional assessments offer several features to mitigate unconscious bias during candidate screening. These include:
- Consistent evaluation method: By utilising the same set of criteria, functional assessments ensure a fair and unbiased comparison among candidates.
- Blind evaluation option: Removing candidate-identifying information such as name and gender from assessment materials minimises unconscious stereotyping and personal biases.
- Evaluation breakdown into specific components or tasks: Breaking down the evaluation process prevents the halo effect (over-emphasising overall competence based on a single positive trait) or the horn effect (over-emphasising overall incompetence based on a single negative trait), promoting a more balanced and objective assessment.
They reduce risk of mis-hires: Poor hires can cost a company a fortune, time and resources. According to a 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Labor, a poor hire can cost between $17,000 and $240,000 per year, depending on the role and organisation. Therefore, selecting the right candidate at the start is paramount.
There are several evident signs of an incompetent recruit, including, negative attitude, unwillingness to learn on the job and frequent absences.
While functional assessments may not uncover elusive behaviours, they can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s attitude, skill deficit and learning abilities. This significantly reduces the risk of poor hiring decisions.
Filter effectively, select the right workforce
Functional assessments provide a robust framework for evaluating functional capabilities. This allows for the rapid, reliable, and objective identification of the most qualified individuals from a vast pool of candidates.
Their proven effectiveness serves as a winning formula to enhance hiring outcomes and drive organisational success.
Ref:
- www.analytics.hbs.edu
- www.iiba.org
- www.businessnewsdaily.com
- www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools
- www.sovaassessment.com
- www.recruitmentmarketing.com
- www.aihr.com
- www.contractrecruiter.com
