By RICHARD MULLINS Published: April 3, 2009
For even basic jobs like stocking shelves or sweeping floors, applicants now face a series of psychological tests. Here are sample questions from retailers and grocers. While companies would not divulge the "right" answers, here are suggested ways to think about the questions from Ron Selewach, chief executive of HRMC Inc. in Tampa, designer of employee tests for many of the nation's largest companies.
This series of questions asks how much an employee agrees with the following statements.
In the long run, employees get the promotions they deserve. – This is a work ethic question; if you do not believe employees get their just reward, then you would probably not be as inclined to work hard and go the extra mile.
I almost never become bored with the work I do. – The answer may depend on the job; some jobs like a ramp agent at an airport are filled with short bursts of activity followed by longer periods of inactivity. Other jobs require highly energetic people who prefer to keep a fast pace always and quickly move from assignment to assignment. This might also be looking at a person's ability to focus on the work at hand, regardless of the pace.
It doesn't take me long to know whether a job is worth keeping. – Stability over the long run; does the person make snap decisions to leave when the job is not to their liking during temporary periods, or do they stick it out through the bad times?
I agree with the supervisor evaluations I have received. - Is this a person that is easy to supervise and take coaching constructively? But what about those times where a person has had a bad supervisor playing a game of politics? Are there other questions in the assessment to ferret this out and balance the picture?
I would make sure I could quit a job before I was fired. – Does the person spend their time focused on succeeding on the job, or looking for their next job?
How much influence do you have over your coworkers? – Depends on the job in question; the employer might be looking for a leader, but on the other hand, the employer may be looking for someone that focuses on the job duties/tasks and spends no time or attention to gossip or influencing others.
I tend to get bored easily. – Depends on the job; see similar question above
These questions ask what an applicant thinks:
In 10 years of driving, how many traffic tickets (other than parking tickets) do you think a typical driver would receive? (see answer below)
One theory about on-the-job injuries or accidents is that a certain amount of them cannot be avoided, that injuries and accidents are a "way of life" in industry. What percentage of on-the-job injuries or accidents do you think are unavoidable?
– In both these questions, employers are looking for new hires who try to achieve zero mistakes, drive safely, and attempt to avoid all accidents.
Richard Mullins (2009) Here's What The Job Test Means [Online] Available from: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/apr/03/looking-work-heres-what-test-means/ [Accessed April 08, 2009]