Employee Assessments

I currently use assessments in my coaching practice and have been using the ProfileXT since 2004 and it is the most valid and reliable assessment I have found. This tool can be used both pre-hire and post-hire. For selecting a tool for pre-hire use you must be more selective as you must follow DOL guidelines for hiring in order to avoid any potential legal issues with non-selected candidates. I recommend visiting this link http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/hiring-testing.htm on DOL and downloading Testing and Assessment: An Employers Guide to Good Practices. On page 23 they describe a "reliability coefficient." Personally, I would not use a tool for pre-hire with a reliability coefficient under .80 to be safe. Many standard personality assessments on the market have a much lower reliability coefficient. I use these for post-hire team building applications. In addition, I would ask to view the latest validity study and make sure it is recent - not from 1970. I would also select an assessment company that has a large client base and many years of validity studies. I would also make sure the tool you select can be customized to measure a person to a specific job. Finally, I recommend making the asssessment 1/3 or less of your overall hiring decision.