Online testing

By STEVE HART

Recruitment firm Drake New Zealand has taken its psychometric testing system online so job hunters can complete it wherever there is a computer connected to the internet.

The company has been using the personality testing system for around 10 years to help match job seekers with employers. Drake's Janet Manley says the test results, which are generated by a computer program, are easy to understand.

"You do not need to be an expert to read the results so employers can understand it and decide if a candidate is a good fit for their company or team. It's all very user friendly."

Drake will often ask job applicants to sit a psychometric test before they are put forward for a job interview.

"We prefer candidates to sit the test at our offices as it is a controlled environment. But it can now be done over the internet. I think we are the first New Zealand recruitment agency to offer this option."

She says the test makes up around 15-20 per cent of the hiring decision with the rest down to qualifications, job experience and skill set.

"Candidates get a short summary of the report by email which we discuss with them and we or the client see the full report which we also show to the candidate at the office," says Manley.