Influences of traits and assessment methods on human resource practitioners' evaluations of job applicants

Abstract:

We examined human resource (HR) practitioners' subjective evaluations of job applicants as a function of specific traits and the assessment methods used to measure those traits. HR practitioners (N = 277) rated the hirability of a hypothetical job applicant who was described according to one trait (intelligence, conscientiousness, or agreeableness) assessed by one method (interview, paper-and-pencil test, or assessment center). We found main effects for trait and method as well as an interaction. HR practitioners gave highest hirability ratings to job applicants described as conscientious and to those assessed by an interview. Job applicants evaluated on conscientiousness assessed by an interview were rated more highly than all other combinations of trait and method.

Keywords: assessment methods; traits; selection and assessment; interaction of traits and assessment methods; hirability

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s10869-006-9033-6

Affiliations: 1: Email: colar1sm@cmich.edu