Situational Judgement Test for recruitment

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the pilot study Cubiks conducted in Sweden and internationally, have been to investigate the needs and commercial conditions of a generic Situational Based screening tool. The pilot studies have confirmed and even strengthen Cubiks assessment that there is a strong need for this. The need to be able to more effectively screen candidates at an early stage has actually shown to be even larger than expected. It has also been apparent that this is an international trend rather than only driven in the Swedish market.

Results and expected effects

The companies that participated in Cubiks pilot studies have been positive to screen candidates in an automatised manner early in the recruiting process. Nevertheless, some questions were raised on the fact to only select based on situationally based questions. Even more validated methods were requested such as selection based on ability and personality. A direct effect of the completed pilot studies is that Cubiks centrally will invest in developing a screening test during 2015 based on SJT, ability and personality. The tool will be introduced to the Swedish market in 2015.

Approach and implementation

Nine large companies was contacted in the market survey all with expected major search volumes. The companies had 80-1000+ applications per ad and 20-500+ jobs/year (full-time/temporary). A structured interview was done by phone. Information was collected about search volume, number of new employees, processes and the advantages/disadvantages. The benefits, concerns and whether there was a desire to integrate SJT in the process was also examined. Two additional seminars in Sweden and one centrally driven international survey was also conducted in line with the project.