Employee Selection
Chapter
6
This chapter begins by emphasizing the importance of getting the right person-job fit and
presents a selection process that when followed can lead to good hiring decisions. Topics
include the importance of obtaining reliable and valid information about each candidate with
a special emphasis on employment tests and interviewing. The chapter also includes
guidelines on systematically considering all the relevant information about applicants before
reaching the final selection decision.
Chapter Outline
OVERVIEW OF THE SELECTION PROCESS
Begin with a Job Analysis
Steps in the Selection Process
Obtaining Reliable and Valid Information
INITIAL SCREENING
Cover Letters and Résumés
EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEWS
The Nondirective Interview
The Structured Interview
POST-INTERVIEW SCREENING
Reference Checks
Background Checks
Credit Checks
Part 3 Developing Effectiveness in Human Resources
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PREEMPLOYMENT TESTS
Types of Tests
Job Knowledge Tests
Work Sample Tests
Assessment Center Tests
Construct Validity
REACHING A SELECTION DECISION
Summarizing Information About Applicants
Decision-Making Strategy
Clinical Approach
Statistical Approach
Final Decision
Generating Interest
Consider introducing this topic by showing the On the Job: Video Case to generate
Dealing with Trouble Spots
Understanding the differences between reliability and validity can be challenging. Providing
synonyms and simple examples can help:
Term
Synonyms
Examples
Reliability
Consistency; stability
• Test-takers get similar scores on the same
test administered several days apart
Chapter 6 Employee Selection
• Criterion-related validity: low score = low performance; high score =
high performance
Involving Students
Several of this chapter’s figures and Highlights in HRM are suited to involving students in
discussion. For example, Figure 6.4, “Most Common Types of Background Checks”: Do
any of these items surprise you?