192 Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofi t Organizations
common personality tests used in the public sector are the Minnesota
Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the California Psychological Inven-
tory, and the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. They are used when
interpersonal skills are key to successful performance.
Interest inventories are designed to predict job choice behavior rather
than job performance by ascertaining the occupational likes and dislikes of
the individual and indicating the occupational areas that are most likely to
be satisfying to that person. They are used to make a compatible person -
job match.
Experience and training (E & T) rating is a procedure that quantifi es the
education, experience, training, achievements, and other relevant data
that applicants provide on job applications and questionnaires. Points are
assigned to applicants based on the number of years of experience, educa-
tion, and training relevant to the position. Experience and training exams
are often referred to as unassembled examinations.
Structured oral exams are used to evaluate job requirements that are not
easily assessed by paper - and - pencil measures, such as interpersonal, oral
communication, and supervisory skills. Although the specifi cs of the exams
may differ, all structured oral exams share similar components. They are
based on a job analysis that captures the critical KSAOCs necessary for
the position. The questions are job related, and all applicants are asked the
same questions. Rating scales are used to evaluate the responses, and
the raters receive training prior to conducting the examination. Structured
oral exams are used a great deal in the public sector.
Work sample or performance tests require applicants to demonstrate that
they possess the necessary skills needed for successful job performance.
Applicants are asked to perform tasks that are representative of actual job
activities. For example, applicants applying for the position of editor of a
nonprofi t newsletter may be asked to write and edit copy, and applicants
applying for a training position could be required to prepare and present
a training module.
To screen applicants for multisystemic therapy positions, some social
service agencies require a master of social work degree and several years
of experience working with families. Therapists work primarily with par-
ents or caregivers, as well as the youth and their network of extended
family, peers, school, and community toward positive behavioral out-
comes. The position requires the ability to apply analytical and systemic
principles and processes to clinical skills with families and to collaborate
as a team member with families, a clinical team, and other community
care providers.