With hiring costs escalating, employers needmore assurance that a candidate can performin actual work situations. In light of that,applicants are frequently asked to engage inoffice simulations. A managerial simulation right include fielding phone calls fromsuppliers, employee conferences, sending and receiving constant e-mails, and other pressuresituations, which allow employers to see first hand how well a candidate copes. Executive simulations up the ante even further, and caninclude negotiating a worker conflict or handlingdifficult questions from a reporter. There is alsosoftware available geared to specific jobs:TellerVision Simulation replicates banking situationsright on the PC.employee conferences, sending and receiving constant e-mails, and other pressuresituations, which allow employers to see first hand how well a candidate copes.
Simulations are also used to test candidatesfor blue-collar jobs. Toyota and GM use simulationsat certain plants to test applicants on theirproblem-solving skills, their ability to followsimple instructions, and how they work with ateam. At one auto assembly plant, applicants runa simulated business involving the manufactureof circuit boards. Their goal is to come up withideas and then decide on the best way to fi nd suppliers,assemble the boards, and maintain qualitycontrol.Some Toyota candidates are also requiredto test their manual dexterity and spatial skills;they might spend their "work" day assembling anddisassembling a set of plastic pipes.
THE FINAL DECISION
A number of factors enter into a final hiringdecisionnot only the candidate's experience,qualifications, references, and salary requirements,but also the impressions you and yourfellow interviewers have of the candidate's suitabilityfor the position and fit within your group.
Before you make a job offer, it's critical to have a strong sense of having found the right person for the position. You and your companywill be making a significant investment of timeand money in this individual, and you want itto pay off.
With hiring costs escalating, employers need more assurance that a candidate can perform in actual work situations. In light of that, applicants are frequently asked to engage in
