I have done this type of testing but only with graduate assistants. Prior
to an interview each student was given a series of problems to solve
using spreadsheets, etc. Worked great.

On Tue, 25 Feb 1997, Research Administration Discussion Group wrote:

> I am about to begin interviewing to fill my new "Information and Technology
> Coordinator" position.  I figure lots of us can say we have internet
> searching, web page development, database searching, and misc. office
> software experience, but I'll bet our levels of expertise vary widely.
> Since it is difficult to determine the level of computer skills from job
> applications, resumes, and even face-to-face interviews, I am proposing to
> administer a "skills assessment" to the pool of candidates selected for
> interviews.  It will include exercises on email, internet searching,
> designing a simple web page, doing a SPIN search, and putting a simple
> budget together in Excel and then downloading and filling out an NSF budget
> form.  We use an employment panel to screen and recommend candidates; they
> will approve the assessment and will review the output produced by
> candidates.  The skills test will take place before the face-to-face
> interview.
>
> Our human resources director is balking at this--says "it appears to me
> that this is a means of testing that cannot be validated."  She thinks we
> will have some complaints from candidates.  I say there is no better way to
> make sure the successful candidate has the level of skills required by the
> position.  I also think it is far better to risk complaint now than to go
> through the mess of terminating someone later who turns out to not be able
> to do the job.
>
> Before I do battle on this one, has anyone else had a similar situation
> that you can share with me and the list members?  Can anyone with more
> personnel experience that me explain the concern raised and/or offer
> suggestions on other ways to be sure we hire someone who truly has the
> "demonstrated skills" required in the job description?  (I don't especially
> trust references or past employers--I've been burned once too often by
> these folks who, for one reason or another, don't tell the whole truth!)
>
> Thanks!
>
> Barbara H. Gray                            Telephone:   803-953-5673
> Director of Sponsored Programs      Fax:            803-953-6577
> College of Charleston                     e-mail:         xxxxxx@cofc.edu
> Charleston, SC  29424
>

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Dr. Marianne Rinaldo Woods
Director
Office of Sponsored Projects
University of Texas at Dallas
Phone: 972-883-2313
Fax: 972-883-2310
E-mail: xxxxxx@utdallas.edu
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