Human Resource executives confirm concerns of candidate cheating in online tests

95% of HR leaders recently surveyed by SHL recognize that candidates could deliberately mislead organizations or exaggerate their education or skills when applying for a job. 70% believe it is possible to cheat in an online ability test.

These figuresó gathered in a recent survey conducted by SHLó demonstrate the concern that US HR executives have about the validity of data that is collected in the job application and interview process. They also help to explain why only 30% of those surveyed report that they currently use online testing in their hiring processes.

ìHR managers need to ensure that they are adopting the smartest processes to effectively identify the best candidates earlyî, said Kevin Kerrigan, Manager Director, SHL Americas. ìThey also need to feel protected against the real risks of cheating and lack of data securityî. US companies are not alone in their concerns about how to put online testing and recruitment tools to work for them. SHL data and experience has shown that companies around the worldóparticularly those recruiting on a global levelóare looking for ways to make online testing a part of their hiring process that they can trust.

With only 30% of the companies surveyed citing that they use online testing in their hiring processes, SHL is focused on bringing new solutions to market that deliver the data security and reliability that companies require to confidently add online assessments to their screening process. ìThe tremendous advantage for companies incorporating online testing into their processes is the substantial saving of time and moneyî highlights Kerrigan, ìalong with, of course, the companyís ability to quickly identify those candidates who should move into the interview process so that they can hire the best and brightestî.

The 30% of HR leaders using online testing in the hiring process confirm the top three advantages as; helping them select the best qualified candidates, screening out unqualified job candidates and collection of assessment data to use for employee development.

The drawbacks of online testing identified in the survey are ones that SHL has been paying particular attention to addressing. Companies listed among their top concerns as verification of the test taker identity and cheating.

The area of verification of the test taker and finding ways to minimize and identify cheating are the ìareas of major development for SHLî explains Kerrigan. ìSHL developed SHL Verifyô with input from our global clients and we are now incorporating it into their processes to bring the rigors of data security and validity that will deliver piece of mind.î SHL Verify introduces randomized test technology, enhanced data security, and a quick re-test to verify candidate ability, that allows hiring managers to test with confidence, while keeping pace with the selection demands of their business.