HR Guide: What Lack of Support from Your Assessment Provider Really Means

guide

HR Guide: Why most HR teams struggle with assessment effectiveness

key insights

Key Insights

Many professionals often find themselves questioning whether their current assessment providers are delivering value and adhering to best practices. The gap between the sales pitch and the actual utility of these tools can leave many feeling left in the dark, uncertain if they are truly leveraging these assessments effectively.

The Disconnection After the Sale

The initial stages of engagement with an assessment provider are usually marked by intensive communication. Sales teams are active, and the flow of information is robust. However, once the contract is signed and the assessments begin to roll out, a common scenario unfolds—a significant drop in communication. This "radio silence" can leave HR professionals and their teams wondering if they are using the right tools in the right way.

Led by Sales, Not by Experts

A fundamental issue in the industry is that sales personnel, rather than psychologists or psychometricians, often drive the narrative. This misalignment means that when real, technical support or expert advice is needed, it’s not readily available. Many HR professionals find themselves asking critical questions about the suitability and application of their assessments without receiving the necessary support or answers from their providers.

Expertise in Accessibility: A Core Requirement

The essence of a robust assessment strategy lies not only in the tools themselves but in the expertise provided by the assessment company. Providers should not only sell their products but also ensure that their clients have continuous access to expert advice and support. This includes access to business psychologists and psychometricians who understand the intricacies of these tools and can provide ongoing validation research and insights tailored to the specific needs of the organisation.

Validation and Effectivenes

The true test of an assessment's effectiveness is how well it aligns with the organisation's goals and the accuracy with which it measures what it claims to. Validation studies conducted within the organisation are crucial to ascertain this alignment. Providers that engage in such practices offer more than just tools—they offer a partnership that contributes to the strategic objectives of the HR department.

Communication and Support: Not Just a Sales Pitch

The relationship with an assessment provider should not end at the sale. Continuous support and clear communication are essential for HR teams to feel confident in their assessment strategies. Providers must move beyond platitudes and offer substantive, informed responses to client queries about the use and effectiveness of the tools provided.

Choosing the Right Provider

Choosing the right assessment provider is about more than comparing product features or pricing. It’s about assessing the level of expertise and support the provider can offer. Organisations should seek providers who:

• Offer easy access to qualified experts like business psychologists and psychometricians.
• Conduct validation research to ensure the tools are effective within the specific context of the organisation.
• Provide clear and ongoing communication post-sale, ensuring that the HR team is never in the dark.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the effectiveness of an assessment provider is fundamentally linked to their ability to offer expert support, engage in meaningful validation of their tools, and maintain open lines of communication with their clients. For HR professionals, choosing a provider is not just a procurement decision; it is a strategic choice that can significantly impact the effectiveness of their recruitment and assessment processes.