Self-assessment in personnel selection

Abstract

Examined the usefulness of self-assessments of skills, abilities, and knowledge for personnel selection in 2 studies. In Study 1, 73 clerical state government employees rated ther current abilities in several areas and took a speeded test of clerical accuracy and 2 parallel forms of an unspeeded test of several clerical abilities. Supervisors provided concurrent performance ratings on as many as 16 dimensions. Significant positive correlations between self-assessments and written test scores were found for spelling, grammar, word meaning, reading, and arithmetic. Self-assessments of spelling, reading, grammar, speed and accuracy of proofreading, comparing names and numbers, and concentration of accuracy of details correlated significantly with supervisory ratings on corresponding performance dimensions. In study 2, 569 applicants for clerical jobs rated their typing speed and were later given a standardized typing test. Typing test scores correlated .62 or better with self-assessments. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)