In brief...: Firms widen testing focus

Jun 13 2008

Psychometric testing is used by 50 per cent of UK companies during recruitment, research shows.

Firms say a prospective employee's potential to grow within the company is a leading factor in their possible recruitment, according to the study on behalf of the Service Desk Institute and Hornbill Systems.

Employers also place emphasis on personal skills rather than qualifications when interviewing candidates.

In a bid to retain staff, companies have also increased "reward and recognition" policies. More than 57 per cent said this was a crucial part of their recruitment packages, a rise of 37 per cent on earlier figures.

Research also shows IT help desk staff are staying in their roles for longer to move towards a more technical career within the same company.