Q.1 Which of the following is the primary goal of personnel selection?
To hire the fastest applicants
To reduce training costs
To match the right person with the right job
To increase the number of applications
Explanation - Personnel selection focuses on ensuring that individuals hired have the skills, abilities, and traits required to succeed in the role.
Correct answer is: To match the right person with the right job
Q.2 What is the first step in the recruitment process?
Conducting interviews
Job analysis
Background checks
Onboarding
Explanation - Job analysis identifies the tasks, responsibilities, and skills needed for a role, which guides recruitment and selection.
Correct answer is: Job analysis
Q.3 Which selection method is best for predicting future job performance?
Reference checks
Cognitive ability tests
Unstructured interviews
Application forms
Explanation - Research shows that cognitive ability tests are strong predictors of job performance across many roles.
Correct answer is: Cognitive ability tests
Q.4 Structured interviews differ from unstructured interviews in that they:
Have higher legal defensibility
Rely on casual conversation
Ignore scoring rubrics
Avoid predetermined questions
Explanation - Structured interviews use standardized questions and scoring, making them more reliable and legally defensible.
Correct answer is: Have higher legal defensibility
Q.5 Which psychological test assesses a candidate’s honesty and integrity?
Personality test
Integrity test
Cognitive ability test
Aptitude test
Explanation - Integrity tests are designed to measure honesty, dependability, and adherence to rules.
Correct answer is: Integrity test
Q.6 What does the term 'validity' refer to in personnel selection?
Fairness of the test
Accuracy of the test in predicting job performance
Simplicity of the test
Cost of the test
Explanation - Validity indicates how well a selection tool predicts outcomes such as job success.
Correct answer is: Accuracy of the test in predicting job performance
Q.7 Which recruitment method is most effective for reaching passive job seekers?
Employee referrals
Job boards
Social media recruiting
Campus recruitment
Explanation - Social media platforms are effective in targeting professionals who are not actively applying but open to opportunities.
Correct answer is: Social media recruiting
Q.8 Why is job analysis critical for recruitment?
It reduces training costs
It provides accurate job descriptions
It eliminates employee turnover
It increases salaries
Explanation - Accurate job descriptions ensure candidates understand the role and recruiters select appropriately.
Correct answer is: It provides accurate job descriptions
Q.9 What is adverse impact in personnel selection?
Hiring too few employees
A selection method that unintentionally disadvantages a protected group
Failing to check references
Using outdated job descriptions
Explanation - Adverse impact occurs when a hiring practice disproportionately affects a group, even if unintended.
Correct answer is: A selection method that unintentionally disadvantages a protected group
Q.10 Which of the following is an example of a work sample test?
Typing test for clerical workers
IQ test
Personality questionnaire
Background check
Explanation - Work sample tests require applicants to perform tasks similar to those on the job.
Correct answer is: Typing test for clerical workers
Q.11 Which recruitment method typically yields candidates who fit well with organizational culture?
Campus recruitment
Employee referrals
Job fairs
Advertisements
Explanation - Referrals often lead to candidates who align with the organization’s culture as they are recommended by insiders.
Correct answer is: Employee referrals
Q.12 What is the primary purpose of applicant tracking systems (ATS)?
To conduct interviews
To screen and organize applications
To negotiate salaries
To train employees
Explanation - ATS software helps recruiters filter, sort, and track job applications efficiently.
Correct answer is: To screen and organize applications
Q.13 Which factor is most important in ensuring fairness in selection procedures?
Consistency in evaluation
Speed of the hiring process
Cost of testing
Number of applicants
Explanation - Consistency reduces bias and ensures fairness by evaluating all candidates on the same criteria.
Correct answer is: Consistency in evaluation
Q.14 What is the primary disadvantage of unstructured interviews?
They are too costly
They have low reliability and validity
They are legally defensible
They require too many interviewers
Explanation - Unstructured interviews are prone to bias and do not consistently predict job performance.
Correct answer is: They have low reliability and validity
Q.15 What type of interview question asks candidates how they behaved in past situations?
Situational
Behavioral
Stress
Technical
Explanation - Behavioral questions focus on past actions as predictors of future behavior.
Correct answer is: Behavioral
Q.16 Which law in the U.S. primarily governs fairness in selection and recruitment?
Civil Rights Act of 1964
Fair Labor Standards Act
Americans with Disabilities Act
Family and Medical Leave Act
Explanation - Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Correct answer is: Civil Rights Act of 1964
Q.17 Which selection tool measures a candidate’s emotional stability, openness, and conscientiousness?
Personality test
Cognitive ability test
Integrity test
Biodata test
Explanation - Personality tests assess traits such as openness and conscientiousness, often related to job success.
Correct answer is: Personality test
Q.18 What is the main purpose of realistic job previews (RJP)?
To discourage applicants
To present both positive and negative aspects of the job
To focus only on benefits
To replace interviews
Explanation - RJPs help candidates form realistic expectations, reducing turnover.
Correct answer is: To present both positive and negative aspects of the job
Q.19 Which selection tool focuses on past life experiences to predict job performance?
Cognitive ability test
Biodata test
Integrity test
Personality test
Explanation - Biodata tests ask about past experiences and achievements that correlate with success in the role.
Correct answer is: Biodata test
Q.20 What is the purpose of reliability in selection tests?
To measure legal defensibility
To ensure consistent results over time
To lower costs
To avoid structured interviews
Explanation - Reliability ensures that test results are stable and reproducible, which is critical for fairness.
Correct answer is: To ensure consistent results over time
Q.21 What is a key ethical concern in personnel selection?
Hiring too quickly
Ensuring equal opportunity
Attracting too many candidates
Posting jobs online
Explanation - Ethical hiring requires fair treatment of all candidates, regardless of background.
Correct answer is: Ensuring equal opportunity
Q.22 Why are cognitive ability tests sometimes criticized?
They are inexpensive
They may lead to adverse impact
They are too easy to administer
They measure irrelevant traits
Explanation - Although valid, cognitive tests can sometimes disadvantage minority groups, raising fairness concerns.
Correct answer is: They may lead to adverse impact
Q.23 Which selection technique involves asking candidates to solve job-related problems in hypothetical scenarios?
Work sample test
Situational interview
Reference check
Cognitive ability test
Explanation - Situational interviews ask applicants how they would handle job-related scenarios, testing problem-solving skills.
Correct answer is: Situational interview
Q.24 Which is a major advantage of internal recruitment?
Brings fresh perspectives
Improves employee motivation and retention
Expands applicant pool
Avoids favoritism
Explanation - Internal recruitment signals career growth opportunities, enhancing morale and retention.
Correct answer is: Improves employee motivation and retention
Q.25 Which recruitment source is best suited for entry-level positions?
Campus recruitment
Executive search firms
Head-hunting
Employee referrals
Explanation - Campus recruitment is effective for hiring fresh graduates in entry-level roles.
Correct answer is: Campus recruitment