Personnel Selection in Australia: Identifying Research-Practice Gaps and Understanding the Importance of Culture Fit

This study examined current personnel selection practices in Australia including (a) the types of assessments used, (b) factors considered when choosing assessments, and (c) characteristics targeted successful applicants. Participants from 68 organizations responded to a questionnaire that asked about practices. Several areas where practice deviated research-supported best were identified. First, psychometric tests used rarely: Cognitive ability by 26% self-report questionnaires (e.g., personality inventories) 18% organizations. Second, three most important considerations (in order) candidate experience, reducing bias, assessment provides consistent scores; validity was fourth. Finally, common characteristic selecting applicants “culture fit.” Supplementary analyses determine how culture fit defined assessed suggested there is little consistency what it means measured.