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Introduction
Evaluating the motivation of job applicants is one of the most important tasks for headhunters. A motivated employee not only performs better but also commits to the company long-term. But how can headhunters assess an applicant’s motivation? In this article, we will go through various methods and techniques that headhunters use to evaluate the motivation of job applicants.
Operaria specializes in finding the right talents for companies, and motivation assessment is a central part of our process. In this article, we share our insights and experiences on how motivation can be assessed effectively and reliably.
Interview Techniques
One of the most common ways to assess a job applicant’s motivation is through interviews. Headhunters use various interview techniques to find out what motivates the applicant and how this motivation manifests in practice. For example, behavioral interviews, where concrete examples of past situations are asked, can reveal a lot about the applicant’s motivation.
Another effective technique is asking motivational questions. Through these questions, headhunters can assess how well the applicant’s motivations align with the company’s culture and goals.
Motivation Tests and Assessments
Many headhunters also use various motivation tests and assessments as part of the recruitment process. These tests can be psychological evaluations that measure the applicant’s internal and external motivation. For example, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or DISC profile can provide deep insights into the applicant’s personality and motivational factors.
Motivation tests can also help identify which factors motivate the applicant the most. Is the applicant more motivated by financial rewards, career development, or social relationships within the work community? With this information, headhunters can make better-informed decisions about the applicant’s suitability for a specific role and company.
Reference Checks
Reference checks are another important method for assessing motivation. Headhunters contact the applicant’s former employers and colleagues to get additional information about the applicant’s work habits and motivation. References can provide valuable insights into how the applicant has performed in previous roles and what has motivated them.
References also help verify that the information provided by the applicant is accurate. This increases the reliability of the recruitment process and helps headhunters make better decisions regarding the applicant’s motivation.
Work Simulations and Practical Tasks
Work simulations and practical tasks are effective ways to assess an applicant’s motivation in practice. In these situations, the applicant is placed in a simulated work environment where they must complete certain tasks. This allows headhunters to see how the applicant performs under pressure and how motivated they are to complete their tasks.
Work simulations can also reveal the applicant’s problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and other important qualities that indicate their motivation and suitability for a specific role. This method is particularly useful when seeking candidates for demanding and complex tasks.
Applicant’s Background and Achievements
The applicant’s background and achievements can also tell a lot about their motivation. Headhunters examine the applicant’s education, work experience, and other achievements to get an understanding of their motivation and commitment. For example, long-term employment at the same company or significant achievements during their career can be signs of high motivation.
On the other hand, if the applicant has had several short-term jobs or has frequently changed fields, this may raise questions about their motivation and commitment. In such cases, headhunters may delve deeper into the applicant’s background to understand the factors influencing their career choices.
Summary
Evaluating the motivation of job applicants is a multi-step process that requires diverse methods and techniques. Interview techniques, motivation tests, reference checks, work simulations, and examining the applicant’s background are all important tools that headhunters use to assess an applicant’s motivation. Operaria is committed to finding the right talents for companies, and motivation assessment is a central part of our process.
