One of seven sections of a report that examines the assessment of occupational competence, this chapter presents competence assessment as it is defined in practice by selection techniques currently used by employers. The chapter begins with a discussion of the major techniques used in employee selection, focusing on the competencies employers…

Provides a "deliberately provocative bird's-eye view" of new directions in thinking among economists concerned with education. Looks at the socialization function of schooling, the use of educational attainment as a hiring criterion, the importance of the "incomplete" employment contract, and labor market segmentation theory. Considers…

An annual review of papers that fall into three categories: empirical studies, conceptual papers of direct relevance to future research, or reviews of research literature. Topics covered include assessment, vocational choice, job search, career patterns, motivation, work outcomes, and interventions. Notes research trends and the broadening…

Examines the impact of affirmative action as to whether the consequences of discrimination have been eliminated and whether measures are in place to prevent discrimination from occurring in the future. Argues that affirmative action has been partially successful, but its ultimate goal has not been reached. Some concerns and limitations in…

A program of theoretical and empirical research focusing on the ability determinants of individual differences in skill acquisition is reviewed. An integrative framework for information-processing and cognitive ability determinants of skills is reviewed, along with principles for ability-skill relations. Experimental manipulations were used to…

A survey of the literature reveals that reliance upon student library assistants has become traditional in American institutions of higher education. The recent government-sponsored development of hiring policies, training programs, and evaluation procedures for student employees confirms their stability as academic library personnel. Forty-three…

Suggests that placement and recruitment practitioners should market their professions to each other to assure assertive programing and dynamic programs. The six articles address survival in the face of increased accountability, emphasizing the marketing aspect of career planning, placement, and recruitment through a planned, organized effort. (JAC)

Describes the concerns of students and recruiters about how to prepare for and conduct campus interviews. Gives observations from a student's point of view on preselection, on-campus recruitment, and the company visit, which reflect working environment and company attitudes. (JAC)

Examines circumstances leading to elimination of the Professional and Administrative Career Examination (PACE), which was agreed to in the Luevano et al. v. Campbell consent decree. The validation project, the psychometric properties, and the impact on applicant flow of the PACE are summarized. Possible ramifications are discussed. (Author)

Thirty-one court cases are reviewed to determine standards set by the courts in their assessment of the content validity of paper-and-pencil personnel selection tests. Specifically, three major issues are examined: validation strategy, job tasks and requirements, and test development. (Author)

The workplace and the psychological contract between employees and employer have structurally changed. Discusses realities of global economy and competitive workplace. Suggests ways counselors can help clients take action to enhance their personal competitiveness in the workplace such as understanding relationships between learning and work, and…

Although frequently attacked as invalid, demeaning, biased, illegal, and irrelevant, preemployment testing procedures appear to be increasing in popularity. Many prominent companies and organizations are making extensive use of tests. Part of the resurgence of testing is attributable to clearer definitions of acceptable practice. Legal precedents…

A review of human investment in education considers the pivotal human capital theory in relation to complementary, replacement, and opposing hypotheses and the interrelationship of workers, education, and workplace production. Analysis of definitions of human capital concludes that it is the marketable value of an individual that additional…

Summarizes research related to predictors of alcohol abuse among college students and research concerning the impact of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on children's social skills. Implications for camps include thoroughly checking references and background information of college students applying for jobs, and helping campers with…

A study explored the savings and/or costs associated with employers' decisions to use school measures--grades, teacher recommendations, school reputation--to screen job applicants. Using the results of the National Center on the Educational Quality of the Workforce's National Employer Survey, the analysis focused on two questions: (1) whether…