Test drive your job candidates

This CareerJournal article discusses the emerging practice of test driving new hire candidates to make sure they are a fit with your company.

"An increasing number of employers are putting candidates for salaried jobs through a battery of mock assignments, stressful "day-in-the-life" job simulations and role-playing exercises."

I definitely see the value in testing employees in 'real-world' situations. It's definitely more time-consuming and expensive, but I think the dividends outweigh those negatives.

Plus, if this results in a better fit for both of you, it will likely be a cost-savings in the long run. As opposed to paying for ineptitude, inefficiency or turnover.

Plus, it gives the applicant a much better feel for the job and the culture of the company. Having that much more insight into the position allows you to make a more educated decision as to whether this is a good fit for you and a place that you can make a long-term committment to.

One thing I gleened from this latest jobsearch, is that you (as a jobseeker) are interviewing the company just as much as they are interviewing you. And that finding a place that is a good fit, rather than just the first thing that comes along (or pays the most) will result in a much happier work experience.