New article on applicant reactions
Selection methods need to make a good job at assessing applicants, but they should also leave a positive impression. This study explored how different formats of personality assessments (written vs. interactive and open-ended vs. multiple choice) affect applicants’ reactions. Based on self-determination theory, the study looked at how well these formats satisfy basic psychological needs like feeling connected, competent, and in control. Findings showed that interactive and open-ended formats, especially when combined, made applicants feel a greater sense of warmth and gave them more opportunity to show their strengths, and, this was largely because they felt more autonomous. These insights offer fine-grained advice on how to design selection tools that are both effective and applicant-friendly.