Exemplar Research Group’s Predictive Behavior Profile™ solution was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal article regarding the effective use of “big data” and personality tests to help companies increase the percent of superior employees hired, while reducing risks associated with potential claims and low performers. For your convenience, to follow is initial information for your review…

Many companies are now leveraging predictive analytics for hiring new employees so that they can reduce the influence of a manager’s biases. This approach is not just for large companies, either. Richfield Management LLC, a Flint, Michigan, waste-disposal firm that employs 200 union garbage collectors, was interested in screening out applicants who were more likely to get hurt and abuse workers’ compensation claims, as well as reduce auto accidents.

Richfield knew that they needed a more effective and predictive hiring process, so they turned to Exemplar Research Group more than a year and a half ago, to help them implement Exemplar’s online testing solution.

Exemplar’s Predictive Behavior Profile™ asks applicants to select between a series of statements and then rate how strongly they agree or disagree. The goal is to determine an applicant’s emotional stability, work ethic and attitude toward drugs and alcohol. Those who score poorly are considered high disability risks. “Richfield’s workers’ comp claim costs have fallen 68% since it has used the test, and it now requires managers to use it to eliminate unsuitable applicants,” said Fred Vezzetti, Richfield GM.