Interest Inventory

Our interest inventory reveals the different interests a candidate has and ensures it's closely matched to the role they've applied for.

  • What is an interest inventory?

    An interest inventory is similar to a personality test which measures an individual's interests. It can be used to determine what career path or job role may be best suited for the individual. The test consists of a series of questions that assesses an individual's interests in various activities.

    The results of the inventory can provide valuable insights into an individual's personality and help employers make hiring decisions based on whose interests fit the role best.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is an interest inventory?
  2. The interest model
  3. What are the purposes of the interest inventory?
  4. How does the interest inventory work?
  5. Interest Inventory FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • The interest model

    The Holland's RIASEC theory of interests outlines six different categories of interests: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional.

    riasec interests model

    Each category contains a variety of different interests. For example, the Realistic category includes interests such as mechanics and carpentry. The Investigative category includes interests such as science and research. The Artistic category includes interests such as music and painting. The Social category includes interests such as teaching and counseling. The Enterprising category includes interests such as sales and marketing. Finally, the Conventional category includes interests such as accounting and office work.

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What are the purposes of the interest inventory?

The main purpose of an interest inventory is to provide information to an employer on what interests a candidate has which can be used to make decisions about job suitability.

The assessment provides an interest profile for each test-taker so you can easily identify candidates that are best suited to your job roles based on their preferences for work activities.

This type of assessment can also help individuals learn more about themselves and what they enjoy doing and make decisions about their future career paths.

How does the interest inventory work?

The interest inventory is based on the RIASEC Model, which reflects a candidate's preferences for different work activities.

The test requires test-takers to answer approximately 30 statements about their interests and the tasks at work they would enjoy doing. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete, with little challenge involved.

Once submitted, an interest profile is created which shows an employer candidate's likes and dislikes. An employer can use this data to align candidates with different job roles.

For example, an administrator may benefit from being both conventional and realistic compared to a graphic designer who would benefit from being artistic and enterprising.

The assessment was created by psychologists and psychometric experts to ensure the results are meaningful and not disrupted by irrelevant bias or insensitivity.

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Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Interest Inventory FAQs

Why are inventory tests useful in the recruitment process?

An inventory assessment can help identify the best candidate for the job. Using a valid assessment tool and identifying interests relevant to the position you're hiring for will help you save resources and find a candidate who will contribute to your organization in a meaningful way.

What jobs can this inventory help assess?

The interest inventory can help assess interest across almost any job as the model covers the 6 main categories including realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising, and conventional.

Is this inventory available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

Can I see what the inventory is like?

Yes, of course. You can sign up for a free trial here.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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