Assessing My Competency

In an effort to employ a bit of creativity and innovation in my job search, I recently took a competency assessment offered by PRADCO (Personnel Research and Development Corporation). PRADCO,(http://www.pradco.com), has done personnel research and evaluation since 1955, providing " low-cost, efficient and customized methods to evaluate and describe people." The Competency Index:

measures 17 dimensions that indicate how individuals respond to situations and people. There are 85 items, and candidates choose between two statements that describe their behaviors. The Index uses a forced-choice format, and all of the questions are positively worded. This makes it difficult for candidates to "fake" or distort their answers to present a falsely favorable image.

Upon completing the assessment, I received a report of my "High Five": the five areas in which I rated highest.

1) Improvement
You demonstrate a strong orientation toward continuous improvement and
learning new skills. Action is taken at work to identify learning opportunities,
seek feedback and carry out self development efforts. Score: 97th percentile

2) Initiative
You succeed at work by being a self-starter who moves ahead when action is needed
without having to be told. You get things done independently and voluntarily take
charge of situations. Score: 93rd percentile

3) Assertiveness
You can handle situations where one must speak up and persuade others to see things
differently. You get people's attention easily, share opinions in a direct manner and present
ideas convincingly. Score: 93rd percentile.

4) Flexibility
You can be expected to adjust to change and adapt to new situations. New assignments are
handled easily and you can effectively juggle multiple priorities and make use of new methods.
Score: 91st percentile.

5) Results
Generally a hard worker, you focus on your objectives and use time productively on the job. You can be counted on to finish tasks, deliver more than expected, meet work commitments and achieve goals. Score: 85th percentile.

These results have already opened doors for me. While I still haven't achieved my goal of a full time job with a steady and decent income, with benefits, I must say that PRADCO's assessment results have energized and empowered me in my reentry. Former offenders must go the extra mile, in the competition for limited opportunities. Assessments such as those offered by PRADCO could go far to alleviate the reticence of many employers to hire persons with criminal backgrounds.