PHR Talent Planning and Acquisition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A structured interview is preferred over an unstructured interview primarily because it:
- Improves validity and reduces bias (Correct answer)
- Takes less time to conduct
- Eliminates the need for note-taking
- Allows interviewers to ask any question
Correct answer: Improves validity and reduces bias
Standardized questions and scoring make structured interviews more valid, reliable, and legally defensible.
Question 2: Behavioral interview questions are based on the premise that:
- Past behavior predicts future performance (Correct answer)
- Hypothetical answers reveal true intent
- Stress reveals real character
- Personality tests are unnecessary
Correct answer: Past behavior predicts future performance
Behavioral interviewing assumes how a candidate acted previously predicts how they will act in similar situations.
Question 3: Which selection assessment best demonstrates content validity for a data-entry role?
- A timed typing and data-entry test (Correct answer)
- A general personality inventory
- A cognitive reasoning puzzle
- An unstructured panel interview
Correct answer: A timed typing and data-entry test
A work-sample test directly mirrors job tasks, giving it strong content validity.
Question 4: Adverse impact in selection is commonly evaluated using which guideline?
- The four-fifths (80%) rule (Correct answer)
- The bona fide occupational qualification
- The ministerial exception
- The de minimis standard
Correct answer: The four-fifths (80%) rule
The four-fifths rule flags potential adverse impact when a protected group's selection rate is below 80% of the highest group's rate.
Question 5: When may an employer legally ask about a job applicant's disability before a conditional offer is made?
- Never; only after a conditional offer (Correct answer)
- During the first interview
- On the initial application form
- Whenever the job is physical
Correct answer: Never; only after a conditional offer
Under the ADA, disability-related inquiries and medical exams are permitted only after a conditional job offer.
Question 6: A realistic job preview is most likely to:
- Reduce early turnover by setting accurate expectations (Correct answer)
- Increase the applicant pool size
- Speed up time-to-fill
- Lower recruiting advertising costs
Correct answer: Reduce early turnover by setting accurate expectations
Realistic job previews give candidates accurate information, improving fit and reducing turnover among new hires.
Question 7: Which background-check practice must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?
- Using a third-party consumer reporting agency (Correct answer)
- Calling a listed personal reference directly
- Verifying a degree by phone with the school
- Reviewing the candidate's public social media
Correct answer: Using a third-party consumer reporting agency
The FCRA governs background checks performed by third-party consumer reporting agencies, requiring disclosure and consent.
PHR Talent Planning and Acquisition 3
A structured interview is preferred over an unstructured interview primarily because it: