Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

What is the first HR tool to use when identifying predictors of success in a job?

1. Job analysis

2. Job specifications

3. Job descriptions

4. Job evaluation

The correct answer is: Job analysis

The correct choice is job analysis because it serves as the foundational step for understanding the requirements and critical competencies needed for success in a specific role. Through job analysis, HR professionals gather detailed information about the tasks, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications necessary for the position. This involved process allows for identifying predictors—such as specific competencies or experiences—that are linked to successful performance in that job. Job specifications, while important for defining the qualifications required for a position, rely on the insights obtained through job analysis. Similarly, job descriptions are derived from the findings of a job analysis and focus more on outlining duties and expectations. Job evaluation, on the other hand, is a method used to determine the relative worth of specific jobs within the organization, often for compensation purposes, rather than identifying predictors of success in a job. Thus, it is job analysis that provides the critical groundwork for understanding what leads to success in a role.