4 ms·

IQ tests are extremely common in Europe for any kind of skilled job. This makes sense, since IQ is by far the highest correlated attribute when it comes to perf

IQ tests are extremely common in Europe for any kind of skilled job. This makes sense, since IQ is by far the highest correlated attribute when it comes to performance. It’s also an excellent way to standardise applicant selection and avoid bias. It even works the other way, when someone too intelligent applies for a job which won’t keep them engaged and challenged. Statistically, such applicants leave rather quickly. I’m surprised it’s not more common in the U.S.

jen20 5y ago
Is there any kind of documentation of this? I managed to last 30 years in Europe without ever encountering this practice, or hearing of it.
- wink 5y ago
  Same. Have never heard about this or taken one for a job.
- Gareth321 5y ago
  Fair question. I based this on my experiences in the Nordics. It could very well be less common down south. However I have worked on projects in France and Germany, and was asked to take IQ tests as well. My industry is software, if that makes a difference.
  - jen20 5y ago
    Ah I see - I was in the UK where this is certainly not common. I’m surprised the Nordics permit it.
    - Gareth321 5y ago
      They're very pragmatic here; to a degree some foreigners do not understand. For example, Middle Eastern refugees have been clustering and forming parallel societies with high crime and high unemployment. Very unhealthy for national social cohesion. So they began forcing refugees living in government housing to move to areas with lower concentrations of refugees. Unsurprisingly, they're learning the language, exhibiting lower crime, and lower unemployment. I've seen this concept described as unconscionable by particularly liberal Americans. IQ testing provides an exceptionally efficient means by which companies can find the best candidates. It is the reality of life that some people are smarter than others. Pretending otherwise does no one any good. To catch those who have a low IQ, Denmark has an extremely extensive social security system. They want companies to thrive here, but the high taxes ensure those who don't do well in a capitalist system also live decent lives.
sandstrom 5y ago
I second this. In Sweden they are extremely common. Often something similar to Raven's Progressive Matrices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven%27s_Progressive_Matrices https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven%27s_Progressive_Matrices
detaro 5y ago
Individual industries/countries maybe, but I very much doubt "extremely common in Europe for any kind of skilled job".

jen20 5y ago

Is there any kind of documentation of this? I managed to last 30 years in Europe without ever encountering this practice, or hearing of it.

wink 5y ago
Same. Have never heard about this or taken one for a job.
Gareth321 5y ago
Fair question. I based this on my experiences in the Nordics. It could very well be less common down south. However I have worked on projects in France and Germany, and was asked to take IQ tests as well. My industry is software, if that makes a difference.
- jen20 5y ago
  Ah I see - I was in the UK where this is certainly not common. I’m surprised the Nordics permit it.
  - Gareth321 5y ago
    They're very pragmatic here; to a degree some foreigners do not understand. For example, Middle Eastern refugees have been clustering and forming parallel societies with high crime and high unemployment. Very unhealthy for national social cohesion. So they began forcing refugees living in government housing to move to areas with lower concentrations of refugees. Unsurprisingly, they're learning the language, exhibiting lower crime, and lower unemployment. I've seen this concept described as unconscionable by particularly liberal Americans. IQ testing provides an exceptionally efficient means by which companies can find the best candidates. It is the reality of life that some people are smarter than others. Pretending otherwise does no one any good. To catch those who have a low IQ, Denmark has an extremely extensive social security system. They want companies to thrive here, but the high taxes ensure those who don't do well in a capitalist system also live decent lives.

sandstrom 5y ago

I second this. In Sweden they are extremely common. Often something similar to Raven's Progressive Matrices. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven%27s_Progressive_Matrices https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raven%27s_Progressive_Matrices

detaro 5y ago

Individual industries/countries maybe, but I very much doubt "extremely common in Europe for any kind of skilled job".