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What is the purpose of an assessment?

The purpose of assessment is to identify and describe in meaningful language those skills and abilities that could be expected to influence how an individual will perform and "fit" within an organization. Information and insight generated by the assessment process are provided to the organization so that, when combined with other relevant data, the best possible decisions can be made regarding selection and future development.

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What does an assessment consist of?

The VRH assessment process is comprehensive and customized to the organization’s needs. Often this means taking into account educational background and work experience, intellectual abilities and aptitudes, personality and motivational factors, plus leadership capabilities of the individual being assessed. The intent is to provide an additional perspective on the "match" between the individual's skills and experience and the requirements of the position.

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What happens with assessment information?

This process generates a wealth of information which can be directly applied to the assessed individual's further career growth and development. Data generated in an assessment is summarized and provided to the organization as a confidential supplement to other pre-hire or performance information already on hand. Assessment results are intended only for those individuals involved in the decision-making process. All information is integrated by the organization prior to a final decision being made.

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Does the individual learn anything from the assessment?

Because VRH has a strong commitment to professional development, the individuals we assess receive verbal feedback as a routine part of the assessment process. If hired by the client organization, follow-up conferences with the assessed individual and his/her immediate manager provide motivation, direction and support for continuous improvement within the current position.

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What is the cost of an assessment?

Because each VRH assessment is tailored to the organization’s purpose and information desired to make a decision, the investment value can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Put this in the context of the cost to the organization of a "bad" decision (i.e., turnover; training time; lost productivity; opportunity costs; morale; relocation expense); such estimates range from 2.5 to 10 times annual salary.

Assessments that establish confidence in having made the best possible decision bring the organization a return on investment that vastly exceeds the alternative.

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What if my candidate is out of state?

Utilizing a network of VRH Field Test Administrators (FTAs), candidates that are geographically remote can be easily, conveniently and cost-effectively assessed. Assessment materials are completed and/or proctored at a location convenient to the individual and FTA. All written materials are then submitted to VRH offices for completion of the assessment report. A telephone interview often accompanies such remote assessments.

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Do assessments have to be conducted in VRH offices?

This is most often the case. Other arrangements can be made depending upon client needs. Additional costs can result due to time and travel expense, or use of an FTA.

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How long does it take to get assessment results?

Assessment results are provided in written form within one to three days depending upon how the process has been customized. Verbal feedback to hiring managers often occurs much sooner. Reports are provided in hard-copy or via email attachment (password protected) depending on client preference.

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What is career counseling?

Career counseling is a customized and personal process of self examination leading to directions and decisions that support a desired and compatible career path.

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Who benefits from career counseling?

Young adults coming out of high school are frequently uncertain about what the future holds for them, especially since the available options can be bewildering. Also, many not-so-young adults are frequently facing the opportunity, and sometimes necessity, for career change.

VRH helps young and not-so-young adults sort through this bewildering array of options so that a carefully considered plan for educational and career growth can be structured. Many of the same techniques developed and utilized in our consulting services to business and industry are applied with individuals seeking career counseling.

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What can I expect from career counseling?

When individuals come to VRH for career counseling, we spend considerable time talking with them about their background, their interests and their life goals. We try to understand their situation and their motivation to seek out answers. On the basis of this discussion, an assessment program is planned which is uniquely tailored to fit the individual's needs. The assessment program typically draws from a variety of aptitude, ability, motivation, interest and personality measures to create an in-depth profile of the individual.

This highly personalized process, beginning with the initial discussion through testing, feedback and counseling, is spread out over two or three visits. Through open discussion with a staff psychologist, assessment data is integrated with the individual's background, education and work experience. From this discussion many of the previously bewildering options begin to disappear and, typically, two or three alternatives come into focus that match the individual's overall abilities, interests and aptitudes. At this point, planning and goal-setting assistance encourages the individual to act on what has now been learned.

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What kind of career counseling report do I receive?

In addition to extensive discussion with an experienced psychologist, individuals receive a written report that fully details results and recommendations. An explanatory booklet describing the various scales and scores generated by the assessment process also is provided. While this is intended primarily for the individual's future use, some of our clients have used this information in discussion with college officials, current or potential employers as part of a career planning and development strategy.

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What does it cost to receive career counseling?

The investment in career counseling is less than the cost of one semester’s tuition payment at most public colleges and universities. Whether you are a student or mid-career adult, this is a wise investment that brings into focus potential answers to the perennial question of "what I want to be when I grow up."

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Do you provide resume and outplacement services?

Customized outplacement on an individual basis is provided by professionals associated with VRH and with whom we have confidence. We do not routinely do resume preparation.

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What is executive coaching?

Coaching in its simplest form is guidance and perspective on options provided by an objective, knowledgeable and trustworthy resource. Such coaching becomes a partnership in facilitating the executive’s understanding of his/her behavior and performance capability.

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What is the purpose of executive coaching?

This is not a 'touchy-feely' experience. The purpose of coaching is to build an executive’s insight into behavior that can help him/her achieve personal and professional success. For the organization this translates into the achievement of business results.

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Why do I need an executive coach?

Perhaps you don’t. But consider that some of the most successful and admired entrepreneurs, executives, athletes and artists have made effective use of professional coaches to enhance their performance, build success and gain life satisfaction.

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What other services does VRH provide?

Our services are extensive but focus primarily on the critical decisions which influence selection and placement, executive coaching and development, succession planning, career counseling, plus the design of validated selection systems, apprenticeship screening batteries and personnel research. Our primary purpose is to provide information and insight that helps individuals and organizations make effective use of their available resources.

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