In this episode of the “Amtlich Voran” podcast, I speak with Harald Ackerschott, a psychologist and expert in aptitude testing. He is one of the key figures behind DIN 33430, the quality standard for job-related aptitude testing. For decades, Harald has been exploring how organizations can make better hiring decisions. And especially now, when many public employers are facing a veritable flood of applications, his expertise is more relevant than ever.
One quote from our conversation has particularly stuck with me:
“Please make sure that quality has a chance in your public job postings.”
After all, those who focus primarily on price when selecting personnel may be cutting corners in exactly the wrong place.
Among other things, we discussed these topics:
🎯 Selecting the Best Candidates: Why the Right Personnel Selection Starts with the Requirements
Why filling public sector positions isn’t about the most impressive resume, but rather about understanding exactly which competencies and potential are actually needed.
🤖 AI for aptitude assessment: Is the technology really ready yet?
Why Harald takes a critical view of AI-based selection processes, what role predictive validity plays, and why a true “human in the loop” must be far more than just someone who rubber-stamps AI decisions.
⚖️ Quality over price dumping: What goes wrong in public tenders
How scientifically sound digital selection processes can help when dealing with large numbers of applicants, and why it’s disastrous when price becomes more important than diagnostic quality in the procurement of such tools.
🔗 Related Links
- Harald Ackerschott on LinkedIn
- DIN 33430 – German Institute for Standardization
- amtlich voran Website