Work Samples

Work samples, in the strictest sense, are hands-on performance tests or simulations of the job, which are used to estimate current or predict future performance on similar tasks. Uses of work samples include the following:

• Selection: Work samples can be used to decide which applicants to hire. This is the most typical use of work samples.
• Performance measurement and evaluation: Work samples are sometimes used to estimate an individual's current level of job performance when other measures are unavailable. This is discussed at greater length in a following section.
• Vocational assessment of disabled workers: Work samples are commonly used to determine whether applicants with disabilities can perform the duties required on different types of jobs. These types of work samples are used to provide career counseling and vocational guidance to disabled workers.
• Trainability measure: Work samples are sometimes used after a short training session to decide whether the person should be selected to continue in a lengthier training program. In these cases the work sample is intended measure trainability to predict how successful the person will be in the training program.
• Training evaluation: Work samples are commonly used at the completion of a training program to determine whether the training was effective at improving performance.

The defining feature of work samples is physical replication of the critical tasks performed on the job; however, many other selection tools that do not replicate the work environment can also be considered work samples. Consequently, certain types of simulations fit more squarely under the work sample label than others. In the broadest sense of the term, any tests assessing specific skills, knowledge, or aptitudes that are critical for performance on the job in question may, in some cases, be characterized as work samples.