Questionnaire Instructions - Passport
Passport Self-scoring Interest Questionnaires
Passport is designed to be self-administering. However it can be used under more controlled conditions if required, e.g.: within a school timetable period or within a group session prior to employment interviewing. It can also be given out with an application form for a job or course, prior to selection.
Whatever the mode of administration a Stage-1 questionnaire typically takes 15 - 20 minutes to complete and self-score; and a Stage-2 questionnaire 10 - 15 minutes. The final result is a zig-zag profile covering eleven employment sectors for a Stage-1 questionnaire; and a smaller profile covering three more precise sectors for a Stage-2 questionnaire.
Administration schemes
In-depth Assessment
If in-depth coverage of interests is required, the following administration scheme is recommended:
- Issue a Stage-1 questionnaire to the client.
Most clients will not require assistance in completing the questionnaire. - Allow the client to complete and self-score the questionnaire.
Questionnaires should be completed using a hard pencil or biro. The self-scoring process requires the client to add up numbers, transfer scores, and plot a zig-zag profile. - Allow the client to select, on the basis of the results from the Stage-1 questionnaire, the one, two or three Stage-2 questionnaires representing the sectors of greatest interest.
* It is possible for the adviser to guide the choice at this stage. - Allow the client to complete and self-score the questionnaires.
It is permissible to give help with scoring if required. - Discuss the implications of the results with the client.
The implications will depend on the particular application of the questionnaires. - * The client may need help at this stage. It might be that whatever the results of the Stage-1 questionnaire, the options are limited, i.e.: only a narrow range of Stage-2 questionnaires really are appropriate. This would be typical of use within educational course selection and employment screening.
The other main reason for offering assistance is when the results from the Stage-1 questionnaire are inconclusive, i.e.: the zig-zag profile is 'flat'.
In this case the adviser may suggest Stage-2 questionnaires, at his/ her discretion, or ask the client which areas they would like to explore further. This is typical in many cases of general guidance.
Broad Assessment
If only broad interests are to be assessed then a single Stage-1 questionnaire may be used and steps 1, 2, and 5 should be followed.
Users should recognise that this will give range rather than depth of coverage.
Sector Assessment
If interests in specific employment sectors need to be assessed, a range of Stage-2 questionnaires may be appropriate and steps 4 and 5 should be followed.
In this case it is important that the correct questionnaires are selected as depth of coverage is provided at the expense of range.
Note: The questionnaires have been designed so that most people will be able to complete them without assistance. However help can be given if required, as long as this does not involve guiding the choice of answers to the questionnaire items.
Good Administration Practice
The following are general guidelines for the administration of Passport questionnaires.
- Introduce the session and explain the objectives. If questionnaires are given to clients to complete at home, provide a brief written introduction.
- Always make sure that clients can seek assistance if required. This may be directly from an adviser if questionnaires are being completed within a school, college, careers or employment office. For remote applications telephone contact at least is advisable.
- Passport questionnaires cannot be 'passed' or 'failed'. Make sure this is understood by all clients for careers applications; and that the questionnaires form one component of the screening process within employment applications.
- If questionnaires are completed 'on-site', ensure adequate accommodation. Rooms should be quiet, adequately ventilated, well-lit and of a suitable temperature.
- Do not interrupt or talk to clients whilst they are completing questionnaires. However you may give assistance if this is requested.
- Don't let clients talk amongst themselves.
- Remember that all materials are copyright. Do not photocopy any of the Passport questionnaires or support materials
