The Rise of Job Assessments: What Every Job Seeker Needs to Know
As a job seeker, you may have encountered an assessment or two during the hiring process. Maybe you've wondered why these tests seem to be popping up more frequently, or perhaps you've felt frustrated by yet another hoop to jump through. Well, you're not alone! Let's dive into why employers use assessments and how you can navigate them successfully.
Why Employers Love Assessments
Let's face it: hiring is expensive. Did you know that it costs companies about 1.25-1.4 times an employee's salary to bring them on board? That includes everything from taxes and benefits to training costs. With such a significant investment at stake, it's no wonder employers want to get it right the first time.
The worst-case scenario for a company is hiring someone who doesn't work out or leaves shortly after starting. That's a lot of time and money down the drain! This is where assessments come in. They're designed to help employers ensure that candidates are who they say they are and possess the necessary skills for the job.
Types of Assessments: The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable
Not all assessments are created equal. Some are genuinely helpful, while others... well, let's just say they're a bit more controversial.
Skills-Based Assessments: These are the most straightforward and often the most useful. Think Google Docs tests or spreadsheet assessments. They're designed to verify that you have the technical skills required for the role. As a job seeker, these can actually be a great opportunity to showcase your abilities!
Personality and Situational Assessments: Here's where things get a bit murky. Many companies invest heavily in tests that claim to predict whether you'll be a good "fit" for the role or company culture. While the intention might be good, these assessments can sometimes miss the mark or be misused by hiring managers.
The Assessment Dilemma: To Test or Not to Test?
Here's the thing: assessments aren't going away anytime soon. Companies spend millions on these tools, and they're becoming more ingrained in hiring processes. But that doesn't mean you have to love them!
The problem is that sometimes managers don't even listen to the results. They might hire someone who didn't assess well simply because they liked them in the interview. On the flip side, a great candidate might be passed over because they didn't fit one aspect of the assessment. It's not a perfect system, but it's one we have to work with.
How to Ace Those Assessments
1. Do Your Homework: Before you even start the application process, reach out to people who work at the company. Ask about their hiring process and the types of assessments they use. This insider knowledge can be invaluable!
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: If you know you'll be facing a skills-based assessment, brush up on those skills beforehand. There are plenty of online resources to help you prepare.
3. Be Yourself: For personality assessments, honesty is the best policy. Trying to game the system usually backfires.
4. Keep Perspective: Remember, an assessment is just one part of the hiring process. Don't let it stress you out too much!
Need More Job Search Support?
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With Work It DAILY, you'll get access to expert career coaches, resume reviews, and a supportive community of fellow job seekers. It's like having a personal career cheerleader in your pocket!
So, what are you waiting for? Join us today and let's tackle those job assessments (and your entire job search) together!
Youâve got this!
Cassidy OâDonnell
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