When applying for a position, you might be required to take an online assessment as part of the pre-selection process. More and more employers are using assessments as a cost-effective method for predicting which job candidates would be a good fit for their company. These assessments, which are taken via the Internet, help potential employers evaluate abilities, behaviors or characteristics, and knowledge of applicants.
The combination of assessment tests that you might be required to take is linked to the type of position in which you are applying and the types of skills or competencies that are needed to excel in that position. If logical reasoning and text comprehension are important, an ability test will include questions to determine these abilities. If cooperation and ambition are important, a personality assessment will include questions to gauge these characteristics. If specific knowledge is required, such as basic accounting principles for an accountant role, a knowledge test will capture this type of technical knowledge.
Though some of these tests are more accurate predictors of job performance than interviews or work experience, there are some limitations. For example, the ability tests can be vulnerable to racial and ethnic biases. A limitation in the personality tests is the test taker might respond based on what she thinks the company wants to hear (what’s socially desirable) and end up not representing herself. Although companies may also rely on additional methods, such as individual and group interviews, for making selection decisions, there is the risk that job applicants will not perform well enough on these tests to be invited to participate in an individual or group interview.
How can you prepare for these assessments? You can practice. There are various free assessments online such as one by 123test. By taking practice tests in advance, you can get comfortable with the format of the questions and know which types of questions you’re more likely to provide strong and impressive answers for. Also, don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep. Research suggests that several nights of 8 hours of sleep prior to an exam is likely to enhance your performance. Finally, trust yourself. You’ve completed lots of assessments to get you where you’re at in college, and you can do this, too!
