Mastering Employment Testing: A Simple Guide

What is Employment Testing?

Employment testing refers to various assessments that employers use to evaluate candidates for jobs. These tests help organizations identify the best fit for a role based on skills, personality, and cognitive abilities.

Why is Employment Testing Important?

• Streamlining Hiring: Tests can quickly filter out unsuitable candidates.
• Enhancing Job Fit: They help match candidates’ skills and personalities to job requirements.
• Reducing Turnover: The right hires tend to stay longer, saving costs in the long run.

Types of Employment Tests

There are several categories of employment tests, each designed for specific purposes. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Cognitive Ability Tests

These tests measure a candidate's problemsolving skills, reasoning abilities, and comprehension. Examples include:

• Numerical Reasoning: Tests ability to work with numbers and data.
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses understanding and reasoning using concepts framed in words.

2. Personality Tests

These tests evaluate how a candidate's personality traits align with a company’s culture. Common personality tests include:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Classifies individuals into 16 personality types.
• Big Five Personality Traits: Measures openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.

3. Skills Assessments

These tests focus on specific skills relevant to the job. They can be:

• Technical Tests: For IT roles, tests might assess coding skills.
• Writing Tests: For communication roles, candidates might complete writing assignments.

4. Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs)

SJTs present scenarios candidates might face in the workplace, asking them how they would respond. This assesses both problem-solving skills and judgment.

Steps to Implement Employment Testing

If you’re considering employment testing, here are some steps to follow:

1. Identify Job Requirements: Understand what skills and traits are essential for the role.
2. Choose the Right Type of Test: Select tests that align with the job requirements.
3. Administer the Tests: Ensure a fair and consistent testing process for all candidates.
4. Analyze Results: Review test outcomes alongside interviews and resumes to make informed decisions.
5. Gather Feedback: After hiring, evaluate how well the tests predicted job performance.

Real-Life Examples of Employment Testing

• Google: Uses cognitive ability tests to evaluate problem-solving skills and analytical thinking.
• Salesforce: Implements personality assessments to ensure candidates mesh well with their collaborative culture.

Considerations When Using Employment Tests

• Fairness: Make sure tests are unbiased and legally compliant.
• Validity: Tests should accurately predict job performance.
• Candidate Experience: Ensure the testing process is smooth and respectful.

Employment testing can be a valuable tool for employers seeking to hire the best candidates. By understanding the various types of tests and their applications, organizations can make smarter hiring decisions.