Passing Pre-employment Screening Tests

As I stated in my previous blog entry, companies place a lot of emphasis on whether or not an individual will "fit" into their company when they are hiring. Many companies use assessment and personality tests also known as pre-employment screening, as part of their hiring process. These tests are conducted more and more  prior to an applicant coming in to meet with them for an interview. Unless it is a test which looks for your skill in a particular area, the test is being used to weed out who they don't want rather than who they do. I decided to touch on this particular topic after having recently  completed an hour long online assessment test for a company. I've done dozens but this one got me really thinking. If you are a job seeker, I'm sure you know the type of test I'm referring to. The one where they say there is no right or wrong answer, simply answer as honestly as you can. Well we all know that's a bunch of baloney. There is a right answer....the one which will get your application pushed to the next level of consideration. 

Is there a method to the madness? There has to be, otherwise the tests wouldn't exist. We know the questions are looking for something, but what exactly?  Some of the questions are fairly easy to answer,  but there are many which have you in a dilemma on what to say. This is especially true, when both responses can be perceived as  both a desirable and undesirable quality in you.  I did some research to look into the dynamics of how these tests are conducted to assist me on my journey to find employment. I hope it helps you as well.

The tests usually have different sections which focus on a specific interest of your personality. You may start out with simple questions that make you ask yourself "Are they serious?" Yes they are they want to see if you have basic common sense and comprehension.  You then go into sections, where a company is asking questions to see if you will respond the way they feel is a good fit for the company. They use your answers in comparison to situations they already have noticed in their company to find out the type of person you are. For example, they may have a yes or no question such as "It is important to be accepted by my coworkers." This can go either way. Answering  "Yes",can be perceived as you will spend a lot of time socializing instead of working. Answering "No", can mean you may be a loner or not be a team player. 

Answer: You could care less if whether you are accepted by your coworkers or not. In the general "norms" of society people feel we all want to be accepted. Employers tend to think being accepted will make a better work environment. This goes along with the company dynamic fit. The answer is "Yes."

One of my favorite parts of assessment tests, would be the section where they try to figure out the type of worker you are by questioning your work morals and ethics. Take for example a true or false question of "I have never arrived to work late." If you answer "True" you think, how can they possibly believe that. If you answer "False" you don't want them to think you are someone who will be chronically late.  Keep in mind these tests are usually made by the higher ups or a recruiting firm that have a preconceived notion of what the "perfect employee" is.  

Answer: Your application or resume  may be reviewed by the department manager or direct supervisor but the tests are going to someone who is not involved in the general day to day office environment. In reality they may know shit happens but they don't care. The answer to this question no matter how ridiculous it may seem would be "True"

Another part of this section could be how well you work with or without supervision. "I work best if unsupervised." Responding "True", could mean you're not good with authority or being constantly told what to do. Responding "False", can be seen as if they don't stay on your back you won't get anything done.  

Answer: Employers don't want to constantly stay on your back. Seeking help for a particular problem or task is one thing but they want individuals who know their function and will do it without being told.

Of course this didn't cover all types of questions on pre-employment assessment tests, but it did cover a few of the ones some may find difficult to answer. There are many more out there, and I'm sure I will find several more difficult ones along the way. Take note also, a little trick. Many of  questions can repeat themselves, only worded differently so answer accordingly. 

(A) I would always follow a supervisor's instructions exactly (True)

(B) I resent being told by others how to do my job (false) 

Question (B) may be "True" for you, but it can be viewed as contradicting to your response to (A).

One thing you should do is research and find as much information as possible about the company you are applying to. This can be of great benefit when answering questions. You should try and do the research as soon as you know you want to apply. Some companies send you a link to complete the tests after they have received your resume/application. There are also companies in which taking the test is a part of applying. If this is the case, you don't have a chance to do any research. Researching beforehand can also assist you in the type of resume and cover letter you initially send which plays a big part of if you are contacted at all. Happy job hunting!