The process of applying for a new job is often a daunting task. You must search though many different job descriptions to find the roles which match your aspirations and experience. Then there are the application forms and CVs to complete with the possibility of not even receiving a reply.
Then comes skills testing, two words which often strike fear into the hearts of many job applicants. But should this be the case?
What many job applicants don’t realise is that skills testing can be just as beneficial to them as to an employer. But how? We explain this here in 3 simple steps.
1: They Put Time On Your Side
There is usually limited information contained within a job advert so how do you know if the position is for you? As we spend a third of our lives at work (never mind the travel time added on), most of us would agree we’d like to spend our time doing work we enjoy.
It’s recommended that you do some research into the company you are applying to, to ensure you are aware of its values and direction. However, sometimes all the research in the world cannot guarantee you are a good fit until you reach the interview stage or even the job itself.
Skills testing helps filter out those who are unsuitable for the role they are applying for. It could be they are not suitably qualified or do not have the personality traits the employer is looking for.
If you are not selected for interview following the tests, you can assume you’ve saved time. Perhaps that role was not best suited to you after all.
2: They Allow You To Focus On Your Skills
Depending on the company and position, you may be required to take one or more of these tests:
- Aptitude tests based on numerical and verbal reasoning
- Core skills tests to suit the role you are applying for
- Vocational tests to identify the required skills for your industry
These tests are an opportunity to see if you do have the skills and abilities you would need if you got the job. If you fail, you can move on to your next job application. That’s far better than being given a role you are unsuited to and wasting time in a job you dislike.
What’s more, if you are unsuccessful due to mark from the test it allows you to consider whether you need to look at ways to help improve that skill.
3: They Give You A Head Start
Skills testing usually takes place before an interview. Therefore, if you get through the tests you are required to take, you know you have the skills the employer is looking for. This should give you confidence when you’re called for an interview.
Chances are, you have already surpassed many others who have applied for the same position as you.
Before you attend the interview, think about the tests you completed:
- Which areas were focused on?
- Which responses did you give?
- What did the employer seem to be looking for in those tests?
With the confidence you now have from acing those tests, you have every opportunity to sail through your interview and be awarded with the job you wanted so very much in the first place.
Good luck!
Many thanks to www.skillsarena.com for writing this for us, we hope it will help if you are asked to complete a skills test.
If your an employer and would like to incorporate skills testing into your recruiting process we can help, get in touch by emailing soundsgood@gpwrecruitment.co.uk