Pre-employment tests are used to evaluate a job candidate's ability and skill level. You need to understand the common pre-employment tests. It will help you prepare to land the job you want. You move on to another stage in the hiring process after passing the pre-employment testing.
This article defines pre-employment tests, their use by recruiters, and explains the five common pre-employment test types you might encounter with tips on passing them.
What are pre-employment tests and how are they used by employers?
Pre-employment tests are techniques for gathering and recording information about job candidates during the hiring process. Numerous assessments and screenings can provide information about your potential for effective task performance in the workplace. In addition, some employers might need a pre-employment test before scheduling an interview with you.
Employers use pre-employment evaluations and screenings to determine whether you are the best candidate for particular job openings.
5 common types of pre-employment tests
Pre-employment tests come in a variety of forms, each serving a distinct function. Here are five typical types.
1. Psychometric Test
A recruitment procedure might include psychometric exams. Recruiters use them to evaluate your IQ, abilities, and personality. Further, these tests also assess your ability to handle stress, assimilate information, and collaborate with others. Paper-based tests are occasionally administered but most psychometric examinations are taken online.
The tests mostly focus on three areas:
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Your technical strengths
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Your capacity for performing in the job role
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To ascertain whether your personality aligns with the organization's culture
How to pass a psychometric assessment test
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Take psychometric assessment test practice exams online to get ready.
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Study the guidelines and questions thoroughly.
2. Cognitive Aptitude Test
Criteria Cognitive Ability Test (CCAT) is used to evaluate psychological abilities. This examination measures a candidate's aptitude for problem-solving or critical thought. It assesses a candidate's cognitive aptitude through a number of variables, including learning rate, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
CCAT is frequently administered to applicants by recruiters to gauge suitability for a job role. A profile report is prepared and submitted to the recruiter after the test is finished and the results are evaluated. Also, CCAT improves a recruiter's odds of hiring the best applicant for a given position.
How to pass a CCAT assessment test
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CCAT assessments can also be practised online.
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Again, study the guidelines and questions thoroughly.
3. Emotional Quotient Test
Emotional intelligence is the capacity to manage your own and other people's emotions. It is the ability to analyze people's emotions (including yours) and act accordingly. With a high emotional intelligence quotient (EQ), you can interact with people, and demonstrate empathy. You can also handle emotionally charged circumstances.
Studies have shown a strong relationship between EQ and key organizational behaviours like commitment, leadership, attitude, job performance, stress management, and teamwork. Thus, employers use emotional intelligence tests for positions that need a lot of interpersonal connections. These include leadership, customer service, or team-oriented roles.
The psychologist, Daniel Goleman coined emotional intelligence in the 1990s. He cited the following 5 elements of emotional intelligence:
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Self-regulation
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Social skills
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Self-awareness
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Empathy
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Motivation
How to pass an EQ test: Work on improving your emotional intelligence skills to gain an edge.
4. Skill Assessment Test
Skills tests are assessments designed to know a candidate's ability to carry out specific tasks in the job description. They are usually objective and unbiased evaluations. Employers use skills assessment tests to evaluate the aptitude and expertise of both current workers and job hopefuls. They are useful for weeding out unqualified candidates before invitations for a job interview.
How to pass a skill assessment test
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Research and get a firm understanding of the job role
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If necessary, get in touch with the hiring team with questions you have
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Take practice exams to get ready.
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Keep the company's culture and employment environment in mind when responding
5. Video-Based Assessment
A video-based assessment is a pre-employment test that pre-screens job candidates before the hiring manager even gets involved. A video-based assessment enables both the employer and job seeker to learn more about the role and each other.
Video-based assessments enhance the experience of job seekers. They are also great tools for businesses to showcase themselves as ideal employers.
How to pass a CCAT assessment test
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Research and get a firm understanding of the job role
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Confirm the system prerequisites.
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Keep your cool
Read also: 7 tips for creating a winning job application video (even if you are camera-shy)
Conclusion
Pre-employment tests are great tools for employers to select the best candidates to move to the next step of the interview process. It is crucial to have an idea of what to expect. We discussed some of the common types of pre-employment tests and tips on how to pass them in the article.