Scott Roof ⋅ Elgin, IL Marketing Alternatives, Inc. (MAI) ⋅ 25 years experience

Jeremy, The interview process has several steps, assessment test are just one of them. They are typically designed to measure certain skill sets, integrity, social skills, customer service or sales abilities, microsoft office skills, the propensity to steal, use drugs or alcohol on the job, etc. In and of themselves, they are not supposed to be used as the sole reason for hire/no hire, but clever recruiters and hiring managers know how to get around that. The bottom line is that you should know the skills and traits necessary for the job you are going after them. Study, master and know them like no one else. Master interview techniques, questions, answers, etc. This way, if you don't do as well in one area, but excelled in other areas, you raise the chances of making it to the final three candidates.

Heather Gillbanks ⋅ Houston, TX General Electric ⋅ 26 years experience

Jeremy, thanks for your service.

These tests are becoming more common as a "basic screening" tool. Unfortunately, they are not always the best. There are, however, videos on the internet which can help you prepare better for them. Note: I am not advocating that you learn whatever is in the test ... if you truly lack the skills needed to pass it, then please obtain the appropriate training.

Example: I have a protégé who has been using Excel daily in his job for many years. He uses keyboard shortcuts, rather than the mouse, because it is far more efficient (and less strain on muscles) than the mouse. However, when he took the Excel test at an oil company, he bombed - seriously bombed. The reason is that the test has decided their own "one best way" to accomplish a task that may be performed several ways in reality.

So ... if the tests are important to your success, put some time into learning the tips & tricks of the tests themselves (and of course, be sure you really DO know the material!)

-heather

Huet Sampson ⋅ Philadelphia, PA IBM ⋅ 21 years experience

Jeremy,
Getting a job is as tough as it is easy. Timing is everything. Keep your chin up and try again somewhere else. You'll find what you're looking for. In my experience, the ones who deny you this way are the one's you don't want to work for. When your opportunity arrives, it will seem like the easiest thing you were ever able to get. But getting there can be tough. The trick is to keep trying.