Making Connections
Everybody winsTesting skills and aptitude before hiring is a growing trend amongst employers. |
|
1 | 2
Toronto Sun |
"The most common reason for administering the test is to shortlist candidates after the first round of interviews," says Rebecca Heaslip of Leadership Insight in Oakville. "The reason for that is that a candidate can mask behaviours in an interview, whereas a validated instrument would be able to detect that."
She encourages candidates to follow their gut when completing a test or assessment. "Trying to do assess in your mind the 'right' response will distort the results and the report will be flagged. Tests are sophisticated and are sensitive to that ... Don't over analyse and you'll get the best results."
Employers can purchase pre-employment tests for specific careers -- such as sales, customer service and management -- through any of a number of testing services and can even custom design a test. Before conducting any assessment, Heaslip encourages employers to assess the job they seek to fill. That assessment will be used as a benchmark when selecting candidates and can later be used for performance evaluations.
"Everybody wins"
Pre-employment tests benefit both the candidate and the organization by ensuring the best possible fit from the get-go. "This process also shortens the learning curve for the employer who now has an 'operating manual' on their new employee and already knows this person quite well. Everybody wins," Heaslip says.
For companies, screening tools can save both time and money. "It's protection against hiring someone who doesn't work out, which is costly in terms of the manpower required to interview and hire, not to mention the termination costs. Screening candidates using assessments is the best investment a company can make," Heaslip says.
Pre-employment tests can save job seekers time and frustration. "A lot of people are in positions they're not suited for. There's a lot of job dissatisfaction ... largely because people are working for someone they don't like or respect or... they are simply in the wrong job," Heaslip says.
She encourages candidates to request their assessment results. "It provides insight into your tendencies under pressure, ideal work environment and strengths. You get to learn more about yourself and how to position yourself ... while being conscious of your areas for improvement."
What’s your office decor like?