5 Reasons Job Applicants Dislike Pre-Employment Tests
Posted by EmployTest - on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 02:28 PM
Most people don't like tests and job applicants are no different, especially when the stakes (employment) are so high. Here are a few reasons from applicants that we've heard in conversations over the years.
1. Not sure how the pre-employment tests relate to the position. Hiring managers need to be clear about what type of tests will be administered and how those skills, aptitudes or behavioral traits relate to the job. In other words, why are you giving me an Excel test if the position rarely uses the program? Just because it's nice to know if they have the skill doesn't mean you should test them (we've heard that). Test topics have to be highly job related.
2. Not sure how test scores will be used. Is this a knockout test that will eliminate them from the job competition, or are the test results being used to identify training areas post-hire? Is it more (or less) important than the in-person interviews? (Hint: should be less). Employment testing results should only play a supporting role in determining the best fit for the job and managers need to explain how much the scores factor into the decision.
3. Too many tests. From the applicants' perspective, even one test is too many. The goal should be to test only on topics that are related to an employee's success in the position. Given unlimited time and money, we could all test on every component of a job. But be aware of your applicants' time constraints and test fatigue that can occur after long bouts of testing.
4. Testing location. In a perfect world, candidates would be able to test from the comforts of their own home. But that's not always possible because there might be concerns about test security in an unproctored environment. So if they must test in your offices, please find a quiet location, free of distractions (phones, visitors, etc), on a computer that isn't the most ancient one in the office, to administer the tests.
5. Anxiety and nervousness that comes with testing. Only a few twisted individuals enjoy taking tests (see photo). The rest of us get anxious. Nervous. And it's a completely understandable reaction. To reduce the butterflies, encourage your applicants to use the practice questions or warm up tutorials, if available. Tell them them how to prepare, if appropriate. Just make sure that you give each applicant the same amount of preparation advice.
Applicants are never going to like tests. And these days applicants can think of more than five paltry reasons that they don't like tests. But with a little planning on your side, you can help your applicants perform to their highest level by dealing with the items above.
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