Job Search: Taking Employment Tests

Job Search: Taking Employment Tests - You just found out that that you must take a test as a condition of the employment process. You start to sweat. You feel nauseous. Your mouth feels as dry as the Sahara Desert. You begin to fidget. You want to jump up and dart out of the room. You question whether you want this job bad enough to put yourself through this process. You are experiencing test anxiety.

According to Wikipedia, "Test anxiety is a psychological condition in which a person experiences distress before, during, or after an exam or other assessment to such an extent that this anxiety causes poor performance or interferes with normal learning."

We have taken tests most of our lives. Tests are introduced to us early in life as we are stuck with needles for blood tests. Then there are quizzes and tests to assess how well we have retained knowledge throughout our formative school years. And lest we not forget the college entrance exams to determine our worthiness to be accepted to the university of our choice!

Is it any wonder that when a future employer tells us that we will be taking a test that we feel like checking out?

Why Give Tests?

Those companies, which use employment tests usually, do so as part of the interview process. They may be looking for clues to your personality, your decision-making ability, your aptitude to learn a skill, or a variety of other things. You might need to demonstrate your keyboarding skills, show your physical agility, or give a presentation.

The reason an employer may use testing as part of the process is with the sole purpose to determine if you will be a good fit for the job for which you are applying or will fit within the company's culture.

What's In It For Me?

As a jobseeker, the upside to employment testing is that you might gain some insight into the job for which you are applying. For instance, as an accountant you may be required to take a battery of accounting tests to assess your current skill level in general ledger accounting, accounting computer programs, accounts payable and receivable, and a variety of other accounting areas. These will indicate to you what the job may require of you.

These tests also give you an opportunity to highlight your strengths and weaknesses, giving you a chance to prepare and study those areas where you may be lacking. This could better prepare you for future interviews. It can also help you to understand current trends in the requirements of your particular industry.

How to Approach Any Employment Test

Knowing that tests may be an inevitable part of the employment process, there are some techniques to use to make it easier for you to get through them.

First, before any interview and employment test, get a good night's sleep! Being rested is crucial to having a chance at staying relaxed.

The Department of Labor suggests that you follow several suggestions when taking employment tests:

1. Listen to or read the directions carefully. If you have an opportunity to ask for clarification, do not hesitate to do so.
2. Try to relax. Fretting about the test or its outcome will do you no good.
3. Skim through the test so that you have a good overview of its purpose and content.
4. Do not rush through the questions, but read each question carefully before you answer it.
5. Ask the person administering the test if you will be penalized for guessing. If completion is more important, then you will want to answer all questions. If accuracy is more important, do not guess if you have no idea.
6. If you do not know an answer, skip to the next question. Do not waste your time on something you do not know. You can come back to it later.
7. Write legibly.
8. Take the test seriously. Do not try to be clever or cute as a way to show your sense of humor or personality.

A Final Thought

Employment tests are a small part of the interview process. Remember, the most important part of the process is knowing how to sell yourself, your skills and abilities. When you effectively market what you offer to an employer through your resume and cover letter, you will get your foot in the door for the interview. Preparation, research, and practice will give you the poise and confidence to get through the toughest of interviews, including the annoying employment test.

You have what it takes. Now be confident in what you will deliver!