Are you a seasoned professional? A new grad? Looking for a career change? No matter what level of a job seeker you are, employers are now using hiring assessments as a part of their interview process. 76% of organizations with more than 100 employees use some form of screening tests when assessing external job candidates.

What is a Candidate Hiring Assessment?

A hiring assessment helps an employer determine how a candidate may perform at a job, the best way the candidate may learn or even the projected success of the candidate in the role. These are just a few things that can be measured. It's important to remember hiring assessments don't determine if someone gets hired, but allows an employer to learn more about the candidate than they could from a resume or even an interview. It also helps the hiring manager prepare for how to properly train the new hire in a way that helps that candidate learn. The next question is how to prepare for these hiring assessments.

5 Tips to Impress on a Hiring Assessment

Answer honestly, don't try to be something you're not.
Applicants get caught up in what they think the employer wants to hear. An employer will not hire you solely based on your assessment. Wouldn't you want an employer to train you properly so you succeed in the position based on what works best for you? Your employer should get an accurate version of who you are as a worker so they can best prepare you to succeed. Success is the mutual goal.
Don't overthink the questions.
Take your time, breathe. Think through the question but don't spend too much time on it. Some hiring assessments are timed while others are not. When you allow yourself too much time to think over a question, it may sway your results or not produce the most accurate data.
Ask your recruiter what is expected on the hiring assessment.
Use your recruiter as a resource for how to best prepare for the assessment. Every assessment is a little different and it's important to know what components you are being evaluated for. The recruiter wants to set you up for success and allow you to show your true results.
Keep perspective.
Assessments are part of the hiring process, not the ultimate determination of if you are the selected candidate. Hiring assessments have an importance in the hiring process but they are only one step. Don't put all your weight in this one step, make sure you allow your focus to reflect whether or not in the hiring process.
Focus on the position.
When answering questions, try to keep the position you are being considered for in mind. Questions may seem general, but maintaining consistency with answers will help you throughout the assessment. What are some skills that are important within this role that you succeed in? Why would you be an excellent fit for the role?

Employers use hiring assessments to better help candidates display their skills in the hiring process. Assessments also allow employers to expand on these skills once viewed by the company. Don't view hiring assessments as make-or-break situations, but rather allow the spotlight to help you display your talents.

Happy interviewing!