How to Use Skills Tests in 2021 for Hiring and Training

1. How to Use Skills Tests in 2021 for Hiring and Training

3. A skills test can be used to assess the abilities of job applicants or employees. Test-takers are asked to answer a set of questions that measure job- related and technical skills as well as aptitude and personality. The objective of a pre-hire skills test is to enable human resources (HR) and hiring managers to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and experience to determine how suited they are for a specific position and if they are a good fit for the company. Skills testing is also used internally to identify training “gaps” so managers can develop customized employee training and development programs. Why Are Skills Tests Used? Skills tests are used to objectively measure a candidate’s experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Office. Skills testing can also be used to measure specific job-related abilities, such as recruiting, interviewing, and benefits administration for the human resources department, or financial statement and annual report preparation for accounting and finance professionals. There are also skills tests that assess behavioral traits such as problem-solving, communications skills, and integrity. Which Skills Can Be Tested? A skills test can assess hard skills, such as “How good is this applicant’s Excel skills?” and soft skills, such as “How patient will this applicant be with difficult callers?” If necessary, skills tests can be altered to fit your specific needs. The only limit to skills testing is that the questions you ask do not violate the law and the same questions are asked of everyone who applies for that job. Are Pre-Hire Skills Tests Legal? Pre-hire skills tests are legal and can protect your company against allegations of discrimination and unconscious bias. A skills test asks the same questions of every candidate in the same order. This ensures that skill testing is completely objective and that there is no ambiguity in the interpretation of skills test scores.

4. Job applicants cannot talk their way out of a bad score on a skills test, and there is no way an interviewer can ignore the test results and base a hiring decision on extraneous factors such as where a job applicant went to school or what branch of the military they served in. By using skills tests, employers have objective data on why a candidate did not get a job offer or promotion. This can prove very valuable if and when an employer is accused of discrimination. The bottom line is skills tests are legal and give employers a way to prove they are making hiring and promotion decisions that comply with state and federal laws. Why Should a Company Use Skill Testing After Someone Is Hired? Employees’ skills change over time and they gain experience. Changes in technology also mean that employees’ skills and experience have to change. Although pre-hire skills tests are the most common type of skill test, many employers use skills testing internally for the following reasons: Change or upgrade technology: When a company upgrades or changes technology, skills tests can help managers assess employees’ knowledge and determine where training is needed. After training is complete, skills tests show them what employees have learned and whether follow-up training is necessary. Changes in company policies or procedures: Changes in the law often necessitate changes to company policies and procedures. Companies should test employees to be sure they understand the policy changes that have been implemented and are following the new procedures properly. It is also a good idea to conduct follow-up training to ensure that everyone is following the new guidelines.

5. Promotions and departmental transfers: When employees apply for a promotion or a departmental transfer, a skills test can be used to objectively measure all applicants’ knowledge and abilities and minimizes the possibility of bias and discrimination. This enables employers to demonstrate that they have treated all candidates who have applied for the job equally and that all were evaluated using the same criteria. Develop customized training and development plans: In an ideal world, all employees would be in a job that is a perfect fit for their abilities and experience. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If an employee has difficulty with a job, the employer is required to ask if the employee needs accommodation or has encountered a personal difficulty. If the employee does not need an exception, the employer can use skills testing to provide the employee with the opportunity to acquire all the skills necessary to be successful or facilitate a transfer to another position. Skills Testing Is the Key to Effective Hiring and Training By using pre-hire skills tests you can evaluate applicants’ knowledge and experience and determine the likelihood that they will be successful at your company. Once candidates are hired, you can use skills testing to provide training and development to support them in their growth. Learn how skills tests can help you make effective hiring and training decisions. Request a demo today.

6. Source URL: https://dailygram.com/index.php/blog/855444/how-to-use-skills-tests-in-2021-for-hiring-and- training/