Employers perform employee assessment tests on potential employees as well as current employees. These tests are mainly done to determine how well-suited a candidate is for job performance.
Almost every company seeks to work with the best employees they can find to pursue their goals. Once an organization can sift out non-competent employees, then it can be able to maximize resources. That is because the best employees work toward maximum productivity while making good use of the available resources.
But how do you perform effective employee assessment tests, and what should guide you? We analyze important details that you should use below.
Establish the Kind of Test(s) you will Perform and Have Specific Metrics
Employee assessment tests can take different forms. Therefore, before you decide on conducting them on your employees, it is always best to first establish the kind of test you will be performing to use effective metrics for evaluation. Metrics would mean a figure or scale that represents performance. The most common types of assessment tests include;
- Personality tests- theyhelp employers discover distinct qualities and traits a candidate possesses that relate to the job.
- Skills Assessment tests- these tests test prospective and current employee technical and soft skills.
- Cognitive ability tests- these tests seek to determine and assess a candidate’s aptitude and how agile they are. They mainly entail verbal, diagrammatic, and numerical reasoning tests.
- Situational Judgment tests- candidates are presented with several theoretical scenarios that simulate or mirror what they can face in the workplace with these types of tests. They must then indicate the action they would take or their response to the named situation.
- Physical Ability Tests- tests conducted for jobs that require an employee’s physical exertion. They seek to test one’s physical endurance for job performance.
Find an Ideal and Effective Test Method
Once you are settled on the type of assessment test to conduct, you must determine how to carry out the assessment effectively. Some employers carry out assessments online, while others may carry them out offline. Online assessment tests are typically done by providing candidates with a link. Offline assessments can be done through a written form, in an assessment center, or they can be carried out in the form of an interview.
Notify the Candidates and Provide them with the Necessary Resources
Always notify the candidates that an upcoming assessment test will be done early enough. That way, they have ample time to prepare accordingly. Again, let them know what is expected during the test in advance.
It is always essential to provide them with any required tools, equipment, and reference points. You can guide them by having training sessions or forums that simulate an actual assessment test. Effective assessment tests are the ones that can mimic actual job environments and situations. Provide resources like articles, important websites, eLearning platforms, and videos.
Personalize the Test(s)
Employees do not all perform exact jobs. Departmental employees may carry out similar tasks, but you can also find that their jobs are also specialized to enable maximum productivity. That is why you should also not carry out a one size fits all assessment test for everyone. Big companies who want to have the best teams make sure to include assessments throughout every process. For example, Ford pre-employment tests make sure that all candidates perform to their maximum potential.
As you determine the assessment test for employees, personalize them according to their job position, needs, and preferences. Always tailor the test according to their expectations to avoid resource wastage and improve employee value. Personalization assists employees in relating to the test being carried out and understanding its necessity. They become more willing to conduct the test.
Give and Attain Feedback
Once you have completed the assessment test(s), you must give the candidates feedback. Tell them how they performed. Feedback should not be one way. It is also essential to allow them to make inquiries and give feedback about the process. That way, both parties can better themselves and work towards the organizational goals by discovering strong and weak areas.
Make it a Company Culture
Completing one assessment is not where it ends. Employee assessment should be a continuous process. Therefore, have time frames about when you will be conducting them- monthly, quarterly, and so on. This is particularly important for current employees. We also wrote an article that explains how culture impacts a company’s success. Check it out here.
Final Thoughts
Employee assessment tests are vital for any growing organization or company. The best employees are obtained through them. Some guidelines cut across for success, whether the tests are being done as part of the hiring process or for promotional purposes.
We have provided you with the best guide to help you as an employer or recruiter above. Remember, the key to a thriving company is having the best employees.
Kim specializes in skills and personality assessment tests that help companies make the right choices when hiring new people. She believes that by implementing assessment tests, every company can take employee performance to the next level and maximize profits
