What Are the Common Online Assessments for Jobs in the UK?
In today's competitive job market, employers use online assessments to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a job. These assessments can vary in type and complexity depending on the role, but they are all designed to test your skills, personality traits, and aptitudes.
Online assessments often come before interviews. Sometimes, companies will ask you to complete an online assessment as soon as you submit your application. Without passing them, your application will not be considered. That's why it is very important to understand and be ready for those assessments, especially when you need visa sponsorship.
Here are some of the most common online assessments used by UK employers and some tips on how to pass them.
1. Cognitive Ability Tests
Cognitive ability tests measure a candidate's mental ability and aptitude. They are typically used for roles that require problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. These tests are timed and consist of multiple-choice questions that assess numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and abstract reasoning.
Some employers also call them Aptitude tests, especially for graduate roles or entry-level positions.
To pass a cognitive ability or aptitude test, you need to practise, and practice makes perfect! There are plenty of practice tests available online that you can use to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions. Learn and Pass can be a good starting point if you really want to improve your pass rate. Additionally, make sure to manage your time carefully during the test and read the questions thoroughly before answering.
2. Personality Tests
Personality tests are used to assess a candidate's personality traits and behavioural preferences. They are typically used for roles that require strong interpersonal skills, such as customer service or sales.
To pass a personality test, be honest and consistent in your answers. These tests are designed to detect inconsistencies and exaggerations, so don't try to manipulate your responses to fit a certain profile. Additionally, take your time and read each question carefully before answering.
3. Situational Judgement Tests
Situational judgement tests assess a candidate's ability to handle different work scenarios. They present candidates with hypothetical workplace situations and ask them to choose the most appropriate course of action.
Situational judgement tests are very common, and they are used to assess candidates for internships, graduate jobs, and experienced hire jobs alike. To pass a situational judgement test, you should put yourself in the shoes of the employer and think about what they would expect from an ideal candidate, which, sometimes, can also be found in the job description. Additionally, read each scenario carefully and consider all the options before selecting an answer. It is also a good idea to practise them a few times.
4. Work Skills Tests
Work skills tests assess a candidate's proficiency in a specific area. They are typically used for technical roles such as software development or accounting. You can be assessed on your coding skills, excel skills or other analytical skills, whichever are related to your job.
To pass a skills test, make sure to brush up on your knowledge and practice your skills beforehand. Use online resources and tutorials to refresh your memory and take practice tests to familiarise yourself with the format. If you are already doing a similar job, sparing some time to think about and practise the skills and techniques you use in your job can help to deal with those tests effectively.
5. Language Tests
Language tests assess a candidate's proficiency in a specific language. They are typically used for roles that require bilingual or multilingual candidates, such as translation or customer service.
To pass a language test, practice your language skills regularly and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Watch movies and TV shows in the target language, listen to podcasts, and read books or articles.
In conclusion, online assessments are a crucial part of the recruitment process in the UK, and understanding the different types of assessments and how to prepare for them is essential for job seekers. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of passing the assessment and landing your dream job. Remember to practice, be honest, and stay focused, and you'll be well on your way to success.
You can also find more information on online assessments on your dashboard.
