What Are the Common Online Assessments for Jobs in the UK in 2024?

In the ever-evolving job market, employers continue to rely heavily on online assessments to evaluate candidates’ suitability for roles. These assessments, a critical step in the recruitment process, help employers gauge skills, aptitudes, and personality traits, often before even meeting the candidates. In 2024, the trend remains strong, with assessments becoming more sophisticated and tailored to specific roles.

According to the Open University survey in 2022, 75% of The Time’s Top 100 companies used psychometric online tests during their recruitment process, and this number is estimated to be higher in 2024.

Understanding the types of online assessments and how to prepare for them is vital, especially for those seeking visa sponsorship jobs, where competition can be fierce. Below are the most common types of online assessments used by UK employers in 2024 and tips to help you succeed.

 

1. Cognitive Ability Tests

Cognitive ability tests, also known as aptitude tests, are designed to measure a candidate’s mental capacity, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. These tests remain popular for graduate, entry-level, and technical roles.

What to Expect:

• Timed multiple-choice questions.
• Sections on numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and abstract reasoning.

How to Succeed:

• Practice extensively: Use free and paid resources online to familiarise yourself with question formats. Websites like Learn and Pass offer targeted practice.
• Time management: Work on balancing speed with accuracy.
• Understand question patterns: Focus on the types of questions you find challenging.

We recommend practising cognitive ability tests on Learn and Pass (learnandpass.co.uk).

 

2. Personality Tests

Employers use personality tests to understand how candidates’ traits align with the role and company culture. These are particularly common for customer-facing positions like sales or customer service.

What to Expect:

• A series of statements or scenarios asking you to agree/disagree or choose the most relevant option.

How to Succeed:

• Be honest: Avoid overthinking your responses to appear a certain way.
• Stay consistent: Many tests are designed to detect contradictions.
• Reflect on the role: Ensure your responses align naturally with the job requirements. It is important to check the company’s website before the assessment to understand its values and culture, as they expect your personality and values to align with theirs.

 

3. Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs)

SJTs evaluate your ability to handle workplace scenarios. These tests simulate real-life situations, making them one of the most practical assessments used today. SJTs are becoming more and more popular.

What to Expect:

• Hypothetical work-related situations with multiple-choice responses.
• Widely used for internships, graduate schemes, and experienced hires.

How to Succeed:

• Think like an employer: The “ideal” response is often rooted in values outlined in the job description.
• Practice scenarios: Use sample tests to understand common workplace dilemmas.
• Read carefully: Pay attention to the specifics of the situation before answering.

We recommend practising situational judgement tests on Learn and Pass (learnandpass.co.uk) as they provide some more realistic practice materials. It is also important to check the company’s website before the assessment to understand its values and culture, which may help you answer those questions more effectively.

 

4. Work Skills Tests

Skills tests assess specific job-related competencies. These are particularly common for technical and professional roles such as software engineering, accounting, and data analysis.

What to Expect:

• Coding challenges, proficiency in Excel, or analytical tasks.
• Role-specific assessments customised to the job.

How to Succeed:

• Brush up on basics: Revisit key concepts and skills in your field.
• Leverage practice platforms: Websites like HackerRank (for coding) or Excel test simulators can help.
• Apply job-specific knowledge: Practising tasks similar to those in your current or desired role is invaluable.

 

5. Language Proficiency Tests

Language tests are designed for roles requiring bilingual or multilingual skills, such as translation, teaching, or customer service.

What to Expect:

• Tests on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sometimes speaking skills.

How to Succeed:

• Immerse yourself in the language: Watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage in conversations in the target language.
• Use language apps: Tools like Duolingo and Babbel can sharpen your skills.
• Take practice exams: Many platforms offer mock language tests tailored to job scenarios.

 

Emerging Trends in 2024:

• AI-Powered Assessments: AI tools are being used to personalise assessments, ensuring questions align with the role and the candidate’s experience.
• Gamified Assessments: Some employers now use gamification to make assessments more engaging, testing cognitive and behavioural traits through interactive games.
• Video-Based Tests: Interactive video questions are gaining traction, blending technical and situational judgement elements to gauge communication and decision-making.

 

Final Tips for Success:

1. Start Early: Prepare as soon as you apply for jobs, as assessments may follow immediately.

2. Know the Employer: Research the company’s culture and values, as they can provide clues to desired responses.

3. Utilise Online Resources: Many platforms offer free and premium tools for assessment practice.

4. Stay Calm and Focused: Proper preparation reduces stress and increases your confidence during tests.

By understanding the nature of online assessments and adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. Whether you’re aiming for a UK visa-sponsored job or climbing the career ladder, these strategies will help you tackle assessments with confidence.