Shocked to hear that Indeed Assessments are actually required?

Anonymous

March 18,2023 at 7:46PM UTC

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Shocked to hear that Indeed Assessments are actually required? I was under the impression that it would enhance your application rather than prohibit you from moving forward.

I've taken the assessments periodically while job searching and they only last 6 months. I've received highly skilled to not scoring very high the next time based on the questions. I don't feel they accurately measure my skills.

Case in point, I've directed digital campaigns and my staff implemented postings. I've attempted social media assessments in the past but we've used scheduling programs so the platforms' positioning and buttons especially when having to review tiny photos and within a short time period doesn't match my proficiency.

I'm glad to answer assessments that would benefit my application but not those that would hinder my submission. Does anyone have any advice? I'm glad to study if this is necessary but I'm not even sure how to prepare. Thank you for your advice!

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AnonymousMarch 18,2023 at 8:17PM UTC
My advice would be to focus on applying for jobs on Linkedin rather than Indeed.
If you don't have a LinkedIn profile then you are doing yourself a disservice in increasing your chances for finding a job. As recruiters often reach out to active job seekers using LinkedIn messages so make sure your privacy settings are set to receive mail from anyone.
When looking or applying for jobs on indeed I always ignore the additional assessments that they try to get me to complete and that has not stopped employers from reaching out to me via email to schedule interviews. I feel like those indeed additional assessments are more for the indeed database than for the employers or recruiters themselves. Im not a recruiter so I can only theorize surrounding that part.
Wishing you the best on your job search and hope you find a role soon!
AnonymousMarch 18,2023 at 11:43PM UTC
I'm applying for jobs mostly on LinkedIn or the company's website rather than Indeed. My issue is when a recruiter reaches out on Indeed, requesting my resume and then Indeed sends a social media test afterward. I've utilized social media personally and professional but my practice is different as I've moved up the ranks in my career. The teams I've directed have won awards for digital campaigns but if I was judged on my 'knowledge' that wouldn't accurately reflect my expertise. I appreciated your feedback!
AnonymousMarch 19,2023 at 1:53PM UTC
Oh I see what you're referring to now, those request asking for a resume are generated by indeed but presented to give jobseekers the illusion that their resume and skills are being highly sought after. At least that is what I've concluded from during my job seeker time. As I would get those type of emails stating "so and so from this company saw your resume and thought you would be great for this role [insert role]. Please send your resume quickly if interested." And the role would be for one that is completely UNRELATED to my field such as construction...like what? Haha! The assessments are just being automatically sent to you from indeed for the reasons shared in my previous reply. So all in all, you can choose to ignore them and give yourself peace of mind. More so since you shared you're applying more using LinkedIn and directly on company websites or keep giving more of your time to these assessment that you have shared sentiments surrounding it "not reflecting your true skill"
Happy I could help and keep strong you can do it!
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 19,2023 at 1:15AM UTC
Indeed Assessments are not required. Unless a company sets them up for one or more of their specific positions.
As a recruiter, I have never looked at an Indeed Assessment.
I have a friend who did an assessment on Indeed and it was the bane of her existence on there. There was some sort of issue when the assessment began and because it was timed, she did not score well. She could never delete it and was sorry she took it.
As a candidate, I have never done an Indeed Assessment.
AnonymousMarch 19,2023 at 1:28PM UTC
As a recruiter, I do not actually look at the results, but I do set the campaign to knock out people who don't bother to take the time to complete them. It just makes my job easier. Maybe just complete them for the positions you really want?
AnonymousMarch 19,2023 at 7:19PM UTC
Thank you all and I appreciate the range of your comments. This is part of the problem as candidates don't realize if the tests matter. A recruiter listed she knocks out candidates for not taking the test but doesn't look at them. Another states she never uses them in HR or as an applicant. Others state not to use the site in favor of better options.
The issue with Indeed is you don't know you'll be set a link to take an assessment until after submitting an application. I've taken some tests that I felt were a reflection of my skills and ignored others that I knew I wouldn't score well.
If I didn't take the test, I was immediately removed from the applicants as soon as the assessment period ended even though I had all the skills. Lookin back, I think those jobs closed out any applicant who didn't take the test as 'Anonymous' mentioned.
As Joan alluded to, I also faced an issue with a test malfunctioning during the time period. It was stuck after the second question and wouldn't move forward. I scored so low and it was remained visible on my Indeed until I was able to have the staff remove it but the damage was done. I scored low in an area that I have over ten years experience and I didn't have anyway to explain the situation. Since having it removed, I'm leery of taking additional tests. I don't want the same situation to happen again.
My issue is that the area I reside mostly posts on Indeed instead of LinkedIn. I've tried utilizing the company websites but they often link back to the Indeed post or don't list the position at all. I wouldn't waste my time if a position is going to require a test especially since I'm learning that the recruiters aren't even looking at them just using them as a tick mark that they were done.
You've given me a lot to think about and maybe it's best not to use Indeed at all to avoid the issue. Thank you!
Cynthia Armistead NewmanMarch 20,2023 at 4:21PM UTC
I worked for a company that did all their hiring through Indeed. As I recall, you could set the campaign up to require assessments or not. I never used them.
I find MOST of the jobs listed on Indeed to be of lower quality than those listed on LinkedIn, so I would recommend switching your focus.
AnonymousMarch 20,2023 at 6:10PM UTC
What to company posts is what the company wants, in this age of automation they probably just dont have the staff to do the front end vetting of too many candidates to get to the gold in the pile. If they want you to take the assessment and you want that job you really have no choice.