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Psychometric Assessment Testing Issues
Hello everyone!
I'm noticing more and more employers are using psychometric assessment tests and I'm having trouble getting past them.
I send my resume' in and they love it, but then comes the test, and I quickly get the "Thanks, but no thanks" emails. So far I've lost three great leads to the test results.
I've been spending the majority of my time searching on this subject instead of job seeking. One article I came across last night said that these psychometric assessments, if used correctly, should weigh no more than 20% in terms of the overall hiring process, but I'm finding it's weighing much more than that.
Can anyone assist me in terms of being able to understand these tests, and how to pass them to achieve the desired result - an interview?
Thanks!
Suzanne
User deleted comment on 11/18/19 at 1:27AM UTC
Hi Suzanne,
Do you know the names of each assessment? They're all so different, and some companies use bootleg assessments while others have people hiring who aren't trained to understand the statistical results.
If they're having you take a preference-based assessment like the MBTI, Big 5, Strong, and so many more, it would be a HUGE ethical violation since those tests measure preferences - not ability.
If they're using something like the Wonderlic or an aptitude test, that's a little different but still not enough to disqualify you from an interview.
Were you able to get a copy of any of your results? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but it will help me try to answer your original question best :)
I don't think this posted, so I'm reposting it.
Hi Erin,
I don't know the name of the tests they're using. In fact, most of the time I see results; the exception was with Met Life, and they didn't say which test they use to assess candidates.
I've spent a few weeks, hours every day trying to figure out these exam models, and the strange thing is, the only outfits I can get help from are European pay sites, and some YouTube videos (some British while others are Indian). The two books I managed to find are of course, European. It's almost as if the employers in America are trying to keep the secret under wraps.
In the case of Met Life, I did try to "game" the system by using some of the techniques I thought I understood from a book, the results that came back hinted I was a flaky, free spirited chatterbox - epic failure. When I took another test for Progressive Insurance, I basically said I'd work 24/7 (I have had jobs where I did work 85 hour weeks so not that far off) and I got told "don't bother to apply to us for another 6 months". The third one for another insurance company, I took middle of the road and was turned down flat once again. All three "thanks, but no thanks" all hit within 24 hours.
In all cases, the company expresses interest, I test, and then I'm rejected and do not move forward. To be clear: I never get a chance at an interview, nor do I get the chance to talk to a human being; I get an email with a test link only, and then the email rejection. Of course you can't exactly study these tests unless someone tells you the rules, which I discovered they have, but flushing out what they are - it's like pulling hen's teeth....and hens don't have teeth. LOL
I spent all of Saturday night taking practice tests, but a "test" only defines what you can or can't do at that specific moment. 20 years of experience and 2 licenses should count for something, but I can't break through that wall without some help.
I've been working with a Womens Resource Center trying to get help with this issue, but they seem to be at a loss and can only point me in the direction of more books. I know it's not what they're used to, but it's a reality in the marketplace and it's not going away. You can teach resume' writing and polish it until it glows, you can take a hundred interview classes and dress to the nines while networking your heart out, but if you don't get past the test, the lead is dead.
One more thing I've done is to go on LinkedIn and try to join the psychometric, employment testing, cognitive, emotional intelligence forums. Some groups approve of my request, others do not. I've tried everything that I can think of to figure out these tests, and I just read a feed in a new group I found that states there are over 700 different psychometric tests on the market.
User deleted comment on 11/18/19 at 1:27AM UTC
Have you taken any practice tests? I've had to take these before and I am awful test taker, but what I realized is that there were certain questions I was more comfortable answering after going through practice exams and have really put a focus on that . It should also helps ease your nerves.
I've spent a few weeks, money on books, searched google until my eyes googled, watched youtube videos, spent night practicing these tests. I can't tell if it's skills, or if it's personality they don't like.