About Pre-Hire Testing

Hiring managers and human resources professionals alike are tasked with ensuring they recruit best possible job candidates for positions within their companies. Professionals use many different methods to determine the best candidates. Resume reviews and interviews are commonplace methods, but many managers also turn to prehire testing. These tests allow them to assess the skills of candidates and verify their other eligibility requirements before making a firm offer of employment.

The types of tests administered vary greatly between positions. Simple mathematics equations and reading or speaking fluency tests may be used for roles including cashiers or sales professionals. More difficult tests, such as hypothetical customer service emergencies or complicated word problems that relate common choices in a position, are also available. Job candidates may also face drug testing and fitness tests, which have become fairly common for roles in which the use of recreational substances may harm the business or its clients. Many job candidates may wish to confirm they can pass drug tests before applying. Personality tests have also become more common.

There are many benefits of candidate screening tests. These evaluations help human resources professionals ensure the person has the basic skills for the position and does not pose a threat to the organization due to addiction or a lack of physical fitness. Tests can help create an additional level of candidate screening by weeding out those who are unwilling to put forth the time and effort to complete them. This can reduce the number of job candidates that make it to the interview process. The overall goal of screening is to ensure that only the best job candidates reach the final stages of the hiring process.

Many pitfalls also exist for this type of exercise. Laws exist that prohibit discrimination for a variety of factors, including racial or ethnic backgrounds, and tests must remain compliant with all equal opportunity laws. Likewise, physical tests must take into consideration the reasonable accommodation requirements of acts designed to help the disabled find employment. Failing to meet regulated standards for antidiscriminatory testing can result in extensive penalties for a business. Further, regulations concerning the storage or destruction of such sensitive personal information may make testing undesirable for some small businesses.

Testing provides a great opportunity for human resources professionals to truly gauge the current skill level of applicants. It can help weed out candidates who do not possess the correct qualifications for a position. Used carefully, prehire testing gives hiring managers and human resources experts another tool to ensure the best possible candidates join their company's workforce. These tools are not a substitute for the standard resume and interview process but can provide professionals with an excellent insight into the qualifications of many job candidates.

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