One of the things teens will encounter when they start looking for jobs is testing. Many job applicants dread aptitude tests. They constantly wonder about the entire point of taking an aptitude test, especially if they have the relevant work experience required for the job. Perhaps you are an employer who wonders the real point of the aptitude test and if the scores of the test really determine how well a candidate would perform on the job. Truly, you invite the highest scorers for an interview and you end up giving one or some of them the job. Yet, you don’t really understand the rationale behind doing what you do.
If this describes you, then you have to make a pause. This pause would be to understand the whole point of the aptitude test and the importance of its scores and results. This understanding would definitely help in putting your heart into the hiring process. If you are an applicant who wants to understand the point of aptitude tests and the implication of your score, this article is also for you. Now, let’s get into it. Aptitude test scores are important because:
They Predict the Job Performance of an Applicant
Several studies have revealed that these tests can give an insight into how well an applicant will perform on the job. This is especially true because aptitude tests are tailored to the role directly or indirectly. Apart from being a great fit for the job, those who score pretty high are seen as competitive, and healthy competition is a good thing for any organization. Such people can be great tools in fostering competition within an organization. This is somewhat a component or an indicator of performance.
They Measure the Time Management Ability of Applicants
Aptitude tests can be knowledge and skill-based. In addition to these, many employers also use it as a way to test for the speed and the accuracy of the applicants. Applicants that are able to finish up yet score high give off the impression of being good time managers, as well as potential assets to the organization. This way, the aptitude test saves the organization the need to ask questions related to time management during the interview.
It Tests the Strength and Weaknesses of the Candidate
During interviews, questions on strength and weaknesses are not uncommon. However, aptitude tests can take out the need to ask such questions, especially if the aptitude test is well-structured to assess the skills of the candidate in relation to the role. If the aptitude test is quite difficult for an individual (their result and scores would indicate this), then it could be quite glaring that it would be difficult for them to fit into the organization.
While character tests such as the three different wonderlic personality tests are great, skill tests are also important. A well-structured aptitude test would also display the strength of the individual in terms of knowledge and skills (personal and professional). Sometimes, aptitude tests are given during an interview, to determine the level of skill of the candidate. This is the type of test that puts the skill-related strength and weakness of a candidate on display.
It Helps the Right Candidate Stand Out
The manner in which a candidate tackles an aptitude test would give away how much of a fit they are for the job, as it would display their approach to tackling tough circumstances. Can they manage difficult situations without making a fuss? It helps the potential employer determine this about a candidate.
Conclusion
Seeing how useful aptitude tests are, and how much stress they save employers from, they don’t look like they would be going anywhere in the coming years. So, it is time to get comfortable with them. As a candidate, prepare for them. As an employer, put them to the best use.