What Remote Jobseekers Need to Know About Online Skills Testing for Employment

In our increasingly digital work landscape, landing a remote job can sometimes start with a crucial step: online skills testing for employment. While it might seem intimidating, this process can be your key to unlocking the door to new opportunities. It’s a tool that employers use to further evaluate candidates, ensuring they have the right skills for the job. But, what exactly are these tests, and how do you ace them? Understanding online skills testing is more than just knowing what to expect. It’s about showcasing your abilities in a way that resonates with potential employers. Let’s explore the world of online skills testing and learn the best way to make it work for you.

Defining Online Skills Testing for Employment and Its Role in Remote Hiring

Online skills testing for employment is one way employers can evaluate a candidate’s abilities and suitability for a specific role. These tests can range from technical assessments to personality quizzes, designed to measure various competencies crucial for the job. They offer a practical way for employers to gauge your skills, work ethic, and cultural fit. This approach can help ensure employers that the candidates selected have the qualifications and traits necessary to thrive in their remote positions.

The Prevalence of Online Skills Tests in Today’s Job Market

The use of online skills tests in the job market has become a standard tool in the recruitment process for some employers. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), over half of employers (56 percent!) utilize pre-employment assessments to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of job applicants.

In the IT industry, for instance, coding tests are commonplace. They allow employers to assess a candidate’s programming abilities in real time. Similarly, in marketing, you may encounter tests designed to evaluate your strategic thinking and creativity. The finance sector often uses numerical reasoning tests to ensure applicants possess the necessary analytical skills.

These tests are not limited to high-skill positions alone. Roles in customer service, administration, and even retail are increasingly seeing the implementation of skills tests to measure traits like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. As remote work continues to grow, these tests ensuring the right fit for both you and the employer.

Types of Online Skills Tests

Online skills tests come in various forms, each designed to measure different aspects of your capabilities. Here are some common categories:

• Technical Skills Tests: These assess a candidate’s specific technical abilities relevant to the job.
  • Example: A coding test for a software developer position might require the candidate to write, analyze, or debug a piece of code.
• Personality Tests: These are used to understand your character traits and how you might fit within a team.
  • Example: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assesses personality types and can help determine how a candidate might interact with others in the workplace.
• Cognitive Abilities Tests: These tests evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Example: Abstract reasoning tests that require candidates to identify patterns or logical sequences in sets of shapes or symbols.
• Language Proficiency Tests: For roles requiring fluency in a specific language, these tests assess a candidate’s language skills.
  • Example: TOEFL or IELTS for English language proficiency, particularly relevant for roles in multinational companies or global teams.
• Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs): These present hypothetical, job-related scenarios to assess how a candidate might handle real-world situations.
  • Example: A customer service role might include SJTs to gauge how a candidate would respond to difficult customers or handle service issues.
• Skill-based Assessments: Focused on assessing the practical application of skills directly relevant to the job.
  • Example: For a graphic designer, this might involve creating a design based on a given brief, using specific design software.

Understanding these different types of online skills tests helps you prepare effectively and showcases your qualifications in a manner that aligns with the specific demands of the role you are applying for.

Employer’s Perspective: Utilizing Online Skills Tests

From an employer’s standpoint, online skills tests are a pivotal tool in the remote hiring process, serving multiple crucial functions:

Screening and Evaluating Candidates. Online skills tests are primarily used to efficiently filter through a large pool of applicants. They allow employers to objectively assess whether candidates possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the job.
Standardizing the Hiring Process. These tests introduce a level of standardization in the hiring process, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated against the same criteria. This is particularly important in remote hiring, where candidates may come from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.
Assessing Job Fit. Beyond technical capabilities, skills tests can evaluate a candidate’s fit for the specific demands of a remote position. For instance, personality tests can help determine if a candidate possesses traits like self-motivation and independence, which are crucial for remote work.
Predicting Job Performance. Employers use these tests as predictors of future job performance. A candidate who excels in a skills test is often perceived as more likely to perform well in the job. 
Reducing Hiring Bias. Online skills tests can help mitigate unconscious biases by focusing on a candidate’s abilities rather than their background, gender, or ethnicity. This leads to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Enhancing Candidate Experience. A well-designed skills test can improve the candidate experience by providing a clear understanding of the job requirements. It sets the right expectations and demonstrates the employer’s commitment to hiring the best fit for the role.

For employers, online skills tests are not just a preliminary hurdle for applicants. They can be a strategic tool that enhances the quality of hire and ensures a good fit between the candidate and the remote role, ultimately contributing to the organization’s overall productivity and success.

5 Preparation Strategies for Online Skills Tests

Preparing for online skills testing for employment can be a game-changer in your job search. Here are some effective strategies and resources to help you excel:

1. Understand the Test Format

To effectively prepare for your test, it’s crucial to research its specific type, whether technical, personality, or cognitive. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the test’s format, which might include multiple-choice questions, essays, or practical tasks. This dual approach of understanding both the content and format will better equip you for success.

2. Practice with Relevant Materials

When preparing for technical tests, leveraging online platforms such as Codecademy or GitHub is beneficial for practicing coding challenges and enhancing your skills. Similarly, for cognitive tests, engaging in brain games and puzzles found on apps like Lumosity or Peak can be an effective way to sharpen your cognitive abilities. Both strategies are tailored to the specific type of test and can significantly aid in your preparation.

3. Review Basic Concepts and Theories

To prepare effectively for your test, it’s important to refresh your knowledge of the fundamentals. If you’re facing a technical test, revisit the key programming languages involved. For language proficiency tests, on the other hand, a review of grammatical rules is crucial. This foundational review can significantly enhance your readiness and confidence for the test.

4. Take Practice Tests

To optimize your test preparation, leverage websites that offer both free and paid practice tests, such as SHL and Psychometric Success, which cater to a variety of skills assessments. Additionally, it’s beneficial to time yourself during these practice sessions. This approach helps you get accustomed to the time constraints of the actual test, enhancing your ability to manage time effectively under pressure.

5. Work on Your Test-Taking Skills

To enhance your test-taking skills, it’s important to develop strategies for managing time effectively and tackling difficult questions. Alongside these strategies, practicing relaxation techniques can be crucial in managing test anxiety. This is particularly beneficial for personality and psychometric tests, where staying calm and focused is key to accurately reflecting your abilities and traits.

By systematically preparing for online skills tests, you not only increase your chances of success but also deepen your understanding of your profession, making you a more competitive and confident candidate.

Embracing Preparation for Success in Online Skills Tests

The role of online skills testing in the remote job market is undeniable. These tests are a critical component of the hiring process, offering employers a reliable way to assess your abilities and fit for a position. For jobseekers, being well-prepared for these tests is not just a step towards securing a job; it’s an investment in your professional future.

A proactive approach toward preparation and skills development is crucial. Remember, online skills tests are more than a hurdle to be cleared; they are an opportunity to showcase your strengths and demonstrate your suitability for the role. By embracing thorough preparation and a proactive mindset toward skills development, you position yourself as a strong, competitive candidate ready to excel in the remote job market.

Connect with Our Career Coaches for a Brighter Future

Are you ready to take your remote job search to the next level? Our team of expert career coaches is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking to identify your transferable skills or exploring the need for upskilling, we have the tools and expertise to help you succeed.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling remote career. Contact us now and discover how you can enhance your skills and boost your employability in the evolving world of remote work. Let’s work together to turn your career aspirations into reality!

Have you ever been asked to take an online skills test during a job application process? What did you think about it? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!