How to deal with tests during a job interview

Dear WW: I’ve noticed that employers like to run you through a gamut of tests before hiring you. What tests can I expect in my next interview? TESTY

Dear TESTY,

I’ve had great luck testing people, not at work, but when I was dating. For example, when I was in college I would tell a potential date that I was thinking about joining a fraternity, Me Kong Delta. If she asked if that was next to Sigma Mu, I knew I was talking to someone who wasn’t paying to current events. On the other hand, if she laughed because she knew this was a reference to Vietnam, I had a keeper.

Vietnam, yes dear Reader, I’m an old guy who has stood up to the test of time. But having been on both sides of the testing dance, I know that it’s important to have a plan for dealing with them. I’ve listed some of the major types of employment tests below. Unfortunately, these are not tests that you can study for, but hopefully knowing the kinds of things that you’re being tested for will increase your confidence and readiness. For more check out “Knock E’m Dead, 2007″ by Martin Yate (Adams, 2006).

Personality tests. There are two types, projective and objective. The classic projective test asks you to look at a blob of ink and say what you see. These kinds of tests are looking for your ability to analyze and think. Objective tests ask lots of questions on a rating scale which can be compared to many other people who’ve been asked the same questions.

Personnel Selection tests. These tests analyze such behaviors as trustworthiness, reliability and conscientiousness. Personal selection tests also claim to spot potential alcohol or substance abuse problems.

Aptitude tests. Many people start a job not fully able to do what is required, these type of tests explore if you have the capability to learn how to do the job. Use of these tests is on the upswing.

Skills tests. This is where the employer tests you for the specific types of tasks you’ll be expected to do on the job. You may be asked to take a typing test or to write a sample press release. There are tests to measure every possible skill-from filing, mechanical comprehension to specific computer programs. You can’t study for most of the employment screening tests, but this is one area where you can be prepared to show that you have the skills to get the job done.

Integrity tests. Liars, cheats and thieves are the target of integrity tests. As you can guess, their use is on the upswing during the hiring process. There is only one small problem, according to Yate, integrity tests don’t work. One study found that 95.6% of people who take these tests and get a failing grade are incorrectly classified.

Understand the types of tests that you’ll encounter in your job hunt and you’ll join the fraternity of people who are gainfully employed.

Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. Sherrie Campbell is a relationship and business professional, having applied her counseling background in a variety of challenging organizational settings. They’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, especially if you have better ideas than they do. Also check out their complete column archive at workmash.org, “The Boss’s Survival Guide” and “Gray Matters: The workplace survival guide.” Send your questions or comments to bob@workmash.org.