How to prepare for an online assessment

In recent years the use of online assessments in recruitment processes has increased. Both the interfaces as well as the validity of the tests has improved, costs went down. Our clients use them more often, we do too for our own organisation. With Heleen entering our organisation, she is an educated assessment psychologist, this topic is even more prominent on our agenda.

Being invited to do an on-line assessment is positive, you move forward in the recruitment process, as well as a reason to get nervous. Below some pointers how to prepare best:

  • Ask what will be tested, preferably what the name of the test and test supplier is, and Google it. Ask about the length of the test;
  • The two biggest categories in testing have either a focus on cognitive/skills elements or on your personality. Find out what will be tested;
  • If it is a cognitive/skills test, find examples and practise. Most of the time three aspects are measured: verbal insight (verbal analogies and/or verbal deductions), numerical insight (number series) and abstract insight (figure matrices or figure classifications). The internet offers enough sample tests;
  • In a cognitive/skills test your speed and percentage of correct answers (and sometimes percentage of wrong answers) is tested. Most of the time there are more questions than anybody can handle. If you do not finish in time or freeze don’t get stressed, breathe a few times, but move forward;
  • It’s more difficult to prepare for personality tests because it’s hard to influence them. Most of the time they consist of a lot of questions. Typically you have to indicate on a scale of 1 to 5 how well a statement describes you or you have to choose between statements like “I enjoy working alone” or “I always decide quickly”. It’s best to think of the person you are in a job context. You could try to think what personality aspects are important for the potential employer but this is tricky. You should know that the consistence of your answers is measured and that most employers will also test the results in a follow up interview.
  • Take care you are well rested, have something to drink and eat, be sure you will not be disturbed and have strong internet;
  • If you do not receive them automatically, ask for the results. And finally, discussing the results might be part of the test. So stay on your toes until the end.

Good luck with your test!

Heleen Bos & Pieter de Kiewit

Other news items

Treasury Recruitment in Germany – Lessons Learned in Mannheim

This year Treasurer Search was present with a stand at the FinanzSymposium of SLG in Mannheim for the first time. We found candidates for clients in Germany before and could now announce our local presence. We were also there to learn in what aspects the German labour market is different from others. Our visit was a big success, we met many, learned a lot, and could already discuss assignments. 

Read more
Read more about Treasury Recruitment in Germany – Lessons Learned in Mannheim

Our Treasurer Search Germany Plan – Will you join?

Treasurer Search brings its expertise and many years of experience in treasury recruitment to Germany. With an experienced local team, personal networking opportunities and a broad network, we offer you tailor-made solutions for your treasury recruitment needs. Become part of our community now and benefit from our know-how!

Read more
Read more about Our Treasurer Search Germany Plan – Will you join?

Why local treasury recruitment is even better

Learn how a local presence adds value to treasury recruitment in 2023. Discover the benefits of having a solid understanding of treasury functions, networking with industry experts, and having expertise in local recruitment.

Read more
Read more about Why local treasury recruitment is even better