6 Popular Interview Tests and How They Add to Your Recruitment Arsenal

Imagine it's 1962. Harold, a recent college graduate with a crisp tie and a nervous smile, sits across from Mr. Thompson, the stern owner of Thompson's Widgets. The interview unfolds like a game of charades. Mr. Thompson asks broad questions: "Tell me about yourself, Harold." Harold, unsure of what Mr. Thompson wants to hear, launches into a rambling account of his childhood baseball trophies.

This was pretty much how interviews were conducted up until some years ago. Reliant on subjective assessments and charm offensives, it wasn't uncommon for the "best storyteller" to win the job, not necessarily the most qualified candidate. 

Let's revisit Harold's interview, but this time in 2024. Mr. Thompson, now CEO of Thompson Tech (widgets have gone digital!), receives Harold's application. Before the interview, Harold takes a skills assessment that tests his coding proficiency. This objective test, designed specifically for the software developer role, allows Mr. Thompson to see if Harold possesses the foundational skills needed for the job.

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How interview tests have changed hiring

The benefits of interview tests extend beyond technical roles. Interview tests aren't meant to replace the human element of interviewing. They are powerful tools that complement traditional methods by providing a more objective and standardized way to assess a candidate's skills. 

Traditional interviews can be susceptible to unconscious bias based on appearance, communication style, or even a shared alma mater. Interview tests offer a more objective approach. A study by Harvard Business Review found that companies using structured interviews (which often incorporate tests) saw a 30% reduction in hiring bias [Source]. This ensures a fairer playing field for all candidates and allows companies to tap into a wider talent pool.

With a growing number of applicants per role, interview time becomes precious. Interview tests can streamline the initial screening process. A report shows that 82% of businesses utilize pre-employment testing to efficiently identify candidates with the necessary skills before investing valuable interview time [Source]. This allows companies to focus on in-depth conversations with only the most promising applicants.

Contrary to what some might think, interview tests can actually enhance a candidate's experience. A study by ThriveMap found that 48% of applicants have a more favorable view of an employer who utilizes pre-employment assessments [Source].  This is likely because it demonstrates a structured and data-driven approach to hiring, allowing candidates to showcase their skills in a fair and transparent manner.

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5 popular interview tests and how they can help

1. Technical Skills Tests

For technical roles such as software developers, engineers, or data scientists, technical skills tests are crucial. These tests evaluate a candidate's proficiency in specific technical areas relevant to the job. They may involve coding challenges, problem-solving exercises, or hands-on tasks that simulate real-world scenarios. These tests gauge the candidate's ability to apply their technical knowledge effectively.

What makes a good technical skills test

**Coding Challenges: These are the heart of the test, mimicking real-world scenarios developers encounter on the job. They could involve:

• Problem-solving: Candidates might be presented with a specific problem and tasked with writing code to solve it from scratch.
• Debugging: An existing program with deliberate errors might be presented, requiring candidates to identify and fix the bugs.
• Algorithm implementation: The test might ask candidates to implement a particular algorithm relevant to the position, showcasing their understanding of algorithmic concepts.

**Problem-solving exercises: These exercises go beyond pure coding ability and delve into a developer's analytical and critical thinking skills. They might involve:

• Data analysis: Candidates could be presented with complex datasets and asked to analyze them, drawing insights and identifying patterns.
• Algorithm design: The test might require candidates to design an efficient algorithm for a specific task, assessing their problem-solving approach and knowledge of algorithmic design principles.
• Technical hurdles: Scenarios simulating real-world technical challenges could be presented, encouraging candidates to troubleshoot and find solutions.

**Hands-on tasks: Some tests might incorporate practical tasks that mimic a developer's day-to-day work. These could involve:

• Server configuration: Candidates might be tasked with configuring a server environment, showcasing their understanding of system administration tasks.
• Network troubleshooting: A simulated network issue could be presented, requiring candidates to identify and troubleshoot the problem.
• Data pipeline building: The test might ask candidates to build a simple data pipeline, demonstrating their proficiency in data processing tools and techniques.

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2. Behavioral Assessments

Behavioral interviews often include scenario-based questions designed to assess how candidates have handled specific situations in the past. However, behavioral assessments can also be conducted through structured tests that present hypothetical scenarios and ask candidates how they would respond. These tests help employers evaluate a candidate's decision-making skills, interpersonal abilities, and alignment with the company's values.

Creating a good behavioural assessment

** Focus on specific behaviors:  Effective assessments avoid vague questions about a candidate's personality. Instead, they focus on specific behaviors relevant to the job.  For example, instead of asking "Are you a team player?", a good assessment might ask, "Describe a time you collaborated with a difficult colleague on a project." This allows you to gain concrete examples of a candidate's past actions and how they navigated challenges.

**Scenario-based questions:  Well-crafted assessments present candidates with realistic work scenarios that they might encounter on the job.  Imagine a  customer service representative role. The assessment might ask, "Describe a situation where you had to deal with an angry customer. How did you handle it?" This approach allows you to assess a candidate's problem-solving skills, communication style, and ability to manage conflict, all crucial for the role.

**Use of the STAR method:  The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Effective assessments encourage candidates to answer using this framework.  For instance, in a customer service scenario question:

• Situation is an angry customer complaining about a product
• Task is understanding the issue and offering solutions
• Action should be communicating empathetically and resolving the complaint
• and the Result should be a satisfied customer

This provides a structured and clear picture of the candidate's thought process and behavioral approach. The STAR method also makes it easy to evaluate behavioural questions and grade the candidate accurately.

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3. Personality Tests

Personality tests aim to uncover traits, preferences, and work styles that may not be readily apparent during traditional interviews. Employers use these tests to assess factors such as communication style, teamwork orientation, leadership potential, and conflict resolution approach. Personality tests are valuable for predicting how well a candidate may fit into the company culture and work environment.

The basics of a good personality test

**Focus on work-related traits:  Effective personality tests go beyond general personality questions. They focus on traits that are demonstrably linked to job performance and success.  For instance, a test for a customer service role might assess conscientiousness (attention to detail), agreeableness (ability to handle difficult customers), and emotional stability (capacity to manage stress).

** Use validated and reliable frameworks: Look for tests based on established and well-validated personality frameworks, such as the Big Five (OCEAN) model. This model assesses Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism. These traits have been extensively researched and linked to various workplace behaviors.  

**Minimize social desirability bias:  Candidates might try to present themselves in a way they think the employer wants.  Good personality tests incorporate measures to minimize "social desirability bias." This might involve using forced-choice questions where candidates choose between two equally undesirable options, or phrasing questions in a way that discourages dishonesty.

**Consider combining with other assessments:  While personality tests offer valuable insights, they shouldn't be the sole factor in your hiring decision.  Consider using them alongside other assessments like skills tests or behavioral assessments to create a more comprehensive picture of the candidate.

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4. Cognitive Ability Tests

Cognitive ability tests measure a candidate's problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and logical reasoning. These tests can include numerical reasoning (mathematical and statistical reasoning), verbal reasoning (language skills and comprehension), and abstract reasoning (pattern recognition and spatial awareness). Cognitive ability tests help employers predict a candidate's potential to learn new tasks, adapt to changes, and make sound decisions under pressure.

What makes a strong cognitive ability test

**Alignment with job requirements:  Effective cognitive ability tests are tailored to the specific demands of the job.  For example, a test for a data analyst role might emphasize numerical reasoning and data interpretation skills, while a test for a graphic designer role might focus on spatial reasoning and visual memory.  

**Multiple cognitive domains:  A well-designed test shouldn't solely focus on one cognitive domain. It should assess a range of abilities relevant to the job.  This could include:

• Verbal Reasoning: The ability to understand and analyze written information.
• Numerical Reasoning: The ability to work with numbers and solve mathematical problems.
• Logical Reasoning: The ability to identify patterns, analyze arguments, and draw logical conclusions.
• Spatial Reasoning: The ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.
• Memory: The ability to encode, store, and retrieve information.
• Processing Speed: The ability to think and react quickly and efficiently.

**Standardization and Normalization:  Look for tests with standardized administration and scoring procedures. This ensures all candidates take the test under the same conditions and that scores are interpreted based on established norms for a particular population group. 

Time-limited format:  Many cognitive ability tests are timed, mimicking the pressure and pace of work situations. This element helps assess a candidate's ability to perform under time constraints, a crucial skill for many jobs.

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5. Job Simulations

Job simulations immerse candidates in scenarios that replicate aspects of the actual job. These simulations can range from role-playing exercises with actors playing different roles in a business scenario to simulations using virtual reality or computer-based tools. Job simulations provide employers with insights into how candidates perform tasks relevant to the position and how they handle challenges in real-time.

Designing the perfect job simulation

**Job specificity:  Effective job simulations mirror real-world situations a candidate might encounter on the job.  For example, a simulation for a marketing manager role might involve developing and running social media campaign strategy, while one for a customer service representative role might involve interacting with a simulated customer complaint. 

**Interactive elements:  Move beyond static tasks. Well-designed job simulations are interactive, allowing candidates to make decisions, solve problems, and experience the consequences of their actions. This could involve role-playing with virtual characters, navigating simulated software environments, or responding to dynamic prompts. 

**Pre-defined assessment criteria:  Define clear assessment criteria beforehand, focusing on the specific skills and behaviors you want to evaluate.  This could include decision-making accuracy, time management, communication effectiveness, problem-solving strategies, or customer service skills.  

**Real-time feedback mechanisms:  Consider incorporating feedback mechanisms into the job simulation. This could involve providing candidates with automated scores based on their performance, or offering post-simulation debriefings.  Feedback allows candidates to learn from the experience and gives you the opportunity to discuss their thought process and decision-making strategies, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of their capabilities.

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6. Integrity Tests

These assessments delve into a candidate's honesty, work ethic, and propensity for ethical behavior. They might include hypothetical scenarios or personality-based questions designed to reveal potential dishonesty or unethical behavior patterns.

Benefits for Employers:

• Mitigate Risk of Misconduct: Reduce the risk of hiring someone with a history of workplace misconduct or unethical behavior.
• Promote Company Culture: Identify candidates who value honesty and integrity, upholding the ethical standards you strive for within your organization.
• Reduce Employee Turnover: Dishonesty can breed mistrust and disrupt team dynamics. Integrity tests can help identify candidates who contribute to a positive and stable work environment.

Benefits for Candidates:

• Showcase Your Values: Emphasize your commitment to honesty and ethical behavior, aligning yourself with a company that shares those values.
• Transparent Interview Process: Understanding the use of integrity tests fosters a sense of transparency and fairness in the interview process.

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In conclusion

The hiring landscape has evolved, demanding a multifaceted approach to identifying top talent. Resumes alone can't tell the whole story. We hope this blog has helped you understand various interview test formats, each offering unique insights into a candidate's strengths and potential. From technical skills assessments that showcase coding prowess to personality tests that reveal cultural fit, a well-rounded selection of interview tests empowers you to make informed hiring decisions and build a high-performing team.

However, interview tests only work when you have a well-formed talent pool to dip into. We at Nurturebox can help you create a talent pipeline that matches your staffind needs. Talk to us at <> and let’s get hiring!

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