What Are Talent Assessments?

Talent assessments help companies test applicants for employment to determine if candidates are a good match for their job vacancies. Companies who conduct talent assessments are seeking applicants that match their hiring criteria.

Learn more about talent assessments, how they work, and what kinds of questions they may include.

What Are Talent Assessments?

Talent assessments are used to help employers identify candidates that will be a good fit for employment at their company.

Many large companies use pre-employment testing to assess whether the personality, work style, knowledge, or skills of candidates fit the job at hand or company culture.

These tests help predict a new hire’s on-the-job performance; applicants who pass the screening test should perform better as employees if they're hired.

Talent assessment tests are based on hiring and retention case studies and analyzing employee data. The test results will give the company an indication of how close a match the candidate taking the test will be to the company's hiring specifications.

Companies that have developed job descriptions and candidate profiles that are detailed and well-aligned with success factors for jobs will have the most useful output from talent assessments. 

• Alternate names: Pre-employment tests, employment screening tests, employment assessment tests

How Do Talent Assessments Work?

Talent assessments are used as part of a screening process that helps employers to decide which candidates to interview. Many talent assessments are given online, or in a company or store office via computer or a hiring kiosk. They are typically incorporated into the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) employers use to track applications. Others may be conducted in person.

While applying at one of the companies that use online talent assessments, the entire hiring process leading up to interviews is handled via the internet. Job postings are listed online, candidates apply online through the company website, and then they take the talent assessment.

Taking the Assessment

Applicants either take the test when they apply online or are directed, via email or the company website, on how to take the test. Tests may be hosted on a third-party website which gives instructions on how to access and take the test.

Some employers will use job simulations that are designed to measure whether candidates can perform tasks associated with the job. For example, an employer might ask a staff member to roleplay scenarios with candidates to assess sales, problem-solving, verbal communication, or counseling skills. Candidates for administrative or clerical staff positions might be asked to perform tasks that assess their typing accuracy and speed, as well as proofreading, writing, and editing skills.

For jobs that require physical ability, employers might set up simulations to assess strength, dexterity, or endurance. For teaching or other jobs that require public speaking skills, employers might ask candidates to teach a lesson or give a group presentation.

After the Test

After you take the test, you may be told immediately whether you passed or failed, or you may not learn how you did.

In some cases, you will be notified if the company is interested in hiring you. In other cases, you may not hear back at all, depending on company policy regarding notifying applicants for employment.

Companies often have a waiting period before applicants who don't pass the test can take it again. Details on retaking assessments should be available on the company website.

Tips for Taking Talent Assessments

Do Your Homework: If you’re applying for a large, well-known employer, you may be able to get the inside scoop from current and former employees. You’ll likely find accounts from employees on Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn, and other social media and message boards.

Prepare: If you’re taking the test at home, make sure that you have time and space to complete it to the best of your abilities. Don’t try to dash off answers at the kitchen table during dinner prep. Take the process seriously, and you’ll produce better results.

Be Honest: Talent assessments and personality tests are supposed to provide an honest assessment of your skills and potential for cultural fit. Fake your answers, and you might land the job only to find yourself miserable after a few months and back on the job hunt again.