Top 7 Assessment Tools for Evaluating Job Candidates

Written by
River Software

Finding the right person for a job can be tough, especially with so many resumes that look the same. That’s why more companies are turning to applicant assessment tools. These tools give a better picture of what a candidate can actually do, beyond just what’s on paper. They’re all about making sure the skills and personality fit the job, which can save a lot of time and hassle in the long run. Here’s a look at seven popular tools that can help make hiring a bit easier.

Key Takeaways

  • TestGorilla offers a wide range of customizable skills tests to help identify top talent quickly.
  • Mercer Mettl provides detailed analytics and reports to compare candidates effectively.
  • DISC+ Tests focus on understanding behavioral styles to ensure a better job fit.
  • Job Skills Tests assess specific abilities needed for particular roles, ensuring candidates meet job requirements.
  • Situational Judgment Tests evaluate how candidates handle real-world work challenges and decision-making.

1. TestGorilla

TestGorilla stands out as a comprehensive tool for evaluating job candidates. It offers an extensive library of over 400 skills tests, which makes it suitable for companies of all sizes. This platform is particularly beneficial for businesses with diverse hiring needs, allowing them to assess a wide range of skills effectively.

Key Features

  • Extensive Test Library: With more than 400 tests, TestGorilla covers various domains, from programming to language skills.
  • Asynchronous Video Interviews: This feature enables candidates to record their responses at a convenient time, which is then reviewed by the hiring team.
  • Customization: The platform allows for fully customizable assessments, tailoring tests to specific needs.
  • Anti-Cheating Measures: TestGorilla implements strong measures to ensure the integrity of assessments.

Pricing Plans

  • Free Forever Plan: Includes five skills tests, allowing small businesses to start without financial commitment.
  • Starter Plan: Priced from $75 per month (billed annually), offering more features for growing businesses.
  • Pro Plan: Starting at $115 per month (billed annually), this plan is designed for larger enterprises with extensive testing needs.
  • Custom Pricing: Available for large organizations requiring tailored solutions.

TestGorilla provides a robust platform that not only evaluates candidate skills but also enhances the recruitment process by offering structured, objective assessments.

For companies aiming to increase visibility with employers, utilizing a TestGorilla assessment can significantly boost a candidate’s chances of being noticed by potential employers. This makes it an invaluable tool in the recruitment process.

2. Mercer Mettl

Diverse candidates engaged in a job assessment activity.

Mercer Mettl stands out as a comprehensive online talent assessment platform. It’s designed to help organizations evaluate candidates’ core competencies and decision-making abilities effectively. With its robust set of tools, Mercer Mettl facilitates both talent acquisition and development.

Key Features

  • Diverse Test Library: While Mercer Mettl offers fewer skills tests compared to some competitors, it still provides a wide variety of assessments that help reduce bias in hiring.
  • Proctoring Capabilities: The platform includes an auto-proctoring suite to minimize cheating risks, ensuring the integrity of the assessments.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Candidates can take assessments on mobile devices, making the process convenient and flexible.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Helps in reducing hiring bias
    • Strong proctoring features
    • Mobile-friendly interface
  • Cons:
    • Limited number of skills tests available
    • Pricing details are not readily available online

Mercer Mettl’s platform is particularly beneficial for educational institutions and companies that aim to streamline their hiring processes while maintaining high standards of assessment integrity.

For organizations looking to identify future leaders, the Mercer | Mettl High-Potential Identification Assessment is a valuable tool. This assessment is specifically designed to pinpoint individuals with leadership potential, ensuring that businesses can effectively nurture and develop their future leaders.

3. DISC+ Tests

DISC+ Tests are a popular method for understanding how different personality traits impact workplace dynamics. These tests evaluate four main personality dimensions: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each of these traits can provide insights into a candidate’s potential behavior in a work setting.

Key Features of DISC+ Tests

  • Dominance: Measures how a person approaches problems and challenges.
  • Influence: Looks at how individuals interact with others and their social tendencies.
  • Steadiness: Assesses a person’s pace and consistency in their work environment.
  • Conscientiousness: Evaluates attention to detail and adherence to rules.

Benefits of Using DISC+ Tests

  1. Improved Team Dynamics: By understanding the behavioral differences of employees, managers can create more effective teams.
  2. Enhanced Communication: Knowing a candidate’s DISC profile can help tailor communication strategies to fit their style.
  3. Better Role Fit: Ensures that employees are placed in roles where they can thrive based on their natural tendencies.

DISC+ Tests provide a non-judgmental framework that highlights both strengths and areas for improvement, making them a valuable tool in the hiring process.

Incorporating DISC+ Tests into your hiring strategy can lead to more informed decisions and a harmonious workplace. They are not only about identifying weaknesses but also about leveraging strengths for better organizational outcomes. Understanding these personality dimensions can transform how teams work together.

4. Job Skills Tests

Job skills tests are a vital part of the hiring process, offering a clear picture of a candidate’s abilities. These assessments focus on both hard and soft skills, ensuring that potential hires are well-rounded and capable of meeting job demands. They go beyond resumes and interviews, providing a practical evaluation of skills.

Types of Job Skills Tests

  1. Technical Skills Tests: These tests are designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in specific technical areas, such as coding, software usage, or engineering principles. For instance, a software developer might be asked to complete a coding challenge.
  2. Language Proficiency Tests: These assessments measure a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in different languages, which is crucial for roles in translation, customer service, or international business.
  3. Creative Skills Tests: These tests assess a candidate’s creative abilities, such as design, writing, or artistic skills. They are particularly important for roles in marketing, advertising, or content creation.

Benefits of Job Skills Tests

  • Objective Measurement: These tests provide an unbiased evaluation of a candidate’s skills, reducing the influence of subjective opinions.
  • Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: Employers can pinpoint areas where candidates excel or need improvement.
  • Efficient Screening: Quickly narrows down the pool of applicants to those most suited for the job.

Job skills tests are more than just a formality—they are a strategic tool in finding the right fit for your team. They ensure candidates not only meet the job requirements but also align with the company’s needs and culture.

By incorporating assessment tests into the hiring process, employers can make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to a more competent and cohesive workforce.

5. Personality Tests

Personality tests have increasingly become a staple in the hiring process, offering a peek into how candidates might mesh with a company’s culture. These tests dig into traits like communication, teamwork, and adaptability, helping employers make informed hiring decisions.

Types of Personality Tests

  1. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This test categorizes individuals into 16 distinct personality types, providing insights into their preferences and behaviors.
  2. Big Five Personality Traits: This assessment evaluates candidates based on five key dimensions: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
  3. DISC Assessment: Focusing on four main personality traits—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—this test helps understand how candidates might behave in various situations.

Benefits of Personality Tests

  • Improved Team Dynamics: By understanding personality traits, employers can predict how well a candidate will integrate into existing teams.
  • Enhanced Job Fit: These tests help ensure that a candidate’s personality aligns with job requirements, reducing turnover.
  • Objective Insights: Personality assessments provide unbiased data, aiding in fairer hiring decisions.

Personality tests are not just about determining if someone can do the job, but if they will thrive in the company’s environment.

Popular Platforms for Personality Testing

  • 16Personalities
  • The Predictive Index
  • PXT Select

Incorporating personality tests into the hiring process can significantly streamline recruitment by identifying candidates who not only have the skills but also the right temperament for the role.

6. Integrity Tests

Integrity tests are a fascinating tool in the hiring process. They aim to gauge a candidate’s honesty, reliability, and adherence to moral and ethical principles. These tests often delve into how candidates would handle ethical dilemmas or how they perceive right from wrong in various scenarios.

Why Use Integrity Tests?

  • Enhance Workplace Trust: By hiring individuals who score well on integrity tests, companies can foster a trusting environment.
  • Reduce Turnover: Employees with high integrity are likely to stay longer and contribute positively to the workplace culture.
  • Boost Productivity: A team grounded in ethical behavior can focus more on achieving goals without internal conflicts.

Types of Integrity Tests

  1. Overt Tests: These are straightforward and ask direct questions about a candidate’s honesty and past behavior.
  2. Personality-oriented Tests: These assess traits indirectly related to integrity, like conscientiousness and agreeableness.

Considerations When Implementing

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure the test respects diverse backgrounds and values.
  • Legal Compliance: Align the test with local employment laws to avoid discrimination.
  • Validation: Regularly update the test to maintain its relevance and accuracy.

Integrity tests are not just about filtering out the untrustworthy; they are about reinforcing a culture of honesty and accountability in the workplace.

Incorporating integrity tests in the hiring process can be a strategic move for any organization aiming to build a strong, cohesive team.

7. Situational Judgment Test

Interview scene with candidate and evaluator in an office.

Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs) are an intriguing tool in the realm of candidate evaluation. They present hypothetical workplace scenarios, asking candidates to select the most appropriate action from a set of options. This kind of test is particularly insightful as it reveals how a candidate might handle real-world work challenges, such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and communication.

The beauty of SJTs lies in their ability to simulate job-related situations without the need for actual job experience. This makes them a valuable tool for assessing potential, especially for roles where decision-making and interpersonal skills are crucial.

Key Features of Situational Judgment Tests

  1. Hypothetical Scenarios: Candidates are given realistic job-related situations to assess their decision-making skills.
  2. Multiple-Choice Format: Typically, these tests use a multiple-choice format, allowing candidates to select what they deem the best course of action.
  3. Assessment of Social Skills: SJTs evaluate social functioning skills, including problem-solving and cultural awareness.

While traditional interviews and resumes provide a snapshot of experience and qualifications, SJTs offer a glimpse into a candidate’s practical application of skills in realistic scenarios.

Platforms Offering SJTs

  • SHL
  • Aptitude Test

SJTs are not just about right or wrong answers; they delve deeper into understanding a candidate’s judgment and decision-making processes. By incorporating these tests into the hiring process, employers can gain a more rounded perspective of a candidate’s potential fit within their team.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our exploration of the top seven assessment tools for evaluating job candidates, it’s clear that these tools offer a variety of ways to understand potential hires beyond the traditional resume and interview. Each tool brings its own strengths, from assessing specific skills to evaluating personality traits, helping employers make more informed hiring decisions. As the job market continues to evolve, leveraging these tools can provide a more rounded view of a candidate’s capabilities, ensuring that the right fit is found for both the role and the company culture. While no single tool is perfect, using a combination can significantly enhance the recruitment process, making it more efficient and effective. Ultimately, the goal is to find candidates who not only meet the job requirements but also align well with the company’s values and work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TestGorilla and how does it help in hiring?

TestGorilla is a platform that lets employers quickly and fairly evaluate job candidates’ skills without bias. It offers over 400 tests to build custom assessments, helping employers find the best fit for their needs.

How does Mercer Mettl improve the recruitment process?

Mercer Mettl provides a variety of tests to assess skills, personality, and integrity, helping companies make informed hiring decisions by understanding a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.

What are DISC+ Tests used for?

DISC+ Tests are used to understand a candidate’s behavior and personality traits, helping employers see how well someone might fit into a team or company culture.

Why are Job Skills Tests important?

Job Skills Tests measure specific abilities related to a job, ensuring that candidates have the necessary skills to perform well in the role they are applying for.

What do Personality Tests reveal about a candidate?

Personality Tests give insights into a candidate’s character and how they might behave in different situations, helping employers determine if they match the job and company culture.

How do Situational Judgment Tests work?

Situational Judgment Tests present hypothetical scenarios to candidates, asking them to choose the best action. This helps employers understand how candidates might handle real work challenges.

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