When hiring, assessment tests are often a part of the evaluation process. They do not typically have right or wrong answers but are considered helpful in revealing the traits and skills of candidates. Most people exaggerate a little on employment applications and resumes making this option a more reliable means of assessment.

There are many examples of skill verification test that an employer can use. They tend to mainly focus on soft skills and technical skills most relevant to the particular job role being recruited for.

It ultimately makes it easier for employers to identify the most suitable candidate for the particular job. Given the weight of this testing, it is not surprising for those looking for jobs to want to know how to answer assessment questions. Here are some useful tips on how best to tackle a skills test.

Know The Job

Before you apply for a job, you need to understand what the role entails and what requirements the employer has set out. Take time to review the job description and consider what traits would make a person most successful in that role. This will put you in the right mindset to better answer any skill-testing question.

Gauge What the Employer Wants

Going over the nature of questions should allow you to discover what kind of skills and traits the employer is looking for in their candidate. This can better guide your responses as you can answer in line with this expectation. Providing positive selective hiring answers is more likely to keep employers more interested in your candidacy.

Be Truthful

Your true capability will come out when eventually hired so you need to be honest in your responses. Misleading answers may lead to your later dismissal due to an inability to perform as expected. Be honest even when tailoring your answers to fit the job you are applying for. Your responses should match the skills outlined in the job description.

Follow Your Instincts

Try to go with your first answer. Going with the response that comes most naturally will give a truer picture of the person you are and if you are the right candidate for the job. Avoid overthinking questions.

Tap Into Your Job History

Even minor roles in the past can help demonstrate what you are capable of and the skills you bring to the role. Make use of this experience to back up claims about your skills and traits.

Highlight Your Competencies

These should be in line with what the employer expects of the person taking up the role. Problem-solving abilities are generally sought out no matter the job description. You can expect this to be covered on any skills verification test. Take time to consider the scenario presented, create viable solutions, and choose the option with the likely best outcome.

Answer Comprehensively

Allocate enough time to each question and try to be as thorough and specific in your responses as possible. This will indicate how much consideration you have given to each scenario and arriving at a positive solution. Ensure you address all elements of the question and where possible, illustrate how you have handled similar situations in the past.

Keep It Short and Simple (KISS Method)

Keeping your responses short and straightforward is the best approach. It will make understanding your points easier and faster. It will also prevent someone who has to go through multiple responses from various candidates less irritated.

Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR Method)

The STAR method is one of the most popular skills assessment tools candidates can use to share their capabilities and accomplishments that make them best suited for the job. It allows job candidates to respond in a structured manner to competency focused questions. You will need to tap into your experiences to draw on an event that relates well to the question before detailing the situation, the tasks you had to complete, the actions you undertook, and the result of your efforts.