Knowledge test - playing it right

In a competitive world knowledge tests are just another hurdle people have to face to get through the door. Like a ritual you have to show your worthiness to be accepted.

The upside is that you can prepare yourself for the task and avoid the effect of surprise. The goal post has just been shifted. Employers are focusing on those test-wise individuals who have worked diligently to comply and those who relied on their good looks or amicable disposition are missing out.

As a result the workplace becomes more and more a sweat shop where people's output is predominant no matter the cost. You are no longer a endowed unique human being but a disposable part in somebody else's machine.

As it is you can either prepare yourself to make it through or miss out altogether. As psychologists devise questions more in line with real-life decision making the relevance of the exercise will rise. Another good idea to consider is that the bar is now set at the same level for everybody. Those coming out of university consider tests as part of their culture. People re-entering the workforce will find it another nuisance revealing their disjunction with the world they try to blend into.

What about tests where there is no right or wrong answer? Introducing the personality test. This device aims at identifying the values each one of us will naturally move towards. How can a batch of 50 or even 100 questions could ever determine if someone has empathy, sales drive, leadership skills or analytical skills? From a boss's point of view some measurement is better than no measurement at all.

Giving the same test to a batch of candidates is the easy way to pick the more reliable individuals. Also remember technical advances such as optical character reading, handwriting recognition, speech to text converters and so on. Even if change doesn't sit right with you doesn't mean that others will pass the opportunity. When money or competition is involved people become very creative and dependable in order to survive.

Practice makes perfect as the saying goes. Having a teachable spirit is a trait every company will be after no matter your seniority. One thing we know will remain there: change! Be prepared. Avail yourself of an aptitude test service. This could make the whole difference for you.