In every organization in the Philippines, a screening process is enforced before an applicant is successfully hired. It is critical that this procedure be followed to ensure that the potential applicant fits the qualifications required for the vacant position. This starts from the time an applicant sends his or her resume and continues until the background check. Apart from avoiding mismatch, screening is done to protect the organization as a whole from damage arising from the consequences of hiring an unsuitable candidate.
At first, aspiring applicants are screened based on what is written in their resumes, particularly their educational attainment and work experience. Those who meet the minimum requirements are then invited to take a pre-employment examination.
Now, what are pre-employment examinations?
In schools, exams are conducted to test the students’ knowledge of the subjects. Similarly, pre-employment examinations are given to test the applicant’s consistency and likelihood of being successful in the chosen role. Passing this stage advances you to the interview stage of the hiring process.
Pre-employment tests vary, and this blog will give you an introduction to the common types as well as tips on how to prepare for each.
Types of pre-employment examination
• Job knowledge and integrity tests
Job knowledge and integrity tests measure your familiarity with the vacant position and your reliability when encountering certain situations in the workplace. For instance, if the company is hiring for an office assistant, you might receive a test on generating a report with the use of Microsoft Office programs or an essay explaining how you work under pressure. Your core values may be questioned, especially on questions about ethical problems.
• Cognitive ability tests
Expect your mental capacity to be challenged in this type of examination as it highlights your ability to use logical, verbal, and numeric reasoning. In a logical reasoning test, identifying the next pattern or shape that is unique to the group can be expected. On the other hand, you may be asked to read a story or pinpoint grammatical errors in a verbal reasoning test. Lastly, in the numeric reasoning section, expect questions on basic computation and number series.
• Emotional intelligence and personality tests
Being smart is not enough when applying for a job. Emotions and personality also hold an equal weight. Although this factor can be known clearly in the interview stage, companies would want to have an initial impression. Hence, examinations targeting emotional intelligence and personality tests are administered. For these, do not need to prepare. Just answer truthfully.
Come prepared
Examinations are usually scheduled 3 days in advance to give enough time for the takers. However, this is not applicable to walk-in recruitment practices where examinations are given on the spot. It is still better to come prepared than to present yourself empty-handed.
First, research about the company and the position from word of mouth or reviews. These would give you an idea of the working environment as well as the skills needed by an employee.
Second, search for and practice answering sample pre-employment examinations online. Everything Can be accessed easily on the internet. Utilize this to your advantage.
Lastly, it is better to ask the recruitment officer directly about the things to expect or the coverage for the examination. It is assured that they don’t bite, as they were once job applicants.
Lastly, it is better to ask the recruitment officer directly about the things to expect or the coverage for the examination. It is assured that they don’t bite, as they were once job applicants.
Impress employers by facing their pre-employment examinations head on.
Grow Forward JP, Inc. also conducts pre-employment examinations for teachers, web developers, designers, and general affairs assistant officer aspirants.
If you wish to apply, send your resume to gahr.gfw2018@gmail.com to book an exam schedule.
Good luck!