Episode 77

What are Employers Looking for in Assessment Tests During Recruitment? (Ep 77)

Assessment test during the recruitment process is every professional's nightmare

Chances are, if you are a corporate professional, young or old, you have done assessment tests either during a recruitment process or as part of your organizational development with an organization. Alas, you may even have done it as part of your outplacement program. There are psychometric, personality, cognitive, and many other ways to assess employers and job candidates. But sitting for an assessment is not considered a pleasant experience for most professionals. What are these tests really for? Do they have a significant impact on the recruitment and selection process? And can you prepare for them in advance?

For this episode of The Job Hunting Podcast, I interviewed James Brook, a pioneer and established global leader in strengths assessment and development. James is the CEO and founder of TalentPredix. We could not have asked for a better-qualified expert to discuss this topic!

About our guest, James Brook:

James is a leadership consultant and coach, organizational psychologist, and entrepreneur. He has over 25 years of global experience working with leaders, teams, and organizations to assess, develop and optimize their performance and success using positive psychology and behavioral science.

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Timestamps to guide your listening:

  • 06:52 - James' career journey
  • 10:23 - James' key strengths that helped his career
  • 12:07 - The UK job market in 2021
  • 15:12 - Key strengths that employers are looking for in candidates
  • 18:40 - Outdated job position descriptions
  • 23:24 - Why use tests during the recruitment process?
  • 25:48 - Are there built-in biases in assessment tests?
  • 28:38 - Should you practice for assessment tests?
  • 30:59 - When you don't like your test results
  • 34:03 - Getting feedback about your test result and recruitment process
  • 37:33 - Why is it so important to focus on strengths?
  • 48:29 - Strengths and job-hunting
  • 51:40 - Final advice from James

Links mentioned in this episode:

Links mentioned in this episode:

About the host, Renata Bernarde

Hello, I'm Renata Bernarde, the Host of The Job Hunting Podcast. I'm also an executive coach, job-hunting expert, and career strategist. I teach corporate, non-profit, and public professionals the steps and frameworks to help them find great jobs, change, and advance their careers with confidence and less stress. 

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About the Podcast

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The Job Hunting Podcast

About your host

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Renata Bernarde

I'm Renata Bernarde, a former CEO and senior executive, now dedicated to helping professionals succeed in advancing their careers. I believe that you can have the best career. One that satisfies your financial and personal needs, brings you joy, and adds value to your life.
I designed career services that can meet your needs and your budget. So, if you're a seasoned professional at a career crossroads, seeking to align your next job with your life's purpose, then let's redefine your career path together and turn aspirations into achievements. Are you ready? Let's embark on this journey together.

Warm regards

Renata Bernarde