Before we jump into how hiring assessments can be an asset to your hiring process, it’s worth reflecting on the why.
Hiring assessments are tools used to evaluate candidates in areas like skills, behavioral traits, critical thinking, and cultural fit. They go beyond the resume and interview, offering you a clearer picture of how a candidate might perform in the role.
But the benefits don’t stop there. A well-designed hiring assessment can:
- Reduce biases by focusing on objective data.
- Save time by pre-screening candidates effectively.
- Improve employee retention by helping you hire people who are the right match.
- Build stronger teams by bringing in individuals with complementary strengths.
Think about it this way: Hiring without assessments is like speed-dating. Sure, you get a first impression, but there’s so much more about the person you won’t know until later.
Using Hiring Assessments Effectively
Alright, you’re convinced hiring assessments are worth the investment. But, how do you ensure they’re done right? Here’s the step-by-step process:
Define the Position You’re Filling
- Are you looking for specific technical skills?
- Trying to gauge collaboration styles?
- Aiming to fill leadership gaps?
- Get clear on the responsibility and decision-making requirements.
Ensure Fairness
Always provide reasonable support and clear instructions to your candidates. Many times, I will personally call a candidate to make sure they understand the nuances (control features) of the Winslow assessment.
Also, assess all your final candidates. Don’t play favorites by not requiring someone to take an assessment simply because you like them.
Use Clear Communication
It’s important to make sure candidates understand your hiring process and what the next steps are. Transparency builds trust.
Combine Assessment Results with Human Judgment
The Winslow assessment provides useful data, but hiring is still a human endeavor. Pair your test results with interviews, reference checks, and a bit of intuition so that you can make well-rounded decisions.
Also, if you are one of my clients, always feel free to schedule a call to review assessment feedback. Having a sounding board to help you think through assessment results and what you’ve seen during the interview is extremely helpful.
Building Stronger Teams with Smart Hiring
At the end of the day, hiring assessments are not just about finding the right candidates. With the Winslow, you also will be able to provide your new hire with their 42+ page Participant Report so they can start setting actionable goals for themselves.
Remember, when using assessments the goal isn’t to make the hiring process more complex; it’s to make the results more useful and accurate.
If you’re curious about taking your hiring process to the next level but don’t know where to begin, please feel free to contact me at lindsay@windridgeconsulting.com
The right tools and support can make hiring decisions easier than you think.
