THE BENEFITS OF SKILLS ASSESSMENTS FOR TECH PROFESSIONALS

 

With AI leading the way in technology hiring, many companies are incorporating skills assessments into their interview processes to identify the talented tech professionals they need. For job seekers, these skills assessments can feel rather daunting and somewhat impersonal; however, the rewards of enduring them outweigh the inconveniences. Tech professionals: when it comes time to embark on your next career search, keep the following benefits of skills assessments front of mind.

 

WHY SKILL ASSESSMENTS MATTER

The current unemployment rate for tech jobs is 2%1; gone are the days when companies receive an overwhelming influx of resumes when they post a job ad to hire a talented tech professional to add to their team. Companies need to ensure that positions are filled with the best-fit candidates; skill assessments are a great way to objectively evaluate a candidate and determine technical fit. Likewise, this is equally important for any tech professional considering a new opportunity; if your skills do not align with the position requirements, there is no use in spending valuable time interviewing.

 

THE BENEFITS OF SKILLS ASSESSMENTS FOR TECH PROFESSIONALS

The following highlight a few of the benefits of skills assessments for tech professionals:

SAVE VALUABLE TIME

As just mentioned above, one of the benefits of skills assessments for tech professionals is saving valuable time that might otherwise be spent interviewing for a position that is ultimately not well suited for your skills. Dedicating the time to complete skills assessments will help determine – for you and the prospective employer – whether your skills align with the position’s requirements.

SKILL DEMONSTRATION

Oftentimes, candidates are initially screened through people who are not technical experts, however, they may not be the best judge for technical skills. Skills assessments can help to reveal a candidate’s true technical skills, helping to diminish the margin for skills information lost in communication or misinterpretation.

CHANCE TO SHINE

Interviews have the potential to be a bit nerve-wracking, leaving candidates feeling like they are floundering to perform in pressed time. Skills assessments, however, provide an opportunity for interviewees to shine and truly demonstrate their skills.

NEGOTIATING LEVERAGE

When a candidate aces their skills assessments, they gain exponential negotiating leverage when it comes to accepting a job offer. Talented tech professionals are difficult to come by these days; many companies are willing to sign on the dotted line to hire the talent they need. This is especially true when the company is confident that the talent they hire will perform well.

 GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

The benefits of skills assessments do not end after a candidate is hired. Many companies embrace internal promotion and offer upskilling through on-the-job learning and development; skills assessments are an excellent way to demonstrate what you have learned on the job. This chance to shine opens opportunities to pursue internal growth with your current company.


PREPARATION IS KEY

A skill assessment is only beneficial if the results are satisfying. While it may seem silly to prepare or practice for an assessment that tests the skills you perform regularly, skills assessments can be tricky if you are met with the unexpected. Preparation is key; research the skills assessments that you are tasked with completing and practice in advance to ensure that your performance is a true demonstration of your skills.

For additional interviewing tips, review How to Prepare for An Interview.

 


REFERENCES

1 – Dice