We may receive compensation when you click on product links from our partners. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last Updated on April 27, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Prepare Thoroughly: Study available test materials, practice sample tests, and research company-specific testing to boost your chances of success.
- Understand Test Types: Familiarize yourself with personality tests, drug screenings, and
skills assessments to better anticipate what will be evaluated. - Maintain a Positive Mindset: Approach testing with confidence and a strong mental attitude to reduce stress and improve your performance.
- Research Employers’ Processes: Investigate how companies conduct their tests through online resources and networking to gain helpful insights before test day.
- Practice Consistently: Regular practice with verbal, numerical, and reasoning tests helps build the
skills and confidence needed to pass assessments.
One topic that is not covered too often has to do with Pre-employment testing. Many employers require pre-employment testing or screening before
There are a few things you can do to make this a more productive process (these are covered in more detail later in the article):
- Study – There are preparation tests you can take in advance if you would like to “study” and improve your chances of scoring well (these are covered below in “How to Prepare“).
- Research – For many companies, their tests and methodologies are well-known. Conduct some research to find out what you can learn about their testing. Also, see if anyone in
your network can help.
- State of Mind – The power of positive thinking. Go in with a good attitude, knowing you’ll do well on the tests.
Typical Pre-Employment Tests
- Personality Tests – These are assessment tests and are generally a key part of the employment selection process. These tests are popular in Europe and are gaining popularity in the US, and they are used in many countries. Passing these tests is key to getting a job offer and is typically designed to evaluate candidates’
skills , abilities, and suitability for the role.
'The Power of Positive Thinking' will help you overcome negative attitudes, such as fear and lack of confidence, and replace them with the traits of a positive thinker-optimism, determination, patience, and focus.
- Drug Testing – Most mid to large employers require some pre-employment drug and/or alcohol testing. Again, this is driven by State and government requirements depending on industry and location. Sometimes you are required to give a blood sample, and sometimes a urine sample (or both)
- Job Knowledge or
Skills Tests – Employers may require that candidates take one or more skills assessment tests. These are designed to evaluate your knowledge of the industry or the position. Skills testing is generally used to assess your abilities. There are many types ofskills and assessment tests, including Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Financial Reasoning, and others. There are also specific tests for some technical industries, such as Engineering and IT.
You will need to score as high as possible to advance to the next round in the
Pass the Hogan Personality Inventory Test (HPI) in Under 1 Week! There is a method and skill that can be learned and if you want that prized job take the opportunity to get to grips with the Hogan personality inventory and learn about yourself at the same time!
How to Prepare
- Research: The Internet is a wonderful thing. If you do some research on the companies you’re considering for your job, you can use your LinkedIn network to see if anyone you know works at your target companies or knows someone who does. Insight into the specific tests will help you prepare.
- Test Preparation: The more time and effort you can spend preparing for your tests, the better the chance of passing. There is a wide variety of tests available, and it’s almost impossible to cover them all. The following are some resources for the most common testing that you can use to help you prepare:
- Aptitude Tests: Used to determine a person’s ability in a particular skill or field of knowledge.
- Numerical Reasoning Test Practice – A Numerical Reasoning Test is a test to determine number-related
skills and abilities. Experience Your Test’s Content in Advance. - Verbal Reasoning Tests – Verbal reasoning tests measure an individual’s verbal reasoning
skills and ability. They measure overall cognitive ability. - Reasoning Test – Inductive reasoning tests help to assess your ability to identify a pattern or consistency among sets of objects or verbal data.
- Numerical Reasoning Test Practice – A Numerical Reasoning Test is a test to determine number-related
- Personality Testing – A personality test measures an individual’s character or psychological makeup. Learn How to Pass a Pre-Employment
Personality Test . - Technical Test Prep:
- Law Firm-Related Testing – Law firm-related testing is used in the development and selection of graduates, managers, and leaders, and is highly predictive of future job success.
- Aptitude Tests for Engineering – Aptitude tests help to assess individuals’ work-related perceptions, judgment, and reasoning.
- Financial Reasoning Test Practice – Financial Reasoning tests are designed to assess how effectively people analyze, interpret, and use numerical information in an economic context.
Knowledge is power, and knowing what obstacles you might face is half the battle. Prepare, research, and practice.
Final Words
Pre-employment testing is a crucial step in today’s
Links to thousands of business, technology, creative skills, and development courses.
Mark Fiebert is a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
