Failed the pre-employment talent screening test

Misskala · Nov 1, 2013

If the place is screening out people based on some test results, not even offering you a chance to show yourself, don't work for them. I have been in school long enough to figure out the answers they want, even though it may not be the answer I would give.

I wish I knew the answers they wanted-lol! I think I am too honest and humble or something. I hear your point of not working for a company that seems so impersonal, however, many hospitals are using these tools. :-/

vcnurse11 · Nov 1, 2013

I took an 'Online Work Styles Assessment' exam as part of the hiring process for LA County. It was mainly behavior based questions configured as picking the option that is "MOST LIKE YOU'. For each question there were (2) options, neither of which were desireable. Ex. Pick what is MOST like you a) I sometimes cheat on exams or b) I don't always tell my supervisor when I make a mistake. The next question then included a similiar option from the question before. My thought is the exam is looking for truth in consistecy. While we all know that most of the selections are not desireable, it is not 'grading' on your actual answers, rather on your consistency in

how you answer. There was one section in the middle that was composed of logic questions. That section was actually quite difficult and I was convinced that I had failed. It took about three weeks to find out my fate, when I received a letter in the mail stating I had passed and as a result now 'Certified' as an RN for LA County. This means that you are now eligible for hire for any position within your qualifications and is good for 12 months. Now as for failing, I would double check with the HR department that administered the exam regarding how long this 'disqualifies' you from applying again. The reason why I say this is LA County for example, does stipulate that if you fail, you can not take 'the same' exam again for 12 months; however most of these types of exams are random...as in the actual sections are usually rotated in and out. As long as the EXACT same exam is not being adminsitered, then you should be able to re-test. However, either way, dry your weary eyes and cheer up :) Take this for what it is, a learning experience. You should have been given the option to review your incorrect answers. Look for any type of pattern, i.e. do you come off as being too_____. Or perhaps some of the answers didn't seem consistent with previous ones. If you are able to review your results, DO SO. This type of feedback is invaluable as you move on and in my opinion, we are only going to see more and more of these as budgets are tightened further.

The next time you run into one of these, be honest, don't select the answer you think they want, and above all else don't over think the questions. They are meant to be answered quickly. The programs are written in such a way, that even when you don't realize you are being timed, you ARE. The longer you take to answer any one question, the more it shows that you are thinking too much about the 'right' answer.

Hope this helps and keep your head up :)

Misskala · Nov 2, 2013

wow, that was an amazing story about your test. I think I would have crumbled during it as it seemed so long, and I am shocked to hear that an entire County requires RNs to pass the test in order to apply to ANY job !?! Your explanation on how the test grades based on consistency really helped me understand them a bit more. No, I wasn't allowed to see my answers, and yes, I did go over, and over my responses. I talked to one recruiter and she said to not rush through it but read it carefully for what it was asking. So I took my time. She also said to try to see it from a patient's perspective, but this really didn't work for me because some of the questions were so weird.

MommyandRN · Nov 8, 2013

I suspect I don't get calls for some jobs because of these personality tests. I think I always answer them okay. But when I don't even get called in for an interview, it makes me wonder. I guess my answers weren't ok.

Rednights · Nov 10, 2013

You always pick the right or left side answer (agreed 100% of disagree 100%) on those. Never middle. And of course don't pick the controversial ones.

allsorts2210 · Dec 27, 2016

I too felt terrible when I received an email stating I did not qualify for the position. How can employers use a test on personality to determine the best fit for their institution? I plan on going to the hospital nursing department and hand in my resume to the director of nursing my self. I have great references that differ in the opinion of that test and I'm a hard working committed nurse. I love what I do.

/username, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2017

I too felt terrible when I received an email stating I did not qualify for the position. How can employers use a test on personality to determine the best fit for their institution? I plan on going to the hospital nursing department and hand in my resume to the director of nursing my self. I have great references that differ in the opinion of that test and I'm a hard working committed nurse. I love what I do.

Can't imagine how that could end badly....

Dalia13 · Mar 31, 2020

On 12/27/2016 at 2:13 AM, allsorts2210 said:
I too felt terrible when I received an email stating I did not qualify for the position. How can employers use a test on personality to determine the best fit for their institution? I plan on going to the hospital nursing department and hand in my resume to the director of nursing my self. I have great references that differ in the opinion of that test and I'm a hard working committed nurse. I love what I do.

Hi,

I know this is a few years old, but did you get an email saying you didn’t pass the test? I thought they sent a letter through USPS to say if you passed/failed?