Different Types of Pre-Employment Tests

Getting a job used to be pretty straightforward. First, you fill out an application. Then, you submit your resume, maybe with a cover letter. Finally, you have an interview, and if all goes well, you get the job. Simple, right?

Well, not anymore.

These days, many employers—whether it’s Walmart or American Express—are adding an extra step: pre-employment tests. These pre-employment tests evaluate your skills and help companies determine your fit for their work environment.

If you’re on the job hunt, know what you’re up against. Here are some Different Types of Pre-Employment Tests you should be prepared for.

Kenexa Prove It! Assessments

One of the most widely used pre-employment tests is Kenexa Prove It! If you’ve applied for a job before, chances are you’ve come across this assessment. I know I have—I’ve taken it a few times myself!

The good news? It’s not too difficult. The test is tailored to the job you’re applying for, meaning the questions are based on the skills and experience you should already have.

Industries That Use Kenexa: Many industries rely on Kenexa Prove It! assessments because they offer skill tests. These tests can include:

• Behavioral & Personality Tests
• Microsoft Office Skills (Excel, Word, etc.)
• Typing & Data Entry
• Math & Accounting
• Logic, Numeric, and Verbal Reasoning

If you’re applying for job-specific technical or office skills, Kenexa Prove It! might be part of the hiring process so be ready!

Wonderlic Basic Skills Test

Another common pre-employment test is the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. Unlike Kenexa, which focuses on job-specific skills, Wonderlic assesses your general knowledge, language, and math abilities.

Who Uses Wonderlic? This test is commonly used for entry-level positions and is required by employers including schools, private businesses, and government agencies. You could see it if you’re applying at Subway, Dish Network, or even corporate offices.

Since it’s considered a basic assessment test, you’ll only be tested on skills you should have picked up in high school or post-secondary education.

Types of Wonderlic Tests: 

• Verbal & Quantitative Reasoning
• Cognitive Ability
• Motivational Assessment
• Personality Test

If you’re going for an entry-level role, there’s a good chance you’ll need to take the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test—so don’t brush it off!

Pre-Employment Aptitude Tests

When applying for a job at Apple, Amazon, or other major companies, you will eventually take an aptitude test. Unlike Kenexa or Wonderlic, which test what you already know, an aptitude test evaluates how your mind works and how you approach problem-solving.

Why Do Companies Use It? Employers use aptitude tests to measure cognitive ability, attitude, personality, and general knowledge—all of which help them decide if you’d be a good fit for the job.

Types of Aptitude Tests:

• Numeric Reasoning
• Verbal & Cognitive Reasoning
• Diagrammatic Reasoning
• Situational Judgment
• Logical Reasoning
• Personality Test

Expect to see at least one of these pre-employment tests if you are applying for a technical or corporate role.

Final Thoughts

These are just three of the most common employment tests out there, but trust me, there are plenty more.

I learned this firsthand when I got laid off in 2018. Suddenly, I was back in the job market, facing tests I wasn’t prepared for. That’s when I discovered Job Test Prep, an online assessment preparation service that helped me ace the tests and land a new job.

If you’re currently job hunting and want to stay ahead of the competition, I highly recommend checking out Job Test Prep. The right preparation can make all the difference, so why not give yourself the best shot?

Visit Job Test Prep today and get ready to land the job you want!