These are unprecedented times, and work environments have changed throughout the world. The COVID-19 crisis has emphasized the need for employees with the skills that meet rapidly evolving work conditions, companies are racing to build business continuity plans that are altering the nature of work.
Now more than ever, employers need skilled workers who can analyze and interpret data and identify emerging trends. While most employers appreciate the importance of 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, digital literacy, and critical thinking, they agree that that new hires need basic math skills to thrive in a digital world.
eSkill’s basic math and Excel skills tests provide human resources (HR) professionals with data-driven insights that enable employers to make better hires faster.
Math: A Formula for Success in the 21st-Century Workforce
Math factors into just about every career because it helps workers analyze and solve problems—abilities that improve productivity. Beyond the obvious applications, mathematical proficiency enables individuals to approach tasks methodically, pay attention to detail, and think abstractly.
Some number-focused occupations like accountants and financial planners rely heavily on math skills. However, jobs across every industry require some level of mathematical know-how.
While the mathematical proficiency level needed differs by position candidates at every level need basic numerical skills to succeed.
An ongoing study of U.S. adults assessed the ability to navigate web environments to locate and compare numerical data and use software applications to organize that information. The study’s focus was not on the evaluation of computer skills, but rather the assessment of numeracy skills required to solve problems in a technology-rich environment.
The study found that only 70% of U.S. adults were proficient in basic math skills such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, understanding fractions and percentages, and interpreting simple graphs and tables. This means 30% of adults in the U.S. do not have the basic math skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.
eSkill’s Basic Math Skills Test consists of 40 questions that use real-world scenarios to assess candidates’ ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide. The assessment also measures job-seekers’ ability to understand percentages and proportions as they relate to situations. This test is typically used to evaluate candidates for entry-level positions such as data entry clerk, customer service agent, and administrative assistant.
In addition to the Basic Math Skills Test, eSkill offers a Numerical Reasoning Skills Test and a Numerical Proofreading Skills Test. The Numerical Reasoning Skills Test measures candidates’ ability to read and interpret simple graphs and tables, recognize simple patterns and relevant information, and manipulate data. eSkill’s Numerical Proofreading Skills Test is ideal for entry-level clerical positions because it evaluates candidates’ ability to find numeric data errors and make corrections, reference numeric information, and correlate numeric data with alphanumeric data.
Numeracy Skills Applied
Microsoft Excel is the data-crunching backbone of practically every organization. It helps users solve numerical problems fast, organizes hundreds of thousands of data points, and can turn complex spreadsheets into engaging, easy-to-read visuals. Since it can be used for everything from scheduling a team outing to analyzing financial budgets, Microsoft Excel proficiency is a necessary skill for just about every employee in today’s workplace. In fact, a recent study by Burning Glass Technologies shows that more than 80% of all positions require basic Microsoft Excel knowledge.
While anyone can claim to be “proficient” in Excel, it is important to assess candidates’ actual ability to really understand their skill level. eSkill’s basic Excel Skills Test requires test-takers to complete a series of tasks to determine their ability to navigate and use Excel. The test covers various topics, including formulas and functions, charts and graphs, formatting options, managing worksheets, user-defined functions, and file saving and sharing options. eSkill’s basic Excel Skills Test is available in every version from 2000 to 2019, and XP, to match the exact tech tools used by any organization.
With hundreds of single-skill assessments and comprehensive job-specific assessments, eSkill has the largest test library in the industry. Since the required skills for positions are unique to every organization, eSkill offers easy-to-use test customization options. You can combine tests, remove questions, add items, and set the difficulty level of eSkill’s assessments to configure the perfect skills test for your organization’s hiring needs.
eSkill’s innovative employment testing software enables organizations to make better hiring decisions and find top talent fast, which results in improved employee productivity, lower turnover, and a positive impact on your bottom line.
Learn more about the benefits of using eSkill’s customizable skills tests and behavioral assessments to find qualified candidates quickly.
Request a demo today.