The private sector is leading the way in workforce recruitment. Most state and local agencies, on the other hand, are still using antiquated hiring procedures that focus on work history, rather than verifiable skill sets.
As human resources (H.R.) technology continues to evolve, so is the way leading companies screen candidates for skills and aptitude. Online employment skills tests are now revolutionizing the way organizations hire. By automating tedious tasks, and evaluating applicants for the skills that matter most, government institutions can streamline the recruitment process and increase the probability of hiring top talent.
Research conducted by the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board indicates that Government agencies frequently use subjective and ineffective assessment tools, like resumes, questionnaires, essays, and education level. For the public sector to remain competitive with the recruitment efforts of the private sector, they must begin leveraging valid and reliable public sector employment skills tests that produce data-driven insights.
Job-Based Skills Tests for State and Local Agencies
When using skills assessments during the hiring process, it is critical to ensure the tests do not violate federal, state, or local laws and comply with the guidelines set by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). eSkill provides a defensible platform, with a nearly 20-year record of EEOC compliance free of litigation.
For an employment skills test to be valid and legally defensible, the test must accurately measure a job’s specific competencies. When chosen correctly, assessment tests provide quantitative data that enables hiring managers to make unbiased merit-based decisions.
Although designed to align with the skills and aptitude required of specific positions within the public sector, eSkill’s job-based skills tests are customizable to ensure that they can align with any organization’s unique roles.
Below is a brief overview of eSkill’s top nine employment skills tests for state and local agencies.
- eSkill’s Administrative Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: efficiently communicate with customers on the phone, by email, or in-person, and efficiently and effectively perform administrative tasks using various computer applications.
- Subject areas this test covers include: customer service and call center skills, front desk and event planning skills, and M.S. Office simulation (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- eSkill’s Deputy City Clerk Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’: proficiency in planning, organizing, and directing an efficient operation; ability to deliver high-quality service to customers; and communication skills, accounting knowledge, and accuracy.
- Subject areas this test covers include: accounting and bookkeeping principles, M.S. Office, business communication, email etiquette, office filing, and 10-key data entry.
- eSkill’s Library Clerk Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: order and process new materials and equipment, stock and shelve items, process and maintain periodical files, answer routine inquiries, and maintain records.
- Subject areas this test covers include: attention to detail, data checking, customer service, office filing, numerical proofreading, technical writing skills, fill-in-form typing, multitasking, M.S. Office, and digital literacy.
- eSkill’s Project Specialist Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: manage and administrate projects by monitoring activities, creating reports, maintaining communication, and organizing meetings, programs, conferences, and courses.
- Subject areas this test covers include: business and written English communication, M.S. Office, project management, office filing, and email etiquette.
- eSkill’s Civil Engineer Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: plan, design, and manage various construction projects by applying fundamental concepts of algebra, trigonometry, and geometry.
- This test covers: the process of reviewing project work, including accuracy of specifications, quantities, costs, completeness, and constructability, developing project drawings and reports’ and the ability to resolve problems and ensure that work is completed on time and within budget.
- Subject areas this test covers include: basic industrial math, civil engineering skills, M.S. Office, AutoCAD, and units and conversions skills.
- eSkill’s Outreach Specialist Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’: written and verbal communication skills, aptitude for working with people, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines.
- Subject areas this test covers include: sales concepts, management skills, business communications, customer service, human resources, time management, and attention to detail.
- Use this test to evaluate candidates for the following positions: Community Support Specialist, Outreach Counselor, Outreach Coordinator, and Outreach and Program Specialist.
- eSkill’s Public Relations Specialist Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: create and maintain a favorable public image for an organization; develop and implement public relations strategies; create, manage, and distribute communications; and establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of the community, employees, and public interest groups.
- Subject areas this test covers include: business communication, email etiquette, leadership skills, marketing concepts, and M.S. Office.
- eSkill’s 911 Dispatcher Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch calls to the appropriate departments, advise callers on the best course of actions, and maintain electronic records and activity logs.
- Subject areas this test covers include: crisis management, prioritizing calls, caller engagement, identifying relevant information, multitasking, law enforcement information, data checking, logical thinking, M.S. Office, and data entry.
- eSkill’s Safety Specialist Skills Test
- This test measures candidates’ ability to: evaluate workplace environments, equipment, and practices, in order to ensure compliance with safety standards; recommend safety measures; conduct safety training and education programs; maintain and update emergency response plans and procedures; and develop materials for safety presentations.
- Subject areas this test covers include: business communication, M.S. Office, and workplace safety.
Government agencies must begin assessing candidates’ ability to complete tasks and fulfill responsibilities directly aligned with the position they are applying for. eSkill’s customizable public sector employment skills tests enable employers to do just that and with predictive accuracy.
Interested in Using Skills Tests to Verify Candidates Skills?
Learn more about the benefits of using eSkill’s employment skills assessments to find qualified candidates quickly.
Request a demo today.
