So what's with all the, seems like, psych exams I'm coming across when applying for a job? When did that become a standard?

I've been applying for a range of jobs, and if I did not need one so bad, I'd be dismissing the ones requiring these exams.

I'm mostly focused in the IT field, but hell, I put in for a few customer service jobs, and they all included these exams.

I suppose it would not be so bad if they were short, quick exams, but on average the ones I take are usually an hour. One of the last was 297 questions! Give me a freaking break! And if it didn't already take enough time having to fill out a profile to apply, even though I uploaded my resume, now there goes another hour wasted looking for work while i do the exam.

Some of the questions are just absurd also. "Do you believe in luck?" "Should society stop telling individuals how to act?" "Would you like to be seen with a celebrity?" "What is more positive, a lovers embrace or a life of adventure?" I understand having some shrink come up with questions to evaluate people's attitudes, but comon, I'm not interviewing to run the company. At least ask me about my technical knowledge.

When did this become so common? I have not had to look for a job in 8 years, and do not recall ever doing one of these exams before.

It's getting bothersome as some jobs I have been a great fit for, I'll get a rejection email within minutes of the exam. Which leads me to believe it's all assessed against some database or algo. I'm lost why. Never had any issues at work before, get along with others. It's a shame to be turned down because of that, and never even getting a chance to have an actual interview.

/Rant off. I'd ask for suggestions, but these exams don't seem to follow any reasoning. Being honest or choosing the most positive answer do not seem to help. Oh well, new world for me. Better not let myself get started with the one way video interviews also....

I hate when potential employers give you a surprise test for a job during an interview....You made it to the interview everything sounds good and then they slap you with a test...Usually it’s something you haven’t seen in 10 yrs because in your current job you don’t deal with it...And you know if you had time to refresh you would pass...But also you know that half of the people already doing the job were train on the job...either way it goes they gotta train you...

I hate assessment tests. Emploeyers have increased the use personality and aptitude tests to candidates in order to find the "right fit", but these tests flawed, usually under a time constraint (with several questions) and, sometimes, requiring a candidate to recall old algebraic formulas that he or she doesn't use--but that doesn't mean the person isn't intelligent. Also, many people have test-taking anxiety. I do. I always have. When I took tests in college, I bombed miserably. Even had to take basic algebra becaise my nerves were frayed and I am easily distracted (which I later found out was due to undiagnosed ADD).

Likewise, personality tests are flawed. Too often, you're forced to choose whether you'd rather be a sociopath or a doormat. You're also expected to be this golden unicorn that is charismatic and convincing ( without being that sociopath) and intelligent and warm. Also, suspect that if it's between you and an incumbent, if you're below the "Golden Unicorn" Score, which lets say is a 95, your resume is likely to be tossed in the "junk mail", if your competitor tests better than you.

It is very frustrating and not too mention time-consuming to take these tests. Also, according to an article I saw on Quora, some questions are actually ones that are likely to be illegal because they are related to mental illness, which is protected by the ADA.

This all sucks because really, it's just boiled down to employers using these tests as another way to "weed out" applicants and keep the process moving fast. However, they could be missing out on a really great employee.

We have a fun personality quiz letting you know what career path is best for you! Take the quiz and let us know what you think! http://ow.ly/yv3V30i1bWW

Tomorrow morning I will be taking the last part of the Postal Service assessment test. I have been working through an online practice test and it is not difficult but am wondering if anyone here had taken it. Anything I should know about ahead of time? Any tips on how to approach the memory section? Wish me luck!

I have applied for this position at a credit union back in September. I never heard anything back from the job. Then I see the position is posted again in October, I apply again. I then receive another questionnaire to complete and submit when I try to complete this form, I receive a message stating I've already completed the form. I still haven't heard anything. The job is posted again the first of the year, I apply again. So far I still haven't heard anything. What do you think is going on? I have several years of experience in a credit union environment along with customer service experience.

What is with the current deal with assessments? It seems like every job has one or more.

It's amazing the the "employment office" used to fill roles and companies built this great nation without filling out these tests.

So many of the questions seem down right stupid..."I feel it's okay to steal from my employer" then you really agree, kind of agree, disagree, or really disagree. Seriously these test answers decide who gets a job and who doesnt.? I recently had one that tested how I would react as a parent and how I would react as a child. Another was eleven pages long. In both cases I was applying for a clerical position.

Does anyone have an insight as to why the dependency on these tests and assessments?

My application for one of the local governments passed scrutiny and I was chosen to take an off-line test. The test only works on a PC, so since I own a MAC I had to go to the EDD office to take the test on their PC. The test has five parts. I was able to do the first part OK, but for Excel and Word it needs a Plug-In. Well, EDD does not allow plug-ins. I tried calling the local government but the phone maze is so big that I cannot get a live person to talk to and possibly reset the test, if they'll even do it. I hate this!

Of late, I have filled out several applications for call center positions and in return the company has sent an assessment back for me to do. I see this as a good sign, but recently with 2 jobs, once I submit the assessment, I get the "We are going with another candidate response":( The assessments are questions that ask, do you agree or disagree with the statement. I'm sure most people have taken these. I am very honest with my answers but I don't know what I am doing wrong. Any suggestions? Why aren't my answers making me a good candidate for the job?

I have passed my Lean Six Sigma,Certified Scrum Master, and PMP and still no job.HELP!!!!