When you are in the running for a job there is a good chance you will be asked to take some tests. There are things you can do to help make this a win-win situation for both you and the employer. I'm going to give you a general overview of employment tests, discuss the types of tests you might be asked to take, provide pointers for doing well in pre-employment testing, and describe how you can come out ahead even if you don't get the job. If you don't feel like reading that much, here are the top three things to know about pre-employment testing:

The Basics of Employment Testing

Know your test and know your rights.
The cost of testing a single job candidate can range from $10 to more than $5,000. Employers are making a significant investment in testing you. There is virtually no regulation regarding who can design and administer employment tests, so the quality of tests and practices around testing may vary considerably from employer to employer.

At any time in the selection process, you could refuse to take or to continue a test... 

This popular article is now expanded and included in Dr. Erica Klein's best-selling 36-page PDF book! Employment Tests: Get The Edge! Free Preview: Table of Contents Free Preview: Introduction This advice-packed guide is loaded with myth-busting answers from an Industrial Psychologist who develops and administers employment tests, and who has taken every type of test in the book herself! 36 pages of insider advice and testing secrets to help you in any test encounter.   25 Get The Edge tips to help you prepare for your next test.   12 advice-packed sidebars, and   Over 30 links to online references and example tests selected by Dr. Klein herself. Order your copy now! Have you already lost a great job? Or a chance for an interview? Get The Edge over your competitors! Learn from a testing expert! Prepare to perform at your best! Get your copy of Employment Tests: Get The Edge now!   Learn: How to overcome anxiety.   How to handle intense Assessment Center testing.   How the limits of intelli- gence testing affect you.   How to protect your rights. How to ask for information you need before testing. And much, much more!   Get the edge on: Why employers use tests How tests work How to perform well How to compete for the job   PLUS: A Crib Sheet to help you prepare for any test you encounter, so you'll have the edge to do your best every time! ORDER NOW! Employment Tests: Get The Edge! ORDER YOUR COPY NOW! "This e-book was very helpful when I needed to decide whether or not to take an assessment test. It has suggestions for pre-tests you can take before doing the real deal. The test examples, plus finding out that the employer does not share test results (or what happens to them or how they are used in future) helped mr decide not to test for the position." Diana Ost

Erica Klein is a Ph.D. Industrial Psychologist who has worked in the field of strategic, competency-based selection and assessment since 1998.  Her roles have included internal and external consultant and trainer in industries ranging from public sector to healthcare to professional services. She is a popular conference speaker and author. Her passion is to take the insights that benefit employers and share them in a way that benefits jobseekers -- a win-win for all parties. Find her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ericarklein/. Erica tweets job search tips at @EricaKleinPhD #jobsearch. Dr. Klein can be reached by e-mail at EKlein@yahoo.com.