Chapter 151

CHAPTER 15Ace Employment Tests and

Negotiations

COPYRIGHT © Thomson South-WesternSixth Edition

COPYRIGHT © Thomson South-WesternSixth Edition

ByJulie Griffin Levitt

ByJulie Griffin Levitt

Chapter 152

Chapter 15 provides strategies for performing

successfully in pre-employment tests

and drug screening,negotiating for fair compensation and

evaluating/accepting job offers.

Chapter 15 provides strategies for performing

successfully in pre-employment tests

and drug screening,negotiating for fair compensation and

evaluating/accepting job offers.

Chapter 153

Bad hiring decisions

are costly for

employers.

Employers use

preemployment and

drug tests to

eliminate potential

problems up front.

Chapter 154

Research Employer Testing Procedures To Find Out:

What type of pre-employment testing is required

What will be tested

How it will be tested

Chapter 155

Personality Tests

Designed to see if your personal style matches job

Advance study doesn’t apply; answer questions honestly

If personality/job don’t match, you won’t be happy

Chapter 156

Skills Tests

Review concepts and practice to improve skill.

Quit preparing one or two days before test.

Chapter 157

Technical Tests

Human Resources Department

People in company

People who have taken the test or a

similar one

Libraries and bookstores

Try to get sample questions from:

Chapter 158

Computerized Preemployment Tests

Usually a general, skills, or personality test

Typically given at employer’s site

Usually scored electronically and analyzed by staff

Don’t try to outwit the test

Avoid using absolutes (such as “never” or “always”)

Chapter 159

How to AcePreemployment Tests

Learn what type(s) are given.

Practice skills to improve performance.

Study concepts for technical tests; give complete answers.

Answer personality tests honestly for good job match.

Chapter 1510

Eat properly; be rested.

Do physical exercise beforehand.

Arrive early to avoid being rushed/tense.

Ask how much time is allowed; don’t rush.

(continued)(continued)

Tips for Maximizing Test Performance

Chapter 1511

Tips For Maximizing Test Performance

Find out how points are assigned.

Clarify directions/questions you don’t understand.

Watch extreme statements; they are often false.

Check to be sure you haven’t missed any questions.

(continued)(continued)

Chapter 1512

Prepare for Drug Screening

Find out what the procedures are.

Report any over-the-counter drugs you are taking.

Take drug screening seriously.

Chapter 1513

Prepare for Background Checks

Be truthful on all employment forms.

Maintain good credit and make sure your credit report is accurate.

Obtain copies of personnel files from past employers.

Know what your references are going to say about you.

Chapter 1514

Research the Compensation(Salary and Benefits)

Learn what the employer and industry offers.

Base salary requirements on your worth—value you offer.

Consider the benefits most important to you.

Chapter 1515

Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips

Let the interviewer bring up compensation topic.

The higher you start, the higher offer is likely to be.

Always state salary requirements in a range.

(continued)(continued)

Chapter 1516

Say, "What figure/range are you planning to pay?"

This gives a starting point for negotiation.

If interviewer brings salary up too early, refocus on the job.

(continued)(continued)

(continued)(continued)

Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips

Chapter 1517

Always discuss benefits along with salary.

Ask how compensation increases are determined.

If a low offer is made by letter, meet to discuss it.

(continued)(continued)

Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips

Chapter 1518

Evaluate the Total Job Offer

Organization&

Personnel

Organization&

Personnel

Job MarketPlentiful or

Short Supply?

Job MarketPlentiful or

Short Supply?

Salary &

Benefits

Salary &

Benefits

Career Development Opportunity

Career Development Opportunity

ManagementValues &

Philosophies

ManagementValues &

Philosophies

Expenses(relocation,travel, etc.)

Expenses(relocation,travel, etc.)

Scope of Job

Scope of Job

How JobMeets Your

Goals

How JobMeets Your

Goals

Chapter 1519

Accept an Offer Professionally

Accept the job verbally and follow up in writing. Summarize your understanding of the conditions of the offer.

Notify other employers with whom you are interviewing.

Notify references and thank them for their assistance.

Chapter 1520

Reject an Offer Professionally

Politely decline the offer by telephone, first.

Follow up with a letter.

Thank the employer for the offer and with the employer continued success.

Chapter 1521

Checklist:Acing Tests and Negotiations

Learn what type(s) of test(s) are given.

Practice for skills tests; study for technical tests.

Be aware of drug screening and background check procedures used; report over-the-counter drugs. (continued)(continued)

Chapter 1522

Postpone discussion of salary until job is offered.

Consider all aspects of the job offer.

(continued)(continued)

Checklist: Acing Tests and Negotiations