Research has shown that pre-employment skills testing can often
be a highly accurate method of predicting a job applicant's work
performance. Consequently, more companies are using them to
screen for qualified and competent workers. Skills tests are
usually timed paper-and-pencil examinations consisting of a
series of multiple choice, short answer, and yes and no
questions. Since these tests are designed to measure specific
skills, questions asked usually relate to specific aspects of a
job. For example, a cashier might be asked to complete a test of
mathematical ability. Generally, in order to use these tests
effectively, companies must ensure that tests evaluate true job-
related skills, and not general skills that are outside the
scope of the position. Companies should also ensure that skills
test treat all test-takers fairly. If women or minorities
consistently score lower than non-minority applicants, the test
may be biased and thus rendered useless. Furthermore, companies
who deny employment to individua