Frequently asked questions

Q. Why use tests for recruitment?
A. The employment of good staff can be a difficult, time consuming and expensive exercise. We believe that you need all the correct tools to make the best decision possible. We assume you would not make any other important business decision without some good analysis?

Q. What do the tests cover?
A. The tests cover a broad range of financial and accounting skills that are job related and practical.

Q. Who are the tests for?
A. The tests are for all levels within a typical finance function (e.g. purchase ledger clerk through to qualified accountants) and different job descriptions e.g. management accounting versus financial accounting.

Q. Are the tests for permanent recruitment only?
A. No, you can just as easily assess the skills of a temporary member of staff with these tests. You can even test your existing staff to use as a benchmark or to assess training needs.

Q. Why would I need to test people with qualifications?
A. Unfortunately, it is well known that in some cases, students learn to pass exams rather than fully understand the subjects. It is also the case that knowledge is memorised briefly rather than committed to the long-term memory, as is achieved with practical experience. Our tests cannot be revised for or memorised, they test the real knowledge and skills.

Q. What is wrong with interviews?
A. There is nothing wrong with interviews, per say, unless they are the only method used to choose good staff.

Q. Are the tests easy to administer?
A. Yes, the tests are usually 30 multiple-choice questions and last for 25 minutes. The candidate will simply need a pencil and a piece of paper. They are even simpler to administer if you choose to use the online testing service.

Q. How do I assess the results?
A. The results can be assessed in a number of ways. Compare the score with our nationally collected results at www.recruitment-tests.co.uk and/or use our 'easy marker and analysis' tool. Online testing clients will receive results analysis back to their e-mail address.

Q. How can using these tests save me time and money?
A. Using tests can save time and money in several ways including choosing the interview list and/or taking less interviews, through to the cost and time involved in choosing the wrong staff.

Q. How do I choose between online testing and printed tests?
A. Generally, if you are testing a large number of candidates and the candidates are not at your premises, you will have little time or opportunity to administer or mark the tests and therefore you should choose online testing (designed mainly for recruitment agencies).

Q. Why are printed tests sent via the post and not via e-mail?
A. This is due to copyright protection.

Q. How do I choose the right test for my candidate?
A. Tests are cleared titled with the job level, description and difficulty level to make it very easy for you to choose correctly, but if you need any assistance, we would be more than happy to help. The tests are usually 25 minutes each, so it is not unreasonable to ask your candidate to sit more than one test e.g. Trainee Accountant, Management Accounting and Numerical reasoning. Each will give you an insight into the different aspects of their skills.

Q. Why will these tests work when others don't?
A. Most other tests available in the market are generic to many occupations, levels and job descriptions, which make comparing results and benchmarking very difficult. It also makes choosing the correct test for the position that you have, difficult and subjective. Our tests are finely tailored to the level and job description that you need.

Q. How will the tests keep up with changes in accounting standards?
A. As accounting standards and practise moves on, so will the tests, with regular updates as well as specialist tests for those involved in migration e.g. international standards.

Q. Can I solely rely on the tests to select staff?
A. No, it is not advisable only to use tests to select staff. Both tests and interviews go well together.

Q. How will the tests help me with interviewing?
A. Using our tests can help you with interviewing in several ways.

• In pre selection for interview, the tests may allow you to reduce the number of candidates you interview.
• Just prior to the interview, the tests can give you a quick view of strengths and weaknesses (using the 'easy marker and analysis' tool)
• During the interview, the tests save you time and allow you to concentrate on personality and attitude.

Q. How can I be sure of the quality of the tests?
A. Our tests are written by qualified finance professionals with several years of recruitment and management experience.

Q. Are all tests multiple choice?
A. No, some of the tests take the form of mini case studies where there is no correct answer and no time limit. These tests, which are usually designed for more senior staff to perform at home, provide an insight into a candidates approach to a difficult situation. Results can be tricky to interpret for these tests and therefore short form analysis services are provided for these tests.