LinkedIn assessments have become an extremely popular tool for recruiters and hiring managers to evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities. With LinkedIn’s large user base of professionals around the world, these online skills assessments provide a convenient way for employers to test candidates’ knowledge before bringing them in for interviews.
What are LinkedIn assessments?
LinkedIn assessments are online multiple-choice tests that gauge candidates’ abilities in various professional domains. LinkedIn offers over 150 different assessments spanning several industries, job functions, and software proficiencies. Some of the most common LinkedIn assessments test skills such as:
- Programming languages like Java, Python, JavaScript
- Software platforms like Salesforce, Oracle, SAP
- Professional expertise in management, marketing, finance
- Office productivity software like Excel, PowerPoint, Word
When candidates apply for jobs on LinkedIn, recruiters can assign them relevant skills assessments to complete. The tests are timed and typically comprise 10-25 multiple choice questions. Results are shared with recruiters and hiring managers to inform their hiring decisions.
Are LinkedIn assessments difficult?
The difficulty level of LinkedIn assessments varies greatly across different tests. Here are a few key factors that influence LinkedIn assessment difficulty:
- Subject matter – Assessments for advanced or highly specialized skills tend to be more difficult than those for fundamental or common skills.
- Job level – Tests for more senior professional roles tend to be more challenging than entry-level assessments.
- Time limit – Some assessments have very short time limits, increasing the difficulty.
- Question types – The format of questions – multiple choice, pick list, drag & drop – impacts the test difficulty.
- Scoring – Passing thresholds range widely across different LinkedIn assessments.
Additionally, the number and complexity of questions can affect the overall difficulty. More questions and more complex questions make for a tougher test.
Easier LinkedIn assessments
Here are some examples of LinkedIn assessments that tend to be easier, with passing thresholds around 50-60%:
- Excel Basics
- PowerPoint Basics
- Virtual Communication Basics
- Writing Fundamentals
- Generic Software Development
These assessments test universal professional skills applicable to many jobs and roles. They contain fewer questions focused on fundamental concepts and tasks in the subject area.
Harder LinkedIn assessments
Examples of some advanced LinkedIn assessments that are considered quite difficult, with passing thresholds of 70% or higher:
- VBA for Excel Expert
- C# Expert
- Oracle Database Administration Expert
- Marketing Analytics Expert
- Tax Expert
These tests evaluate niche subject matter expertise and specialized technical skills. Questions will probe candidates’ understanding of complex functions, applications, and best practices.
Factors impacting assessment difficulty
While the inherent difficulty of the assessment itself is a key factor, there are also external variables that make LinkedIn tests easier or harder for individual test takers:
Familiarity with material
If the candidate has direct on-the-job experience with the skill area, relevant education, or has otherwise studied the subject, the assessment will likely be easier compared to someone with no exposure to that field.
Practice and test prep
Completing practice questions and mock tests to prepare for specific LinkedIn assessments can make the real tests substantially easier.
Time constraints
Having limited time to complete the assessment adds pressure and difficulty compared to untimed practice tests.
Test conditions
Environmental factors like noise, interruptions, and distractions can negatively impact concentration and performance.
Stress and anxiety
Feeling nervous or anxious when taking high-stakes employment tests also increases difficulty and impairs outcomes.
Are LinkedIn assessments a good evaluation tool?
When used properly, LinkedIn skills assessments can be an effective evaluation tool for recruiters and hiring managers. Benefits include:
- Efficient screening of large applicant pools
- Testing for specific required skills and expertise
- Standardized and impartial candidate comparisons
- Integration with LinkedIn profile and recruitment tools
- Convenience of online asynchronously administered tests
However, there are also limitations to consider when using LinkedIn assessments:
- Partial indicator of on-the-job performance and expertise
- Potential test anxiety impacting scores for some candidates
- Possibility of cheating on unproctored online tests
- Varying levels of correlation to actual skills and competencies
- Risk of introducing unintended bias into hiring decisions
Tips for passing LinkedIn assessments
Here are some top tips and strategies for passing LinkedIn skills assessments:
Review key topics and concepts
Study guides and practice materials provided by LinkedIn are very helpful for understanding the core knowledge areas covered on each test.
Brush up on technical skills
Hands-on practice using the software or programming languages featured on the assessment can help improve speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Take practice tests
Complete sample questions and tests to become familiar with the format, time limits, question styles, and passing thresholds.
Memorize formulas, syntax, acronyms
Assessments may require recalling specific information like Excel formulas, SQL syntax, financial acronyms, and more.
Read questions carefully
Watch out for negatives, qualifying statements, and tricky phrasing designed to confuse test takers.
Manage time effectively
Pace yourself carefully during assessments to ensure you have time to complete all questions and review responses.
Remain calm and focused
Do not let anxiety or pressure reduce your concentration. Take a few deep breaths to clear your head if needed.
Conclusion
LinkedIn skills assessments run the gamut from relatively basic to highly advanced. Performance depends on the inherent test difficulty as well as the individual test taker’s knowledge, preparation, and conditions. While assessments should not be the sole factor in hiring, they can be a useful screening and evaluation tool when used properly. With the right study approach and testing strategies, many candidates can successfully showcase their abilities and stand out from the competition.
