Getting answers to LinkedIn assessments can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can find the information you need to pass. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips, examples, and step-by-step instructions to help you ace any LinkedIn assessment.
What are LinkedIn assessments?
LinkedIn assessments are online tests that gauge your skills and knowledge in different areas. They are typically multiple choice or true/false questions focused on a specific skill or knowledge domain. LinkedIn assessments measure skills like:
- Programming languages like Python, Java, JavaScript
- Business software like Excel, PowerPoint
- Professional skills like project management, customer service
- Specialized knowledge like accounting, finance
Passing LinkedIn assessments can help showcase your abilities to prospective employers and clients on the platform. The assessments are meant to validate skills and supplement your profile – almost like a mini certification. Some common reasons people take LinkedIn assessments include:
- Applying for jobs – assessments can showcase skills to hiring managers
- Looking for freelance work or clients – passing assessments can help demonstrate subject matter expertise
- Providing credibility for skills listed on your profile
- Personal development – assessments allow you to benchmark your knowledge
In short, doing well on LinkedIn assessments can directly help your career by enhancing your profile and candidacy. But how do you get answers and pass them?
Review LinkedIn’s Tips for Assessments
The first step is always to read LinkedIn’s own guidance and resources on assessments. You can find their tips by searching “LinkedIn skill assessments” and going to their official page. Some key suggestions from LinkedIn include:
- Read questions carefully – don’t jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Analyze each question and all the options.
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
- Watch out for double negatives, like “which is NOT a reason” or “which does NOT apply.”
- On long passages, identify key phrases and scan for those keywords to help find the answer.
- Flag questions you’re unsure of and return to them at the end.
- Don’t overthink questions – go with your first instinct if you’re confident.
These tips will steer you towards finding the right answers. But LinkedIn also provides some useful resources like sample questions and definitions of key terms. Make sure to also review any study guides, sample questions, or assessments they provide.
Look for Online Practice Tests
Many online education platforms and testing sites offer practice assessments for major skills and certifications. Search for “[Name of Assessment] practice test” to find options. Here are some sites to find practice tests:
- Udemy – Courses with quiz questions on skills like Excel, SQL, Tableau
- Indeed – Assessments section has various skill tests
- Thomas International – Practice tests for assessments like PLI, DISC, TEAMS
- Brain Measure – Skills practice tests including Excel, accounting, typing
When taking these practice tests, make sure to time yourself and simulate real assessment conditions. Treat each practice test as if it was the real assessment.
Leverage Test Prep Books and Online Resources
There are many test prep books, e-books, and online resources dedicated to common skills assessments. For example:
- SQL practice – “SQL Practice Problems” book by Sylvia Moestl Vasilik
- JavaScript – Codecademy’s “Introduction to JavaScript” course
- Excel – “MOS Study Guide for Microsoft Excel Exam MO-200” by Joan Lambert
Search Amazon, forums like Reddit, Quora, and YouTube for recommended prep resources for the assessment you are taking. Follow prep books and courses diligently to fill in any knowledge gaps.
Ask Colleagues Who Passed the Same Test
Your professional colleagues or connections who previously passed the same assessment can provide insider tips. Some potential questions to ask them:
- Are there certain areas or topics I should focus my studying on?
- Were there any types of questions that caught you off guard?
- How did you prepare? What resources did you use?
- What advice do you have for someone prepping for this assessment?
Take notes on any study materials, practice questions, or preparation methods they recommend. Their real-world experiences can provide clues on how to pass assessments.
Hire an Online Tutor
If you are really struggling with the material for an assessment, consider hiring an online tutor. Sites like Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning have experts who can provide 1-on-1 coaching tailored to your knowledge gaps. This option costs money but may be worthwhile for difficult subjects. Key steps for finding a tutor:
- Search assessment name + “tutor” or “coach”
- Read reviews and compare different tutors’ qualifications
- Book a free intro call to evaluate fit and teaching style
- Schedule tutoring sessions focusing on your weak points
- Ask for practice questions and example scenarios
A few hours of personalized coaching can take your skills to the next level. Make sure to ask any lingering questions about the assessment during your tutoring time.
Brainstorm Real-World Scenarios
One technique for preparation is to brainstorm real-world examples and applications of the skills in the assessment. For example, with Excel you could think through:
- Calculating expenses, budgets, invoices for a business
- Analyzing sales numbers and performance metrics
- Organizing employee data in tables and formats
Go through the brainstorming process for the subject you are studying. Generate scenarios where you would use these skills in a job. Think through how you would solve each example. This makes your learning more tangible and applicable.
Study One Topic at a Time
Don’t jump randomly between every subject in an assessment. Focus your energy on mastering one topic before moving to the next. Some strategies for isolating topics:
- Break prep books and courses into chapters. Finish one chapter before the next.
- Create flashcards for key terms and definitions. shuffle the deck to quiz yourself.
- Use practice tests to identify weak areas, then study those sections.
- Work with a tutor to create a study plan targeting each topic.
Learning in a structured, linear way prevents cognitive overload. Be patient and methodical in your approach.
Explain Concepts Out Loud to Check Understanding
After studying a concept, explain it out loud to check your understanding. This practice of elaborative interrogation helps enhance learning. Steps include:
- Pick an important term, theory, or process from your notes
- Explain it thoroughly in your own words, as if teaching it to someone else
- Connect it to examples and scenarios to demonstrate applied knowledge
- Clarify any points you stumble over and re-review if needed
The act of describing concepts aloud helps identify gaps. You’ll gain confidence by smoothly explaining any concept on the assessment.
Visualize Solving Problems
For assessments involving calculations, procedures, or logical thinking, visualize working through the steps. For example, with programming:
- Picture yourself at a computer with code on the screen
- Visualize entering, editing, and executing the lines of code
- See the output that would result from the code
- Imagine fixing any errors and re-running the program
This technique leverages mental imagery to improve skills and primes you for scenarios on the test. Visualize until the workflows feel natural and automatic.
Stay Calm and Confident on Test Day
All your preparation will pay off when it’s time for the actual assessment. Here are some final tips for test day success:
- Get plenty of rest. Don’t stay up cramming. Sleep allows your brain to consolidate information.
- Eat a brain-boosting breakfast. Foods like eggs, whole grains, yogurt, and fruit give you energy and focus.
- Arrive early. Give yourself extra time and minimize unnecessary rushing and stress.
- Take deep breaths. Oxygen fuels the brain and relaxes the body. Breathe deeply before the test.
- Stay positive. Visualize yourself passing. Self-doubt only hurts performance.
Trust in your preparation. Avoid overanalyzing during the test itself. You’ve got this!
Conclusion
Preparing for a LinkedIn skills assessment requires diligence and strategic studying. Set yourself up for success by utilizing practice tests, tutors, prep resources, and study methods. Sharpen your knowledge on each topic before tackling the next. Stay calm on test day and put your preparation into action. With hard work and commitment, you can master the content and pass any LinkedIn assessment.
