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What is an Assessment?

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There are many types of assessments which are used by companies to predict, measure, and modify employee performance. When hiring an individual, an employer can better predict future performance with a few simple, objective tests.

For example:


  • Background checks will alert a company if the applicant has a criminal record.
  • Personality testing can give an employer a better overall impression of an applicant’s ability to perform in a specific work environment or on a particular team.
  • Drug testing, done through a professional lab, can help screen applicants before a potential employee is hired, and avoid problems which be detrimental to the business.

By using these tests, employers stand a better chance of hiring the right individual for the right job. This brings success to the entire team.

Current employees can also benefit from regular performance assessments. Management and guidance of those employees should empower and motivate employees to give their best to their jobs.

Assessments offer the best management tool of a company’s human resources. There are two kinds of assessments which, if applied correctly, will provide usable feedback about the employee’s performance.


  • Immediate Feedback
    Immediate feedback will occur as close to the time of an event as possible.
  • Deferred Yearly or Semi-monthly Assessment
    The more formal, yearly or semi-monthly assessment process is essential for both parties to observe growth and areas which need improvement.

Both immediate and deferred assessments are designed to manage employee performance and provide a specific plan for growth and change from one performance assessment to the next. Assessments should be viewed by both parties as a written plan for rewarding excellence and supporting change when it is needed. Using assessments as a plan, rather than an evaluation will minimize disruptive attitudes and offer opportunities for rewarding positive aspects of an employee’s performance.



Next Page: Why should my company use Assessments?

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