Aptitude Tests? (in Off-topic)

Okay, this has always bothered me. Almost all jobs require, at some point, people to take an "Aptitude Test". Either online, or in person, or what have you.

I dislike them on principle. I feel that some of the questions are just really none of the companies' business. But I'm a bit off topic.

My QUESTION, is how are they graded? Or how are they evaluated?

For instance, do companies just have a standard? As in, "You got 85% of the questions "right". Eligible for hire."

Or do some questions count for more. If it's a question like "If a co-worker does an illegal drug in front of you, what would you do?" do you HAVE to answer "Yes" or can you take one of the more realistic answers, AKA, "I would talk to them about it in private and contact a manager if it became an issue."

I hope someone can help me out here. I'm rather curious.

Why would the answer to "If a co-worker does an illegal drug in front of you, what would you do?" be "Yes?"

Sorry, bit out of it.


What I meant was, do you have to respond with the "Immediately run and tell a manager" sort of response.

Which I'm sure you knew, Bananco.

I'll answer you this way:

If you worked for me, and encountered that situation for real, and approached it the way you wanted to in your example (what you consider "realistic"), I'd terminate your employment immediately.

Depends on the test, the job, and the employer.

With those types of questions, put yourself in the shoes of the owner/president of the business. Would you ever consider someone to be part of your team if they were wishy-washy with felony situations?

Just answer as extremely as possible. No middle ground. If someone does something bad, then report them immediately. If its a question about how you work then say you are the best!

Yea this is really just a stupidity test. If your stupid you answer truthfully.

Just follow what Joel said. Go extreme with no middle ground. e.g. You see a coworker steal something. Do you.....
A. Ignore it.
B. Blackmail him/her.
C. Ask them to stop stealing.
D. Tell the manager.

Answer with D.
Always tell a manager and never try to fix the problem yourself. They don't really want a smart worker, just a hard worker.

I'll take "E", Alex !
E being "what are drugs?"
:)

"They don't really want a smart worker"

nor a considerate one. except with managers and the like

Thanks, all.


@ NS: The reason I use that as an example is because one of my co-workers a few years ago was nearly fired because an employee went straight to a manager. A stupid manager. The employee was accused of popping illegal pills at work and the manager fired him on the spot, immediately. Then now fired employee -literally- held up the Advil bottle and got an apology.

Though I can understand why you'd say that. Just a personal experience colors my view.

GW, that example doesn't mean anything for the advice you were asking for. A moron boss doesn't excuse the fact that something shouldn't be reported. What you are getting at is the competence level of the managerial side of things. The manager was clearly incompetent and didn't handle the situation accordingly. Entirely 2 different issues.

kevlar, both of your posts in this thread are dead on.