Job assessment tests, often called pre-employment tests, have become a common tool for employers to evaluate candidates. Platforms like Indeed offer skills assessments that help hiring managers gauge a candidate’s capabilities, work style, and knowledge in areas relevant to the job. Indeed Assessments can be particularly helpful if you’re looking to make your profile stand out. But are these assessments worth your time?
In this guide, we’ll explore how Indeed Assessments work, what the different score levels mean (like proficient on Indeed), and how they impact your chances of getting hired. By the end, you’ll understand whether taking these assessments can give your job search a boost and how to approach them for the best results.
What Are Indeed Skills Tests?
Indeed Skills Tests are a suite of over 150 assessments designed to evaluate a candidate's knowledge, abilities, and competencies across various domains, such as technology, sales, language proficiency, and customer service. These tests allow job seekers to demonstrate their skills directly on their Indeed profiles, enhancing their visibility to potential employers. Candidates can take these assessments proactively to showcase their skills, or employers may request specific tests during the application process to gain a clearer picture of an applicant’s capabilities.
For employers, Indeed Skills Tests can significantly streamline the hiring process. Indeed reports that using these assessments can reduce the average time-to-hire by 17%, helping recruiters quickly identify qualified candidates and fill roles more efficiently. For job seekers, scoring well on these assessments doesn’t just validate their skills—it can also improve their profile’s ranking in Indeed’s search results, making them more likely to appear at the top and catch the attention of recruiters.
It’s worth noting, however, that while these tests can enhance a candidate's profile, they are only one component of the overall hiring process. Employers generally consider a combination of factors, such as experience, education, and interviews, when making hiring decisions. Performing well on Indeed Skills Tests can certainly be an advantage, but it’s best viewed as a complement to a well-rounded application.
Do Employers Consider Indeed Assessment Scores?
Employers often review Indeed assessment scores to streamline the hiring process. When multiple candidates apply for a position, these scores can help hiring managers quickly identify who might be the best fit based on desired skill levels. In fact, some companies compare Indeed test results with benchmarks from their top-performing employees, so scoring well can improve your chances of moving forward in the interview process.
Profiles with higher Indeed test scores, such as Expert or Highly Proficient, are also more likely to rank higher in Indeed’s search results, meaning your profile could appear before others. For recruiters who rely heavily on Indeed’s algorithm to surface top candidates, a strong test score could be a valuable asset.
How to Locate Indeed Assessments
To access Indeed assessments, go to your Indeed profile and scroll down to the Assessments section. Indeed may recommend tests based on your skills and career interests, but you can browse or search for assessments by name or category. Here’s how to locate and start an assessment:
Sign in to your Indeed account and go to your profile.
Scroll down to the Assessments section and click View all assessments to see the complete list.
Choose an assessment based on your target skills or the job description requirements.
Click Take Assessment to start.
While most Indeed skills tests are brief, taking around 10–20 minutes, it’s wise to set aside extra time so you can complete the test without interruptions.
Indeed Assessment Scores: What Each Level Means
Indeed test scores are categorized from high to low as follows: Expert, Highly Proficient, Proficient, Familiar, and Completed. Here’s a breakdown of each level:
Expert: Shows an exceptional understanding of the skill tested.
Highly Proficient: Indicates advanced competency and knowledge.
Proficient: Means you are skilled and competent, meeting the general expectations.
Familiar: Shows basic understanding, but there’s room for improvement.
Completed: The lowest score level, indicating minimal understanding.
If you’re wondering, “Is proficient good?”—proficient typically shows you have a solid grasp of the skill but may not stand out as much as a Highly Proficient or Expert score. To boost your profile’s appeal, consider displaying only assessments where you scored at least Highly Proficient.
Limitations of Indeed Assessments
While Indeed Assessments offer valuable insights, they do come with limitations:
No Pausing Mid-Test: Once you start, the timer doesn’t stop if you exit the assessment. Ensure you have uninterrupted time to complete it.
One Retake Limit: You can only retake each assessment once every six months, so prepare thoroughly before attempting.
Inability to Remove Scores: While you can hide an assessment score, you cannot remove it from your profile entirely.
Limited Mobile Access: Some assessments are only accessible via a desktop browser, so plan accordingly if you’re taking the test on a smartphone or tablet.
It’s also worth noting that not all employers use Indeed Assessments as part of their hiring process, and the tests don’t provide a comprehensive view of your skills. However, strong scores can still help enhance your profile visibility and credibility.
Pros and Cons of Taking Indeed Assessments
Before deciding to take Indeed Assessments, it’s helpful to weigh their potential benefits and limitations. Here’s a quick look at both sides:
Pros
Increased Profile Visibility: Higher scores can boost your profile’s ranking in Indeed’s search results, making you more visible to recruiters.
Showcased Skills: Assessments allow you to demonstrate specific skills to employers and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
Quick Screening: With assessments completed, employers can quickly evaluate your skills and may prioritize you over other applicants with similar qualifications.
Free of Cost: Indeed Assessments are free, offering a cost-effective way to enhance your profile and demonstrate skills.
Cons
Score Limitations: Each assessment score is saved for six months, and you can only retake it once in that period. If you’re unhappy with a score, you’ll need to wait six months for another attempt.
Limited Control Over Displayed Results: While you can hide scores, you cannot completely remove assessments from your profile.
Not Used by All Employers: Some employers may not consider Indeed Assessments as part of their hiring process, so high scores might not always provide an advantage.
Timing Restrictions: Assessments are timed, and the timer doesn’t pause if you exit mid-assessment, which can make them challenging if taken without preparation.
By understanding these pros and cons, you’ll be able to decide if Indeed Assessments are a strategic addition to your job search efforts.
How to Use Indeed Assessment Results Beyond Indeed
While Indeed Assessments are specific to the Indeed platform, you can leverage your scores to enhance your overall job-seeking efforts. Here’s how:
Include Scores on Your Resume or Rise Profile: If you scored Highly Proficient or Expert on an assessment, consider adding it to the “Skills” section of your resume or Rise profile. Not all applicants include assessment results, so this could make you stand out.
Mention Scores in Cover Letters: When applying for jobs that require certain skills, refer to your Indeed Assessment results in your cover letter. For example, you could say, “I scored Highly Proficient on the Indeed Customer Service Assessment, showcasing my ability to handle customer interactions effectively.”
Highlight Specific Skills in Interviews: Use your scores as talking points during interviews. Mention that you completed assessments with strong results on Indeed, demonstrating your knowledge and commitment to professional growth. It’s a great way to back up your skills with concrete evidence.
Use Scores to Set Your Development Goals: If you scored lower on certain assessments, treat it as a constructive learning opportunity. Use these results to identify areas where you can improve, and take additional training or online courses to boost your skills. This proactive approach can enhance both your resume and your confidence.
Indeed Assessment results are a valuable resource that, when leveraged strategically, can make a positive impression on employers and provide evidence of your strengths across multiple job search platforms.
FAQs About Indeed Assessments
1. Can I hide my Indeed Assessment scores?
Yes, you can hide assessment scores if you prefer not to display them on your profile. Simply toggle the assessment visibility to the “off” position in your Skills Tests section. However, you can’t delete them entirely, so the option to retake will only appear after six months.
2. What does “Not Selected by Employer” mean on Indeed?
This message means the employer decided not to move forward with your application. It doesn’t necessarily reflect your qualifications—it could result from factors like a large number of applicants, skill mismatches, or role-specific criteria the employer prioritized.
3. Is scoring “Proficient” on an assessment good?
Proficient indicates a solid understanding of the skill, though Highly Proficient or Expert scores are more likely to impress employers. If you score Proficient, it’s often best to only display it for roles where you’re confident the score aligns with the employer’s expectations.
4. Can I retake an assessment if I’m unhappy with my score?
You can retake each assessment once every six months. If you’re preparing to retake, practice similar tests online and focus on studying the specific skill areas covered in the assessment to improve your score.
5. How long are my assessment scores valid?
Your scores remain on your Indeed profile for six months. If an employer invites you to retake an assessment after this period, you’ll have the chance to take it again. Be sure to prepare before retaking to increase your chances of achieving a higher score.
💫 Join the Rise community and connect with hundreds of supportive peers, mentors and companies!
Are Indeed Assessments Worth It?
Indeed Assessments can be a powerful tool in your job search, showcasing your skills and potentially improving your profile ranking. Scoring well on relevant assessments signals to employers that you’re a capable and qualified candidate. Whether you’re aiming for Expert or wondering if Proficient is good enough, these assessments can help position you more favorably in the job market.
As with any job search tool, weigh the benefits of each assessment against your career goals. If you choose to take these tests, make sure you’re well-prepared and only showcase scores that highlight your strengths. With a strategic approach, Indeed Assessments can be a valuable addition to your job-seeking toolkit.
