In short: an assessment is a selection process with tests and exercises, usually run by a firm such as LTP, GITP or SHL. It often includes an aptitude test and a personality questionnaire, and sometimes games, a role play or an interview. The aptitude test is the part you can practise best.
An assessment is an evaluation an employer uses to find out whether you fit a role. You take tests and exercises that show how you think, work and behave. In the Netherlands, employers use assessments in job applications, graduate programmes and internal promotions.
What does assessment mean?
Assessment means 'evaluation'. In a Dutch hiring context it usually means a selection process run by a specialist firm such as LTP, GITP or SHL. The firm gives advice. The employer decides.
What does an assessment consist of?
No two assessments are the same. The employer picks the sections that suit the role. These are the most common:
- Aptitude test: measures how you reason, with question types such as number sequences, figure sequences, matrices, analogies, syllogisms and numerical reasoning. You can practise this part well, because the question types are fixed.
- Personality questionnaire: questions about how you work and deal with others. There are no right or wrong answers. Answer honestly and consistently.
- Game-based assessment: short games instead of test questions, such as Equalture and NeurOlympics.
- Role play: a conversation with an actor, for example an unhappy customer or an underperforming employee.
- Case or in-tray exercise: you analyse information under time pressure and make decisions or a plan.
- Interview: a conversation about your career, motivation and experience. The interviewer often asks for concrete examples from your work.
Types of assessment
- Selection assessment: part of a job application. The outcome helps the employer choose.
- Development assessment: maps your strengths and development areas, for example for a next step within your organisation.
- Online assessment: you take the tests at home, before the deadline in your invitation.
- Assessment centre: a half or full day on location with several exercises, often after the online tests.
Who runs assessments in the Netherlands?
Employers usually outsource the assessment. Well-known firms are LTP, GITP (PiCompany), SHL, Cubiks (Talogy), Assessio (which HFM has been part of since 2019) and Harver. Your invitation names the firm, so you know which question types to expect.
How does an assessment work?
- Invitation: an email with the sections and a deadline.
- Online tests: an aptitude test, a personality questionnaire and sometimes games.
- Assessment day (not always): role play, case and interview.
- Results: you often discuss the outcome with the firm. Under the Dutch NVP Sollicitatiecode, the psychologist needs your consent to share the results with the employer.
Which practice fits your assessment?
- Does your invitation name the firm? Practise with the pack for that firm, for example LTP or Assessio.
- Will you play games? Try the free game-based assessments, then practise the games from your test.
- Do you only know the sections? Practise them for free per section, for example number sequences or figure sequences.
- Personality questionnaire or interview? You do not need a practice pack for those. Decide in advance which examples from your work you want to share.
Can you prepare for an assessment?
Yes, especially for the aptitude test. The question types are fixed. If you know them in advance, you lose no time in the test working out what the task is. Start with the free practice tests: each has 9 to 12 questions with an explanation for every answer. All you need is a free account.
For the personality questionnaire and the interview: know what you want to say about yourself, be well rested and answer honestly.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fail an assessment?
An assessment usually has no fixed pass mark like an exam. The firm compares your results with a norm group and with the requirements of the role, and advises the employer.
How long does an assessment take?
It depends on the firm and the role. Your invitation says how much time you need. An assessment day with role play, case and interview often takes half a day to a full day.
Can the employer see my results?
Under the Dutch NVP Sollicitatiecode, the psychologist needs your consent to share the results with the employer. Ask the firm or the employer whether they follow this code.