Better resumes through test-taking :: Career-Resumes® :: Former resume expert for Monster.com

Better resumes through test-taking

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I like to take tests, and not just for fun. (Though they are fun, I must admit.)

The best tests are the ones where you can learn something useful about yourself – something insightful, something you might not have come up with yourself, or without spending thousands of dollars to uncover in therapy.

When it comes to resume writing, work-related tests are fabulous. Since more and more companies are using various tests as part of the hiring process, you might as well get used to taking them.

What’s more, when you do take some tests on your own, the results often provide you with the kind of language you can use on your resume to more precisely define and describe your skills in an authentic way.

I just checked out “JASPER,” Monster’s Job Assets & Strengths Profiler. Their promotional copy is a bit hype-y:

The JASPER test is the new standard in career testing and assessment.

Based on over 60 years of research, this fun and enlightening test will uncover your job strengths and preferences and help you use them to your advantage.

Discover your work and leadership style

Gain confidence in your job related skills

Enhance your ability to work with others

Improve your resume, job search and more

Though I will say they managed to do things a bit differently than other job personality tests I’ve taken. In addition to the standard agree/disagree statements, they throw a bunch of other types of questions at you, including:

Hypothetical scenarios
Identifying which picture you prefer
Sliding scales between two opposing concepts
Ranking options from most preferred to least preferred
Clicking on a series of words flying across your screen (you’ll understand it when you try it)

I tested out as a Type 8: Achiever, and here’s a link to the list of all the possible types you could be. The most impressive part is the full report they offer for your test. The detail is pretty astounding in the face of the price – free. God bless ‘em.

And at the bottom of every report page, Monster has this to suggest:

Now that you know what sets you apart, take a fresh look at your resume. Promoting your strengths will help you land the right job.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

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