1. Chapter 15 1 CHAPTER 15 Ace Employment Tests and Negotiations COPYRIGHT © Thomson South-Western Sixth Edition COPYRIGHT © Thomson South-Western Sixth Edition By Julie Griffin Levitt By Julie Griffin Levitt

2. Chapter 15 2 Chapter 15 provides strategies for performing successfully in pre- employment tests and drug screening, negotiating for fair compensation and evaluating/accepting job offers. Chapter 15 provides strategies for performing successfully in pre- employment tests and drug screening, negotiating for fair compensation and evaluating/accepting job offers.

3. Chapter 15 3 Bad hiring decisions are costly for employers. Employers use preemployment and drug tests to eliminate potential problems up front.

4. Chapter 15 4 Research Employer Testing Procedures To Find Out: What type of pre- employment testing is required What will be tested How it will be tested

5. Chapter 15 5 Personality Tests Designed to see if your personal style matches job Advance study doesn’t apply; answer questions honestly If personality/job don’t match, you won’t be happy

6. Chapter 15 6 Skills Tests Review concepts and practice to improve skill. Quit preparing one or two days before test.

7. Chapter 15 7 Technical Tests Human Resources Department People in company People who have taken the test or a similar one Libraries and bookstores Try to get sample questions from:

8. Chapter 15 8 Computerized Preemployment Tests Usually a general, skills, or personality test Typically given at employer’s site Usually scored electronically and analyzed by staff Don’t try to outwit the test Avoid using absolutes (such as “never” or “always”)

9. Chapter 15 9 How to Ace Preemployment Tests Learn what type(s) are given. Practice skills to improve performance. Study concepts for technical tests; give complete answers. Answer personality tests honestly for good job match.

10. Chapter 15 10 Eat properly; be rested. Do physical exercise beforehand. Arrive early to avoid being rushed/tense. Ask how much time is allowed; don’t rush. (continued) Tips for Maximizing Test Performance

11. Chapter 15 11 Tips For Maximizing Test Performance Find out how points are assigned. Clarify directions/questions you don’t understand. Watch extreme statements; they are often false. Check to be sure you haven’t missed any questions. (continued)

12. Chapter 15 12 Prepare for Drug Screening Find out what the procedures are. Report any over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Take drug screening seriously.

13. Chapter 15 13 Prepare for Background Checks Be truthful on all employment forms. Maintain good credit and make sure your credit report is accurate. Obtain copies of personnel files from past employers. Know what your references are going to say about you.

14. Chapter 15 14 Research the Compensation (Salary and Benefits) Learn what the employer and industry offers. Base salary requirements on your worth—value you offer. Consider the benefits most important to you.

15. Chapter 15 15 Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips Let the interviewer bring up compensation topic. The higher you start, the higher offer is likely to be. Always state salary requirements in a range. (continued)

16. Chapter 15 16 Say, "What figure/range are you planning to pay?" This gives a starting point for negotiation. If interviewer brings salary up too early, refocus on the job. (continued) Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips

17. Chapter 15 17 Always discuss benefits along with salary. Ask how compensation increases are determined. If a low offer is made by letter, meet to discuss it. (continued) Salary/Benefit Negotiation Tips

18. Chapter 15 18 Evaluate the Total Job Offer Organization & Personnel Organization & Personnel Job Market Plentiful or Short Supply? Job Market Plentiful or Short Supply? Salary & Benefits Salary & Benefits Career Development Opportunity Career Development Opportunity Management Values & Philosophies Management Values & Philosophies Expenses (relocation, travel, etc.) Expenses (relocation, travel, etc.) Scope of Job Scope of Job How Job Meets Your Goals How Job Meets Your Goals

19. Chapter 15 19 Accept an Offer Professionally Accept the job verbally and follow up in writing. Summarize your understanding of the conditions of the offer. Notify other employers with whom you are interviewing. Notify references and thank them for their assistance.

20. Chapter 15 20 Reject an Offer Professionally Politely decline the offer by telephone, first. Follow up with a letter. Thank the employer for the offer and with the employer continued success.

21. Chapter 15 21 Checklist: Acing Tests and Negotiations Learn what type(s) of test(s) are given. Practice for skills tests; study for technical tests. Be aware of drug screening and background check procedures used; report over-the-counter drugs. (continued)

22. Chapter 15 22 Postpone discussion of salary until job is offered. Consider all aspects of the job offer. (continued) Checklist: Acing Tests and Negotiations