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Hiring tests: what the results tell you

Workers can add results from three free outside tests to their profile. Scores are self-reported unless marked verified. Here is what each one measures, and what it can and can't tell you.

Workers who add a result show it on their profile. It is marked verified only if our team checked it. In talent search, you can filter by IQ and English level.

IQ Test

Workers can take a free intelligence quotient (IQ) test on an outside site and add their score. If they do, you will see it on their profile.

An IQ test measures basic reasoning. Scores follow a bell curve, and most people land between 85 and 115. English is a second language for most of our workers, and the test is in English, so a lower score can reflect the language and not the person. Use it as one input, never the only one.

English Proficiency Test

Workers can also take a free English test on an outside site and add their level. Tests like this look at grammar and word usage, and they help you judge how well someone writes and reads.

Results use the 6-level CEFR scale, from A1 to C2.

Proficiency levels

English proficiency levels from A1 to C2
LevelDescription
A1Beginner
A2Elementary
B1Intermediate
B2Upper Intermediate
C1Advanced
C2Advanced/Mastery

C2 (Advanced/Mastery) is the highest level. A1 (Beginner) is the lowest.

Different roles need different English. A copywriter needs a much higher level than a web programmer, for example. Read the score next to the job.

DISC Profiles

DISC is a personality profile. Skills get a person through the door, but working style decides whether they fit your team, and DISC gives you a starting point for that conversation.

A profile shows where a worker is strong, so you can compare it with what the job asks for.

A DISC profile scores four areas:

  • D

    Dominance

    Characterized by the following traits:

    • • Decisive.
    • • Problem Solver.
    • • Risk Taker.
    • • Self Starter
  • I

    Influence

    Characterized by the following traits:

    • • Enthusiastic.
    • • Persuasive.
    • • Optimistic
    • • Emotional
  • S

    Steadiness

    Characterized by the following traits:

    • • Team player.
    • • Steady.
    • • Predictable.
    • • Understanding.
  • C

    Compliance

    Characterized by the following traits:

    • • Analytical.
    • • Conscientious.
    • • Precise.
    • • Systematic.

Each trait gets a percentage out of 100.

A score might read:

Dominance
20%
Influence
5%
Steadiness
15%
Compliance
60%

With those numbers, this person is probably a strong analyst who makes decisions fast. They may find group work harder.

No profile is good or bad. Each job asks for different strengths, so compare the results with what the role needs.

Suggested DISC scores by role

Rough score patterns that tend to suit each role. Treat them as a starting point.

Note: Every worker's results differ. These suggestions are generalizations based on typical job demands, and your needs may differ. Read each score for yourself.

Programmers

Because of the nature of computer programming, a high "C" rating is recommended- programmers must be analytical and detail-oriented by nature, which can be determined by a high "C" score. The next important score to consider for a programmer may be their "D" score: independent self-starters are indispensable as programmers. Because programmers tend to work independently, a higher "I" or "S" score may not be as relevant as their "D" and "C" scores. Keep in mind: "I" and "S" scores are not disadvantageous by any means- the preferable employee is balanced and skilled in multiple areas. In the case of a programmer, it's advisable that the higher scores in the assessment lean toward the "D" and "C" areas.

Suggested Scoring for Programmers:

  • CHighest Score: analytical and detail-oriented.
  • DSecond Highest Score: confident in work and self-starter.
  • SThird Highest Score: some communication skills.
  • ILowest Score:

Webmaster

A webmaster, or web developer, should also score highly in the "C" area. Because of the ever-changing nature of the Internet, there is a constant need to communicate with your developer, in order to adapt your content the needs of consumers. Given those circumstances, it may be preferable to hire a webmaster with a somewhat balanced "D" and "S" scores. A team-player is always easy to communicate with, and a self-starter is a must. Again- your applicant will most likely score in all DISC areas, and a balanced employee usually means balanced work. In the case of the webmaster, it is advisable to look for an applicant with a high "C" score, close to the same "D" and "S" scores, and some "I" score.

Suggested Scoring for Webmaster:

  • CHighest Score: web development is a precise science and requires a systematically-driven mind.
  • S and DTied for Second Highest Score: scores should be similar- too much pull to one or the other may contribute to either communication or efficiency challenges.
  • ILowest Score: again, most applicants will score something in all DISC areas.

Content Writer

Content writers require more of a balanced DISC score than do webmasters or programmers. Content writers will be working very closely with you and interpreting your ideas into creative writing. A high "I " score accounts for creativity and a moderate "S" score should satisfy communication requirements. In order for your business to be viewed as credible, your content should be free of spelling and grammatical errors, making "C" an important score as well. It is important for a content writer to conform to your needs, as a result, the strong-willed "D" score may not be as requisite.

Suggested Scoring for Content Writer:

  • IHighest Score: creative, emotional (ability to think like consumer).
  • CSecond Highest Score: professional and clean in writing (free of basic spelling and grammatical errors) and be analytical in their ideas.
  • SThird Highest Score: open to communicating and willing to adjust to your needs and the needs of the consumers.
  • DLowest Score: Some self-starting tendencies and confidence are necessary.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are digital artists, so you may notice that many score highly in the "I" area. We recommend a somewhat balanced "I" and "S" score, to offset creativity and communication. Graphic designers should also be detail oriented, making the "C " score important as well. A moderate-to-low "D" score is preferable to minimize confrontation when it comes to communication (though some "D" score is good- it can indicate an applicant's motivation).

Suggested Scoring for Graphic Designer:

  • I and STied for Highest Score: indicate creativity and good communication.
  • CSecond Highest Score: precise and clean in work.
  • DLowest Score: (some is necessary for motivation).

Project Manager

Project managers require a balanced DISC score. They should be efficient in all four areas; efficient worker "D," enthusiastic leader "I," good communicator/listener "S," analytical thinker "C." Your project may require a manager who is stronger in one area than another. A better understanding of each DISC trait will help you find a project manager who is tailored to your needs. Please study the DISC testing information shared in the link at the bottom of this page.

Suggested Scoring for Project Manager:

Well-balanced, in all areas. To learn more about how to find a project manager who is best suited to your needs, see the link below.

To read more about how DISC works, see this DISC overview .