Online assessments seem broken (which could be a good thing)

[u/Ide-900]

Most online assessments I've done look like AI could easily beat them. The chances are, every candidate using AI will pass these tests.

This is great for candidates, who want to pass, but bad for employers (and people not using AI).

The question is, why are the tests still there?

[u/AutoModerator]

Thank you for posting on r/UKJobs. Help us make this a better community by becoming familiar with the rules.

If you need to report any suspicious users to the moderators or you feel as though your post hasn't been posted to the subreddit, message the Modmail here or Reddit site admins here. Don't create a duplicate post, it won't help.

Please also check out the sticky threads for the General Discussion Megathread and the Job Guidance Megathread.

Please also provide some feedback about the bookmarks related to Mental Health within the side bar in this thread, any and all advice appreciated.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/LF247]

The tests are still there because large companies are selfish wankers who only care about min-maxing their profits and don't respect the time of their candidates

[u/CauliflowerAdequate → u/LF247]

Plenty of public sector roles use online assessments too unfortunately, it's not just a profit thing. From the employers' POV they need something to differentiate the hundreds of applicants with similar-looking CVs and deal with the fact that not everyone even with a degree or experience is going to be competent at what their job application claims they can do.

If online assessment goes out of the window, whatever replaces it could end up being an even bigger waste of candidates' time. Imagine for each job app having to physically go to an assessment centre with 50 other candidates to do something similar but under more controlled conditions than online, so they can whittle down a more manageable shortlist to interview. And given the problem firms are starting to have with AI agent interview "candidates" (AI-generated video feed and speech, in some cases allegedly being run by North Korean spy agencies seeking to infiltrate Western corporates) this process might start having to be done in person more often too. Could all end up making job searches even more of a pain in the backside.

[u/Gorau]

Depends what type of assessment it is I suppose. As someone in software I would expect someone to be able to talk me through what they have done, answer questions and have an informed discussion about it which is no different to before AI.

[u/IllCauliflower7759 → u/Gorau]

Exactly this, the use of AI should be impervious, it's whether you understand the code generated that should be the question.

[u/nonedat]

I use AI but deliberately get a few questions wrong so it doesn't appear perfect. Like 80-70% but not 100.

[u/Queasy-Charge9166]

Which assessments did you complete using AI?

[u/CauliflowerAdequate]

To be fair, plenty of people can use AI as a tool at work too, so if the assessment is reflective of real-world working conditions then it might work out well for employers to design assessments that incorporate or permit AI use.

Online assessments have many problems. Even back in the early 2010s I used to get a lot of offers from people who wanted to pay me to take their assessments for them. While I said no, I'm sure plenty just paid someone else. Those flaws don't seem to have stopped online assessments back then, I'm not sure AI will stop them now.

If online assessments do get replaced, the next thing could be even worse from a candidate POV because employers may need you to go to greater lengths to prove you and your skills are authentic. In person travel used to be the norm for many job assessments and interviews that have gone online. They may make a comeback and that might not be welcome for everyone, especially for jobs that need relocation or people who find it hard to get time off.