Assessing skills and competencies allows employers to assign tasks that are best suited to employees’ strengths, leading to increased productivity and helping to build a stronger workforce. The right people can be matched to the right roles, maximising their potential. Assessing skills and competencies also enables employers to identify areas for improvement, allowing them to invest in appropriate training in order to improve employees’ skill sets and bridge any gaps. This investment not only benefits employees throughout their careers but ensures they contribute positively to the company’s growth.
What is a skill and competency assessment?
A skill and competency assessment is a process that many companies use to evaluate the skills and abilities of their employees. This assessment can help to identify an employee’s strengths and allow you to match their skills to the requirements of their roles more effectively. By analysing their competencies, you can identify areas where they can improve, plan targeted training programs, and encourage professional development.
What methods can be used to assess skills and competencies?
Various methods can be used during a skills and competency assessment. Since not all will be equally effective for every organisation, it’s important to assess your options carefully. Some of the most common methods include:
Online skills tests
Skills tests can be a great way to determine if employees have the specific skills required for their roles. These tests allow you to assess an individual's abilities, whether technical, analytical, or job specific. Employees can take an online skills test at Skillsarena from anywhere, providing a convenient and accessible method of evaluation. Skills tests can provide you with valuable insights into employees' proficiencies, helping you to make informed decisions regarding roles and training within your organisation.
Performance evaluations
Performance evaluations are regular assessments of an employee's job performance. Normally, they involve a review of the individual's accomplishments, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as identifying any areas for improvement in their role. Performance evaluations focus on overall job performance, however, they can also play a key role in assessing specific skills and competencies.
Self-assessment questionnaires
Self-assessment questionnaires allow employees to assess their own skills and competencies, providing valuable insights into their perceived strengths and weaknesses. Employees will normally need to answer a series of questions related to various aspects of their roles. As well as identifying areas of strength, these assessments help employees recognise where they might require extra training or support.
360-degree feedback
The 360-degree feedback method involves gathering confidential, anonymous feedback from those who work with an employee, such as their colleagues, supervisors, and even clients in some cases. This process allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of their skills and competencies, with insights from various people helping to deliver a well-rounded assessment of their performance.
Online skills tests play a key role in assessing employees’ skills and competencies. Want to know more? Email our team find out how our skills tests can help you build an optimised workforce that drives your organisation’s growth.
