Pros and Cons of USA Hire℠ Assessments

The following post explores the Pros and Cons of USA Hire℠ Assessments.

USA Hire Assessments are competency-based evaluations used within the federal hiring process for measuring variables like critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills.

Read: Eligibility vs Qualifications in Federal Hiring

Related: Best Federal Resume Writing Services

These assessments are generally regarded as beneficial for evaluating candidates (by the federal agencies that use them). However, many job applicants find these assessments cumbersome and frustrating.

Here’s what you need to know.

Equal for All (Pros)

One of the biggest benefits of these assessments is making the federal application process more equal. Every applicant takes the same assessment, which promises a more level playing field and a merit-based process.

Closer Evaluation (Pros)

These assessments are designed to simulate situations you may encounter on the job, allowing you to demonstrate your problem-solving and critical thinking skills in practical contexts. That’s good news if you’re concerned that your Federal Resume isn’t able to convey the full scope of your skills.

Time Consuming (Cons)

One of the biggest issues with these assessments is how time consuming they are. Many take several hours to complete. Needless to say, it can be quite discouraging to invest several hours into completing an extensive assessment – with no promises of any return on investment.

Scoring System (Cons)

Another big issue is the lack of a scoring system for candidates. After completing the assessment you don’t receive a score. You’re investing time and effort into the process without receiving direct feedback on how well you performed and/or how you could improve.

Lots of Complaints (Cons)

The following Reddit post offers more insight into the most common complaints from applicants.

Pictured: Screenshot of Reddit forum discussion.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope this article helps you understand the benefits and drawbacks of USA Hire Assessments. It’s important to understand that these are part of the evaluation process when applying to federal jobs.