An editor requires a range of skills to oversee the production of great copy, which is why a skills test can be so important when hiring for this position.
An editor test is designed to ensure editors are competent at carrying out the key skills that are required to be successful in their role.
Editing involves carefully reviewing material before it is published, providing feedback and suggesting changes to improve it. Key skills for this type of role include error checking, communication, proofreading, creativity, language skills and knowing best practices when it comes to editing.
Using a series of multiple-choice style questions, candidates will be assessed on their knowledge and ability to successfully edit copy.
The editor test provides an easy, bias-free way of assessing a pool of editorial candidates and supporting shortlisting or hiring decisions.
Editors are typically in charge of copy (be that web pages, newspapers, magazines, etc) and decide what will be published and when. An editor test can help you assess the skills, competencies and cultural fit needed in a successful editor.
Resumes and applications are a first step to assessing an editor's ability to demonstrate some of the skills required, but are fairly limited. An editor test can help evaluate further, by assessing proofreading, attention to detail and problem-solving skills, as well as editing principles.
For recruiters, the test provides a great way to speed up the shortlisting process and allows a bias-free, data-driven approach to hiring, as opposed to selecting applicants based on experience alone.
Editor types you might consider using this test for include developmental editors, substantive editors, copyeditors and proofreaders. It can also be used for a range of other job roles, including:
Results for the Editor Test along with other assessments the candidate takes will be compiled to produce a candidate report.
The report is automatically generated and available both online and as a downloadable pdf so they can be shared with other team members and employees alike.
Candidates will need to answer a range of questions that measure industry-specific technical skills where applicable (e.g. Microsoft Word), soft skills (e.g. time management), aptitude (e.g. verbal reasoning) and relevant personality dimensions (e.g. integrity). The results present a holistic view of how well suited each candidate is for the job at hand, using a data-driven approach.
The format varies by type of question, including multiple-choice for aptitude and technical skills, situational judgement for soft skills and agreement on a Likert scale for the personality dimensions. This approach ensures candidates are being assessed in an accurate and fair manner, and that results reflect the true underlying qualities of each candidate.
The characteristics, abilities and knowledge necessary to be an editor were identified using the US Department of Labor's comprehensive O*NET database. O*NET is the leading source of occupational information that is constantly updated by collecting data from employees in specific job roles.
During the development process, test questions were rigorously analysed to maximise reliability and validity in line with industry best practices. They were created by our team of I/O psychologists and psychometricians – who collaborated with subject-matter-experts – and field-tested with a representative sample of job applicants who have varying experience, just like you might find in a talent pool.
Each test is reviewed by a panel of individuals representing diverse backgrounds to check for any sensitivity, fairness, face validity and accessibility issues. This ensures each candidate has a fair chance of demonstrating their true level of expertise.
Our editor test is monitored to ensure it is up-to-date and optimised for performance.
Validated
Neuroworx provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
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Origins
Yes. The editor test can be sent to anyone outside of your organisation to test whether they are competent and fit your role requirements for a successful editor.
Situational judgement tests, personality assessments or speed typing tests might also be useful tests for an editorial vacancy.
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