Understanding LinkedIn Skill Assessments
LinkedIn skill assessments are a credible way of demonstrating and validating your knowledge in various fields. These assessments are short, standardized tests designed to validate your knowledge in specific areas — ranging from coding skills, to graphic design, to project management, and more. You’ll find these assessments on your LinkedIn profile under the ‘Skills’ section.
Importance and Advantages of LinkedIn Skill Assessments
LinkedIn Skill Assessments are essentially a proof of your skills. It’s one thing to list ‘Python programming’ as a skill on your LinkedIn profile, but taking and passing a LinkedIn Skill Assessment provides tangible proof of your knowledge and practical understanding of Python. This feature allows potential employers to trust that you have the skills you claim to have. These assessments also help you to stand out from the crowd. By displaying a “verified skill” badge on your profile, you’re able to convey that you’re proficient and knowledgeable about that skill to potential employers and professional acquaintances.
Apart from validating your skills for other professionals to see, these assessments can also help in personal skill development. They can be used as a benchmark for gauging your proficiency in various subjects. If you meet the passing score or higher, it confirms that you have a strong understanding in that area. If your score is lower than desired, you’re able to use that as an indication of skill areas that could use more learning or practice.
The main advantage of LinkedIn Skill Assessments is their direct impact on chances of acquiring a job. LinkedIn data indicates that members who pass LinkedIn Skill Assessments are approximately 30% more likely to get hired than members who do not.
How LinkedIn Skill Assessments Work
When you’re ready to take a Skill Assessment, just navigate to your profile page on LinkedIn and scroll to the Skills & Endorsements section. Then, select ‘Take skill quiz’. You will be able to choose from a list of skills associated with your listed experiences.
These assessments generally consist of around 15-20 multiple-choice questions. The questions are in a mix of formats like multiple correct options, true or false, and complete the statement. Although you are not competing against the clock, each assessment typically takes less than 15-20 minutes to complete.
If you pass the assessment, a badge verifying your skill will appear on your profile. This badge instantly communicates your proven proficiency to recruiters, other LinkedIn members and potential employers. If you do not pass the assessment, LinkedIn gives you the option to retake it after three months. In the meantime, LinkedIn provides resources to help you improve your knowledge and skills.
In summary, LinkedIn Skill Assessments are a valuable tool for both job seekers and recruiters. For job seekers, they can validate skills and make your profile attractive to employers. For employers, they provide assurance of a candidate’s claimed abilities. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a job, hiring talent, or just looking to showcase your skills, LinkedIn Skill Assessments can provide a useful and effective way to assert and prove your professional capabilities.