Taking and passing a LinkedIn skill assessment can seem intimidating, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it is very achievable. LinkedIn skill assessments allow you to showcase your proficiency in various skills, tools, and software. Passing a skill assessment displays a badge on your LinkedIn profile, verifying your abilities for recruiters and hiring managers. This can give you a competitive edge in your job search and career advancement. By following some key steps, you can confidently take a LinkedIn skill assessment and pass on your first attempt.
Understand the Importance of LinkedIn Skill Assessments
With over 740 million members, LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. It has become a go-to platform for recruiters and companies looking to hire. Displaying your skills and achievements on your LinkedIn profile is crucial for standing out to potential employers. LinkedIn skill assessments allow you to substantiate your skills in a way that is verified and endorsed by LinkedIn.
Some key benefits of passing LinkedIn skill assessments include:
- Verification of abilities – A passing score provides proof that you possess the skills claimed in your profile
- Competitive edge – Badges stand out and give you an advantage over other candidates
- Higher visibility – LinkedIn profiles with skill badges tend to rank higher in search results
- Professional prestige – Skill badges serve as meritable endorsements from a respected organization
- Opportunities – Passing assessments can lead to more profile views, messages, and job opportunities
Given these benefits, it is certainly worthwhile preparing for and passing any skills assessments that are applicable to your professional capabilities.
Check Your Eligibility for Taking Assessments
LinkedIn allows you to take a skill assessment only after you have added that skill to your profile. There are over 140 skills that LinkedIn offers assessments for, spanning a wide range of categories including:
- Software and programming languages like Java, JavaScript, HTML, etc.
- Creative skills like Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, Adobe Illustrator etc.
- Business and analytical skills like Accounting, Auditing, Statistical Analysis etc.
- IT skills like Network Security, Cloud Computing, Microsoft Azure etc.
To determine if you are eligible to take an assessment, add the relevant skill to your LinkedIn profile. This can be done by going to your profile, clicking on “Add profile section”, and selecting “Skills”. Search for the skill and click “Add” to add it to your profile. If an assessment is available for that skill, you will see a “Take skill quiz” button. The assessments are free for members.
Study and Prepare Thoroughly
Once you are eligible to take a skill assessment, it is important to spend time studying and preparing. The assessments are designed to rigorously test your proficiency in a skill. Preparing will help you demonstrate your abilities accurately.
Here are some tips for studying and readying yourself:
- Review all aspects of a skill – Assessments test a wide range of concepts and applications, not just basics. Study broadly.
- Take practice tests – Getting familiar with the format ahead of time prevents surprises.
- Visit the Learning Center – LinkedIn offers related courses and materials for each skill.
- Learn terminology – Know key terms and concepts associated with a skill.
- Study technical resources – Consult official manuals, documentation, tutorials, and textbooks.
- Leverage online resources – Take advantage of the wealth of information online.
- Watch video tutorials – Numerous experts share advice on YouTube and other platforms.
- Study with others – Form study groups to quiz each other.
Preparing extensively maximizes your chances of demonstrating your abilities fully on an assessment.
Understand the Testing Format
LinkedIn skill assessments follow a multiple choice question format. Understanding the general structure of the tests allows you to approach them sensibly.
Some key points about the format:
- Around 10 – 25 questions
- Time limit of a few minutes, depending on skill
- Multiple choice questions, select one correct answer
- Consists of scenario-based and conceptual questions
- Cannot go back to previous questions
Going into the assessment aware of the format means you know what to expect. Be sure to consider the time limit when preparing. Since you cannot go back to questions, also prepare by taking practice tests without going back to build up speed. Knowing the general test structure keeps you calm and focused when it counts.
Read Questions Carefully and Thoroughly
It is vital to read each question and all answer choices slowly and meticulously when taking the actual assessment. The questions are designed to test nuanced knowledge, so read carefully to fully grasp what is being asked.
Here are some tips for reading questions properly:
- Read the question stem multiple times to absorb it fully.
- Pay attention to keywords that indicate what the question is targeting.
- Read through all answer options before selecting one.
- Go back to the question stem to reread right before answering.
- Avoid skim reading, focus on each word and detail.
- Listen to your inner voice reading to further absorb the material.
- Paraphrase the question to double check your understanding.
You will have limited time, so maintain focus and read actively rather than passively. By reading questions thoroughly, you pick up on nuances and avoid falling into traps.
Apply Strategies to Overcome Knowledge Gaps
For most skills, there will be some questions testing niche concepts you may not have studied or encountered before. Do not panic if you come across unfamiliar material on an assessment. Stay calm and apply strategies to make your best guess.
Some techniques for overcoming knowledge gaps:
- Try to parse together the concept from the wording and context.
- Eliminate clearly wrong answers to narrow down options.
- Select the answer that sounds most reasonable or sophisticated.
- Pick a more general, encompassing choice over a specific one.
- Imagine explaining the concept to judge which choice makes most sense.
- Focus your remaining time on easier questions you can answer definitively.
Guessing strategically will maximize your chances on unknowns. Maintain confidence and do not fret over one confusing item. Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers, so take your best guess and keep moving forward.
Check Your Work at the End
Try to save a minute or two at the end of the assessment to quickly review your answers. Since you cannot go back to specific questions, this end check allows you to catch any careless mistakes.
Here are some tips for checking your work at the conclusion:
- Scan through all your answers to make sure none were accidentally left blank.
- Double check questions you were unsure about to affirm your guess.
- Ensure your answers align logically and do not contradict each other.
- Make sure your answers make sense in the context of the questions.
- Change answers you have doubts about since there is no penalty.
- Consider if there were patterns, like selecting mostly As, and adjust.
- Give priority to reviewing your weakest areas on the assessment.
The few minutes spent looking over your work could make the difference between passing and failing, so do not skip this end step.
Stay Calm and Confident During the Test
It is normal to feel some nerves when taking a skills assessment. However, staying grounded in the moment will help your performance. Avoid stressing over individual questions or the overall test.
Here are some tips for maintaining calm and confidence during the assessment:
- Breathe slowly to counteract any panic.
- Remember that you studied and prepared for this.
- Focus on answering each question, not the big picture.
- Let go of perfectionism or overanalyzing questions.
- Imagine you are an expert calmly demonstrating your skills.
- Smile and sit up straight to feel empowered.
- Flag tricky questions to come back to if there is time.
- Believe in yourself and your abilities.
Taking assessments can induce anxiety. Counter this by staying present, trusting your preparation, and projecting confidence. This mindset allows you to perform to the best of your ability.
Learn From Your Results and Feedback
After completing a LinkedIn skills assessment, you will receive your results and a breakdown of performance in different areas. Use this feedback to continue learning, even if you pass and earn the badge.
Analyze your results and feedback to:
- Identify strengths to build upon further.
- Pinpoint weaker areas needing improvement.
- Research concepts you were unsure or mistaken about.
- Update your study resources and strategies accordingly.
- Retake practice tests to improve.
- Enroll in courses to deepen knowledge.
- Discuss with colleagues to gain other perspectives.
- Determine skills to learn next.
The assessments themselves provide an invaluable opportunity to determine your proficiency and chart your growth in a skill. Use results proactively as part of your ongoing professional development.
Retake Assessments After Studying More
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake a skill assessment after a waiting period. Use this time to thoroughly study and practice before your next attempt.
Here are some tips for preparing for a retake:
- Carefully review your results report and notes from the first try.
- Research concepts you were weak on.
- Study technical manuals, textbooks, documentation, and other resources.
- Watch video tutorials to reinforce foundations.
- Take practice tests focusing on harder question types.
- Study with others to discuss areas needing work.
- Sign up for courses to strengthen weaknesses.
- Get comfortable explaining concepts out loud.
- Work through practical exercises and sample projects.
Think of the waiting period as an opportunity to level up your skills, instead of a delay or failure. Come back energized, armed with new knowledge, and ready to show your improvement on a retake.
Conclusion
LinkedIn skill assessments present an exciting chance to prove and grow your capabilities. By understanding the importance of assessments, thoroughly preparing, reading carefully, overcoming knowledge gaps, reviewing work, staying confident, learning from feedback, and diligently studying again if needed, you can demonstrate your proficiency. With the right strategic approach, you will pass your LinkedIn skill assessments and unlock new opportunities in your career.