
Embarking on the journey of job interviews and assessments is a shared experience for many, excluding the select few born into privilege.
Job rejections, though disheartening, serve as crucial milestones in personal and professional development.
My own encounters with rejection prompted a reevaluation of my qualifications and aspirations, leading me to adopt a positive outlook on setbacks and explore new avenues for self-expression.
One notable rejection occurred during a promotion attempt at a previous workplace.
Instead of letting disappointment overwhelm me, I channeled that energy into honing my skills and seeking alternative outlets for my writing talent. This transformative experience inspired me to dig into blogging as more than just a leisure activity, turning it into a fulfilling side gig.
The dynamics of rejection took a turn when an external candidate was chosen over me for a promotion in my department.
Unfortunately, the business decision proved to be a failure, as the new hire struggled with writing and ultimately resigned within a year.
The repercussions were detrimental to both the company and the department, highlighting the pitfalls of overlooking competency in the hiring process.
In my subsequent attempt at a promotion, I observed a departure from the conventional interview process.
The management chose a colleague based on what they call “holistic” preparation rather than following the traditional interview and assessment procedures.
Like the previous colleague who resigned, the replacing talent could hardly write.
As a junior colleague, I found myself in the position of making necessary recommendations to edit his works, including the simplest ones.
This experience further emphasized the critical importance of assessing competencies during the hiring process to ensure the suitability of candidates for their roles.
Undeterred by the setbacks, I decided to broaden my horizons beyond the confines of my current workplace.
Turning to LinkedIn, I sought part-time writing opportunities and was pleasantly surprised when a U.S.-based news organization responded promptly to my application.
Their approach deviated from the conventional interview process, opting for a strictly monitored two-stage writing assessment instead.
The efficacy of this assessment method became evident when I received a positive response within a week, accompanied by a contract to start immediately.
Unlike my colleague, who underwent extensive training, I dove into the role without any onboarding, showcasing the efficiency of competency assessments in identifying and securing the right talent.
This personal journey underscores the importance of competency assessments in the modern recruitment landscape.

Traditional methods, as witnessed in my own experiences, often fall short in ensuring the selection of the most qualified candidates. The benefits of competency assessments extend beyond organizational gains to encompass individual career growth and job satisfaction.
In today’s recruitment world, organizations must prioritize competency assessments to avoid the pitfalls associated with traditional selection processes.
My own experiences stand as a testament to the transformative power of competency assessments, providing a more effective and accurate measure of a candidate’s potential within an organization.
This underscores the validity of the truism presented in this LinkedIn article, emphasizing the importance of competency assessments in talent acquisition.
As business leaders and HR professionals navigate the complexities of recruitment, embracing competency assessments becomes not just advisable but imperative for sustained success.
Why Competency Assessments Matter:
- Enhances the ROI of Your Recruitment Investment:
To thrive in the current competitive environment, organizations must focus on hiring the right talent. Traditional selection processes fall short, and incorporating assessments enhances the recruitment budget’s efficiency while ensuring better retention.
- Exposes the Strengths and Areas for Development in Your Candidates:
Competency assessments provide valuable insights into a candidate’s ability to perform on the job, unveiling strengths and weaknesses. This information optimizes onboarding processes and empowers managers to guide their teams effectively.
- Predicts Candidate Success Probability:
Competency assessments contribute to predicting a candidate’s likelihood of success, offering a more accurate measure of their potential within the organization.
Steps to Take If You’ve Hired Without Assessment:
For business leaders and HR professionals who find themselves in the predicament of hiring without assessment, the following steps are crucial:
- Carry Out a Job Analysis:
Conducting a comprehensive job analysis helps identify the nature of the role, required skills, and potential challenges. This process sets the groundwork for establishing the right expectations, job descriptions, and candidate profiles.
- Conduct a Competency-based Assessment:
Implementing a competency-based assessment center addresses gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful job performance. This approach aids in determining areas for development and intervention.
Final Thoughts:
Competency assessments, whether conducted pre or during employment, are invaluable tools benefiting both organizations and employees.
Ensuring the right fit not only enhances organizational performance but also fosters individual career growth and engagement on the job. In today’s recruitment landscape, a strategic shift toward competency assessments is not just advisable but imperative for sustained success.