Games & digital simulations
Innovative instruments are increasingly being added to assessments. This is primarily because these instruments have additional advantages when compared to traditional questionnaires and tests. These are often digital applications, but that is not always the case.
With digital applications, it is important to realize that frequently, more is being measured than you are aware of. It is precisely because your “behavior” can be recorded. Cursor movement and browsing behavior can be used to find a measurement. These “implicit measurements” are therefore an important advantage of games and simulations. Preparing for these is more complex and the question is whether it is actually beneficial. Being aware of the fact that a lot of what you do is being recorded is a step, but worth little if you don’t know the right way to go about it all. For example, are you the type to pore over tons of information or do you browse quickly and make snap decisions? These are difficult considerations that vary from job to job. All you can do is what you think is right. Manage your time and read the instructions very carefully. These instructions already contain a lot of information about the measuring method. Take advantage of this.
The measuring method between games and digital simulations does not differ much. Both methods often involve complex measurements that you are not constantly conscious of. With a questionnaire, you know that every answer results in a score and you can also assess how important it is for the position you are applying for.
Where games and simulations differ is the context. A game is often in a context completely unlike reality. A rocket launch is a good example. Is that going to be part of your job? Probably not, but how you arrive at that launch – the problem analysis, your judgment, etc. – can be important for the job that you want. As a result, this becomes an important part of the game. The player is drawn in deeply, so that they forget it is a testing situation.
Digital simulations resemble a work situation more closely. In the past, these were called labor tests. In these simulations, you may be confronted with a full e-mail inbox and how you handle it will be observed. For example, can you set priorities well and create an overview of the situation.
When dealing with such innovative instruments, you should ask, just as with a questionnaire, what the relationship is with the relevant competencies that are key to the position. You are best served by addressing this in a calculating and strategic way, because that too is a form of intelligence that is very important on the work floor. If you cannot seem to figure it out, behave in the way you think is best and read the instructions very well. These will provide you with more traditional direction regarding what is expected of you. If it says “be careful with your time”, this means that you don’t have all day to approach things calmly or at a relaxed pace. Always be aware of this.