Expanded Skills Assessment Testing Services Now Available Statewide in Montana

The Department Of Labor and Industry Workforce Services Division today announced the expansion of skills assessment testing. "Hundreds of cutting edge skills tests that have been successfully assisting Flathead Valley and Missoula area employers to identify and select the most skilled candidates for their openings are now available in all Job Service Workforce Centers across the state," said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

The expanded testing service is possible through the use of an online testing software program that can assess a full range of skills using over 800 validated assessments and superior technology. Tests are available for clerical, software, industrial, healthcare, financial and technical job classifications. Features of the program include the ability to customize tests based on specific hiring needs and to obtain instant results from the Job Service Workforce Center upon completion of each test.

Employers using the testing services find it to be a great asset in their hiring and retention efforts. Leslie Bales, Personnel Officer with the City of Columbia Falls said, "We have used the Filing and Office Skills tests quite successfully. It gives a more realistic feel for an applicant’s actual skills. Sandy Nelson at Flathead Job Service actually helped me devise our own special test to help find an aptitude for spatial drawings."

According to Richard Griffin, Contact Center Manager for CenturyTel, "The results of the testing service have guided us in the selection of fantastic employees and added a valuable ingredient to our hiring process mix. We have been using the Call Center tests and the Sales tests and find them very appropriate and predictive."

Tests are administered by staff at the local Job Service Workforce Centers at no cost to the employer or job candidate – saving employers’ valuable time and money. Employers that want more information or want to request a test should contact their local Job Service Workforce Center. A directory of local Job Service Workforce Centers can be found on the web at: http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/service/officelist.asp

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Contact: John Lowney, Program Manager
Date: December 7, 2005 406-444-1383 (Phone)
406-444-3038 (Fax)
[email protected]