Retail Test

The retail test is a pre-employment screening assessment used by employers recruiting for roles in the retail industry.

  • About the retail test

    Retail tests evaluate individuals' skills and abilities required for success in roles in the retail sector. When recruiting for positions in the retail industry, recruiters need to ensure that the people they select have the relevant skills necessary to deal with the demands of working in this industry.

    Skills such as communication and interpersonal skills, adaptability, and problem solving skills are needed in all roles. As is strong numerical reasoning and the ability to make decisions based on written information.

    The retail tests provide recruiters with a comprehensive evaluation of which individuals in their applicant pool have these skills. Results from the test also provide comparable data which recruiters can use to distinguish between applicants of a similar experience level.

    Using the retail tests in the early stages of the recruitment process ensures that the recruitment process is objective and efficient in selecting the best candidates for retail roles.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. About the retail test
  2. Benefits of the retail test
  3. Recommended tests for assessing retail skills
  4. Retail Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • Benefits of the retail test

    One of the biggest challenges recruiters face when recruiting for retail positions is identifying suitable candidates based on the skills and aptitudes needed for success in the role.

    Applicants may state they have strong communication and problem solving skills, but being able to assess this through a CV or interview alone is tricky.

    The retail tests overcome this hurdle by providing recruiters with a practical way of gaining a better understanding of an individual's skill set and proficiency in the skills needed for retail roles. Candidates attaining high scores on the test demonstrate the skills necessary to deal with customers and clients effectively, understand their perspectives and reach logical conclusions based on this.

    The results also identify those that can use numerical information in decision making and determine the key messages from written information to deliver exceptional client service.

    Retail opportunities often attract a large volume of applicants. The sector is fast-paced and covers a wide range of roles, such as:

More Industry Tests

There are several skills needed for success in the retail sector. When recruiting for any role in this industry, evaluating individuals on these skills is essential. This ensures as a recruiter, you make objective decisions on which candidates are most suitable for the role you have to fill.

Interpersonal skills test

Dealing with external and internal customers is central to roles in the retail sector. Communicating with them effectively, adapting your communication according to the situation, and fostering a productive working environment are all essential for success in any retail-related role. The interpersonal skills test evaluates individuals on these abilities.

Candidates are presented with a series of situational questions along with multiple-choice answers. They must read the given information and select which responses best represent how they would react in the given scenario. Recruiters can use the results to determine how effective individuals are in using their interpersonal skills when working in teams and as individuals.

Verbal reasoning test

The verbal reasoning test evaluates individuals on their aptitude in understanding the meaning of words in a passage to extract key pieces of information and use this to solve problems.

Verbal reasoning is crucial in any retail role. Information is often shared as written reports or documents, requiring individuals to pick out the key points and use this knowledge to benefit customers. The verbal reasoning test evaluates individuals on this important skill.

The test comprises questions as short passages of text followed by statements. Candidates must state whether the statement is true or false, or they cannot say based on the information they have read.

Numerical reasoning test

The numerical reasoning test evaluates an individual's ability to use numerical information to solve problems. This aptitude is needed in many retail roles where understanding financial information and sales data is used to make decisions. These decisions could be product or supplier related or help inform purchasing or merchandising decisions in a store.

The numerical reasoning test is a timed assessment requiring individuals to use basic mathematical principles such as fractions, percentages, or ratios. Candidates need to be able to interpret numerical information, use these principles and select which of the multiple-choice answers they believe to be correct.

The test is a timed assessment that also evaluates an individual's ability to work under pressure.

Problem solving test

Solving problems is a skill needed in any sector, including the retail industry. Having the ability to think analytically to reach a logical conclusion is essential when working with internal and external customers.

The problem solving skills test evaluates individuals' skills in analyzing a problem and their ability to think critically and analytically in reaching a conclusion based on the information given. The test uses scenario-based questions to evaluate these skills.

Candidates are presented with a short scenario followed by multiple-choice solutions. They must read and analyze the situation and select their preferred solution or outcome.

Personality test

Personality tests provide an objective assessment of an individual's traits and characteristics. The test results are used to determine an individual's suitability for a role in retail.

Positions in retail require individuals to be customer-focused, sales orientated, and open to using data to make decisions. Personality tests evaluate individuals on specific traits, their preference for working, and how well an individual would fit into the organization's working culture.

The test usually takes the form of a questionnaire. Candidates need to rank or rate responses to each situational question according to their least or preferred approach.

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Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Retail Test FAQs

Which skills are useful when working in retail?

There are several skills required for a successful career in the retail sector. These include communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills. Individuals should also have numerical reasoning skills to understand and interpret numerical and written information, using this to drive decision-making.

What types of questions are on the retail test?

The retail test is comprised of multiple-choice and situational questions. These questions often cover scenarios that individuals are likely to encounter when working in retail. The results of the test can be used to determine an individual’s suitability based on the skills needed for success in the role. These skills include interpersonal skills and numerical and logical reasoning.

What is the price of the retail test?

We offer a range of monthly and annual plans to meet your organization’s unique needs. Every plan includes our complete test suite covering all tests and all levels of difficulty. The only difference is the number of test attempts allowed.

Can I try out the test for free?

Yes, simply sign up (no credit card is required) and we’ll give you unlimited access for 7 seven days. Create as many jobs and test as many candidates as you want; you won’t be charged a penny.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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