Proofreader Test

When looking to fill a proofreader position, it's important to make sure that the candidate has the skills necessary to do the job. A proofreader skills test can help ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the position.

  • What is a proofreader skills test?

    A proofreader skills test is an assessment that is used during the application process to check each candidate on their skills, aptitudes, and attributes that will help them be successful in the role.

    The proofreader pre-employment assessment is administered online, and it is a straightforward multiple-choice test that measures a candidate based on their ability to apply their experience and knowledge, which allows them to demonstrate that they would be able to perform the daily tasks needed for success.

    For the recruitment team, the proofreader job knowledge test is a simple way to get usable data about each candidate, which can be used to make decisions about which candidates to take further in the recruitment process based on their skills. The test can be administered to a large number of candidates at the same time, making it an efficient method to filter through a big pool of applicants and focus on the ones that are the best options.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a proofreader skills test?
  2. What are the benefits of using the proofreader skills test for pre-screening?
  3. How our test measures proofreader skills
  4. Proofreader 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.

  • What are the benefits of using the proofreader skills test for pre-screening?

    When hiring for a proofreader, recruitment teams usually look for a combination of specific qualifications such as a degree in English or journalism, as well as a certain number of years of experience.

    While these criteria are useful for finding candidates and can be used for a paper sift, there are other skills and attributes that make a candidate more likely to be successful, and these are not easy to find in a CV or application form.

    A proofreader is responsible for checking text before it is published, looking for errors in spelling and grammar as well as inconsistencies in the content and the style. To be successful, the proofreader needs a high level of attention to detail, great knowledge of spelling and grammar, and excellent communication skills. The proofreader has to be able to work with authors, displaying tact and diplomacy as well as negotiation skills to ensure that any changes that need to be made are completed.

    Other aptitudes like adaptability and the ability to multitask are also needed but not easy to check using a CV or even in an interview situation - which is why recruitment teams turn to the proofreader test.

    Every candidate takes the test in their own time, usually at home, via an email link. They are presented with the same questions asked in the same way, so the results of the assessment are unbiased and provide quantifiable data.

    From the results, recruiters can choose to continue the application process with the candidates that have reached or exceeded the benchmark score. This will reduce the time spent in interviews to only the candidates who can meet requirements in skills, aptitudes, attributes and qualifications.

    The proofreader skills test would also be useful for recruiters that are looking for qualified candidates for roles like editors, copy editors, assistant editors, and even web editors.

More Job Skills Tests

How our test measures proofreader skills

Test questions are designed to assess industry-specific technical skills, soft skills, aptitude and suitable personality dimensions. Our data-driven approach provides results that enable you to determine how suited is a candidate for the role.

Depending on the type of question, the format of the test may vary. Multiple-choice questions are used to measure aptitude, technical skills and soft skills, while agreement on a Likert scale assesses suitable personality dimensions. Skills tests ensure that candidates are being evaluated in a precise and impartial manner, their results demonstrating the true knowledge and potential of each test taker.

The characteristics required to be a proofreader were determined by looking at the skills and abilities listed in the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, which collects data from professionals in various fields.

O*NET is the largest database of its kind, providing detailed information about occupations and the requirements for each role.

Our team of I/O psychologists and psychometrics worked closely with subject-matter experts to create an extensive question bank that can be used to test multiple candidates. We also conducted rigorous field testing with a representative sample of candidates to ensure that the questions were reliable and valid.

Test scores are averaged together to give an overall score. The average score is compared to other candidates' scores to ensure there is no bias toward certain candidates.

Our proofreader test is constantly updated and optimized to ensure the best experience and results.

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Validated

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

Proofreader Test FAQs

What are the most important skills for a proofreader?

A proofreader needs to have excellent knowledge of language, particularly spelling and grammar, but they also need to be persistent and methodical with attention to detail. Proofreaders do need to be able to communicate, both with authors and publishers, to ensure that necessary changes are delivered with tact and diplomacy.

What software skills should a proofreader possess?

A proofreader usually works in a document editing program, usually Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Some proofreaders might want to use specialist software like Grammarly or Copyscape, and this might be something that a recruitment team might be looking for specifically.

Can I see what the test is like?

Yes, of course. You can try the test for free by signing up for a free trial.

Are these tests available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

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

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