How you communicate an assessment to a participant significantly impacts their experience and your completion rates. Instead of viewing it as a hurdle, participants should see the assessment as a positive step forward in their journey with your organization.
1. Frame the Assessment as a Signal of Progress
The most effective communication structures the assessment as a signal that the participant is successfully advancing through the hiring process.
- The Goal: Ensure the assessment feels like a clear sign that they are a desirable participant, rather than a barrier to being considered.
- The Language: Avoid overly transactional phrasing. Instead of saying, “The next step is an assessment,” use positive language such as, “We are excited to advance you in this process.”
2. Be Transparent About the Nature of the Assessment
Participants are more likely to engage when they understand the purpose behind the request. Your communication should clearly state:
- What is included: Briefly describe the types of content they will encounter, such as realistic job previews, screening questions, personality assessments, or behavioral statements.
- Why it is being used: Explain that the assessment is a vital tool for the organization to get to know them better and to measure if their qualities and aptitudes align with the position.
- Mutual Benefit: Highlight that a good fit benefits both the organization and the participant.
- Content types: Mention if they will encounter behavioral questions, short math assessments, or job-specific scenarios.
- Time Commitment: Always provide an estimated completion time. For example, “the average participant takes between 10 and 15 minutes to finish.”
3. The Impact of Positive Communication
Investing in your communication strategy yields measurable results. Data suggests that positive, encouraging communication about assessments leads to completion rates of 85% to 95%. This is considered extremely high compared to historical industry data.
Checklist for Assessment Emails
Participants are more likely to engage when they understand the purpose behind the request. Your communication should clearly state:
- Advancement: Does this feel like a “congratulations” for moving forward?
- Content: Is it clear what the participant will be doing?
- Purpose: Is it clear why the assessment is being administered?
- Duration: Does the participant know how much time to set aside?
Need help drafting your participant communication? Reach out to our team at support@highmatch.com