Temporary Staffing Services offers free testing services
for job candidates

Temporary Staffing Services (TSS) is offering a new job-skills testing service to all University departments to aid in hiring for regular positions. The service, Office Proficiency Assessment and Certification (OPAC), is offered at no cost to units.

"We test the work skills of most temporary employment applicants, which helps us fill open temp jobs with the most qualified people. But in response to department needs, we added more testing options," says Amy Danielson, human resources assistant, TSS. "By offering this additional service, we can customize test sets for almost any specific regular position a unit is trying to fill."

In all, TSS offers 38 skill tests, including proofreading, spreadsheets, and medical and legal terminology. By working with hiring supervisors, TSS can customize a testing package to ensure all required skills are gauged for a wide variety of positions.

"For example, for a payroll job we have bank deposits, bank reconciliation, basic math, 10-key and petty cash," says Jennifer Symanns, human resources clerk, TSS. "We also show supervisors the difficulty level of the tests, so they can better interpret the scores of their candidates. We even invite supervisors to take the exams, so they have a first-hand understanding of the process."

TSS employees suggest that the testing be used for a maximum of six candidates for a given position. The results also should be seen as a contributing, not deciding, factor in the hiring process, they say.

"We are here to help the University work, whether that means providing temporary staff or helping departments find more permanent solutions through testing," TSS coordinator Sandy Henkel says. "I'd be glad to discuss with anyone how TSS can help contribute to his or her unit's success."

To inquire about testing services or temporary staffing, contact Henkel at (734) 763-3591.

In all, TSS offers 38 skill tests, including proofreading, spreadsheets, and medical and legal terminology.

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