Language audit, recruitment audit – these are just some of the many names used to describe a language test prepared and conducted by specialists, designed to check foreign languages knowledge. Used by an increasing number of companies, especially as their recruitment strategy and internal processes, they provide a quick and reliable assessment. By using the services of a professional company specialising in this type of service, you can not only obtain independent and accurate results in accordance with the common european framework scale, but you can also save time that your employees can devote to other duties.
Language audit – only interesting to hiring managers?
Consider why and when you want to test foreign language skills and, above all, what you want to achieve through audits. Think if you need only quantitative data, or maybe qualitative data could also bring valuable insights for human resources. Situations in which language audits are usually carried out:
- recruitment audits – to identify qualified candidates that are a perfect match for your job descriptions, and verify the information provided in the CV;
- pre- and post-language training audits: to set up an appropriate syllabus and assess the learning progress or effectiveness of the course itself;
- selection of the most suitable employees: for example, to identify opportunities, work in an international team, contact with foreign contractors or customers;
- salary supplements on account of knowledge of a foreign language at a certain level.
Language audits during recruitment process
Language recruitment audits, as a part of recruitment strategies, are very often carried out as during recruitment process in order to thoroughly verify the qualifications of job candidates. In such situations, knowledge of grammar and vocabulary is most often checked, as well as the ability to write and speak independently. It is also a good idea to test reading comprehension skills by displaying instructions in the tested language and listening skills by playing recorded questions. On average, such test lasts about 30 minutes (average time) – of course, full tests can also be scheduled as part of the recruitment process, which on average last about 1-1.5 hours, allowing you to check the job seekers commitment and actual desire to get the job, which some use as their hiring strategies.
Recruitment audits for candidates can also be carried out in two stages – initially testing grammar and vocabulary, and then individuals who score well can be referred for an audit testing their ability to write and/or speak in a foreign language. You can easily add them to your current recruitment process and attract higher quality applicants. Recruitment audit can also build positive candidate experience.
Language audits for employees
Assessments of foreign language skills can be carried out not only among job applicants but also among current employees. In such situations, full audits, checking all language skills – or those focused on specific practical skills – are the most popular choice. Properly conducted audits give you information about the strengths and weaknesses of each employee – allowing you to perfectly plan language courses and assess their effectiveness.
Testing specific practical language skills also allows you to determine which employees are more suited to, for example, email communication and which are more suited to face-to-face, online or telephone conversations. With the help of the audits, you can also select the best employees for international teams or determine who should receive a salary supplement based on their knowledge of a foreign language at a level you specify.
What sets the Focus Audit Tool platform apart?
Our platform was built entirely for the purpose of conducting language audits – so it is extremely easy to use and intuitive, and you always have all the most necessary information and options at your fingertips. You can work on as many projects and have as many user accounts as you need. Moreover, we can set different visibility settings for commissioned audits for each user. In order for an auditee to perform an audit in Focus, they do not need to log in anywhere – everyone gets their own individual audit link, so setting up another account without remembering their login details is much appreciated by people solving the tests.
We also operate in line with GDPR. We have no problems with deleting the data according to your guidelines. In the case of longer-term cooperation, we settle payments on a monthly basis – the document workflow also takes place on the platform, so you can control all costs.
What do audits with Focus look like?
Our tests are created by language teaching specialists, and the audits themselves are tailored to the level of the auditees – so that someone at a lower level doesn’t get frustrated by having to answer questions that are too difficult.
We do not use a general time limit for the entire test – instead, we set a time limit for each question, thus making it more difficult to use aids while solving the audit (although this is not the only safeguard against cheating), which simulates actual language use.
In addition, the time allotted for each question allows you to focus better on a single issue without worrying about possibly using up the time limit and not being able to answer the remaining questions.
Adjust the audit to your hiring process!
You can configure the audit to suit your needs and job openings – including the type of skills tested, the number of questions or the time period for answers.
What else? We can personalise the pages on which the auditee takes the test by including your company logo or providing additional information, or even creating a special landing page. We can also add any questions that will not be checked by the auditor, but it may be helpful for you to find out the preferences of your candidates or employees (e.g. which working or study style they prefer).
Of course, we have an extensive database of questions as well as ready-made tests, but if you wish, we can create an audit using questions and recommendations created especially for you.
Sounds interesting? Would you like to find out more?
Make your recruitment efforts work and bring many successful hires of high quality candidates! Fill in the form or email us at contact@focusaudits.eu – our team will get in touch with you to prepare a tailored offer. You can also check out a demo version of our audits by filling in the simple form available here.