So you're looking for a job. You've submitted your resume and finally received schedules for assessments and interviews. This part of the job-hunting process can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In this blog post, I will share some tips on how to prepare for these assessments and interviews. With preparation, I hope that my tips help increase your chances of landing the job you want.
It is not easy to get a job in today's market. There is so much competition. It takes a lot to make an impression on a potential employer. Getting our foot in the door with your skills and experience is one thing. Passing the assessment and acing that interview is another.
Most of the jobs I have applied for have been online/remote work. Because of that, my assessments and interviews have all been online. Here are some of the things I've done to prepare for my online assessments and interviews that may help:
Preparing for Assessments
Review the Job Description
Online assessments are usually a test of the skills included in the job description. Familiarize yourself with the skills in the job description. This will give you an idea of the kind of tests you may need to take.
Practice Similar Tests
There are many sample questions and assessments online. This can range from basic aptitude tests to exams that will test job knowledge. You can search for aptitude tests online to practice. More specific tests would depend on the job you are applying for.
It helps to practice these online exams. They may not be the exact questions on your assessment, but they will help you get used to this type of assessment.
Ask for Help
Ask friends or family who are in similar jobs for help. Inquire about the types of tests that companies may use for the position. If you know a hiring manager for the industry you are applying for, you can ask for advice on how to prepare for your exam.
Review
Try to review the core skills required for the job you are applying for. Research on companies test for these skills during their assessments. Job applicants usually discuss their application experiences in forums online. You can find some idea of their online assessments from there.
Set Up Your Assessment Area
Prepare the location where you will be taking your exam if you are taking it online. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and that you are in an area free from distractions.
If possible, have a backup power supply and internet source ready in case you need it.
Set Up Your Supplies
Prepare whatever material you need for your assessment at the table next to you. In my case, I had a pen and paper ready in case I needed to make some quick calculations or notes.
Taking the Assessment
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| Photo by cottonbro studio |
Read Instructions
When taking an assessment, read the instructions carefully. Make sure that you understand what you need to do before you start answering the test. That way you do not have to start over in case you realize that you did not follow the instructions.
Practice Time Management
Take note of the time given for your assessment. Make sure that you divide your time well during the test. If you find yourself taking too long on one item, move on. Go back to it later if you have time. The important thing is to answer as much as you can correctly as possible.
Save Your Work
If possible, save your work regularly to avoid loss of data in case of a technical problem.
Keep Calm
Taking an assessment on a time limit can be stressful, Avoid the panic by staying focused on one question at a time. Again, if you find a question challenging, move on to the next. You can come back to it when you have time later.
Try to think positively while taking the exam. Having a positive mindset can help you go through the exam easier.
Review Your Work
If you have time, you need to review your answers before submission. Try to look for any errors and correct them while you can.
Preparing for Interviews
Do Your Research
Look up the company that you are applying for. Being familiar with the company and what it stands for will help you in your interview. With your knowledge, you can tailor your answers to show how you align with what the company is about.
Review Your Resume
Be ready to discuss your background and skills with the interviewer. Make a list of your experience and accomplishments that would show that you are the best person for the job.
Practice Your Interview
There are many sources for common interview questions that you can use for practice. Choose questions that you expect to hear from the interview and work on them.
Try coming up with answers that you can practice in front of a mirror with or with a friend. If you can, try to record yourself to see how you may appear in an online interview. Try to improve on any issues that you notice while you practice.
Among the common interview questions I've had are:
Why do you want to work here?
Why do you think you are right for the job?
What skills or experience do you have that would be good for this position?
Practice making good eye contact with the camera. Check to see how you can best use your body language and facial expressions to show your personality. It is more difficult to show this aspect during an online interview compared to a face-to-face. Practice will help to improve on that.
Prepare Your Questions
Make a list of things you want to know from the hiring manager. Ask more about the company, the work culture, and more details about the job. This will show that you have great interest in the position.
Take note that this is not only about showing interest in the position. Ask the right questions to also be sure that this is the right job for you. The interviewer may be evaluating you, but you are also trying to figure out if this is the right fit for you too.
During the Interview
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| Photo by Andrea Piacquadio |
Set Up Your Location
As with your assessments, make sure that you are in a place with a reliable internet connection. Make sure that you do not have any distractions and are in a quiet area. If you are at home, make sure no one interrupts you during the interview period. Turn off your phone or put it on silent for the interview.
Check your camera and lighting to be sure that the interviewer can see you well on screen. Check your background and your audio to be sure that you are interview-ready. Keep the setting clean and as professional as possible.
Again, have a backup power supply and internet connection in case you need it.
Dress Properly
Make sure to dress as if you are in a face-to-face interview. Be as professional as possible with your attire. Just because you are online it doesn't mean you can be casual.
Be On Time
Log in for the interview earlier than the allotted time to make sure that the online setup is working well. It also shows the interviewer your interest in the position by being early.
Listen Well and Be Concise
Make sure to listen carefully to what the interviewer says or asks before replying. Try to stop and gather your thoughts before giving a reply. Also, remember to keep your answers short and straight to the point. Avoid rambling and taking too long with your answer.
Be Honest But Humble
The interview is your chance to show off your skills and accomplishments. At the same time, you also need to balance it with a bit of humility.
Try to acknowledge your strengths but also share how you can still grow and learn. The balance of not downplaying yourself but showing you want the job is a challenge.
Share your skills and accomplishments but give credit to help from others. Show that you are open to feedback and that you are aware that there is always room for improvement.
After the Assessment and Interview
Follow Up
Send an email to the interviewer to thank them for the opportunity to interview for the position. Thank them for the time given to you to discuss your skills and how you can use them in the position you applied for. Reiterate your interest in the position and express hope that you can hear from them again soon.
Learn from the Experience
You may or may not pass the assessment or interview. That's a given. Whatever the outcome, try to look back on how you did and figure out how you can improve for next time.
I hope that this list of tips can help anyone who is out there trying out his or her luck with online job applications. If these tips have helped you in any way, please spread the word and share this post!
If you have any other tips that you can share, leave them in the comments section so that we can all learn from them!
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