Interview "tests"- what's your experience?

[gettingridiculous]

Just had my first formal interview in 12 years. 30 minutes of face-to-face competency-based interview and then a "writing" test. I had been warned about a test but had no idea what it would entail.

I was sat in front of a computer by a new person who gave me a 2 page "brief" and told me I had 25 minutes to complete it. I had to write a piece for the company internet site, introducing myself and had to include a few key pieces of information as per the brief. 250 words max.

So I get to it and try and craft a piece that's paced, succinct etc. After 20 minutes the person comes into the room and says, the brief has been changed, HQ have issued new guidelines, you have 5 minutes to edit your piece to fit this new brief.

A hasty bit of cutting and pasting, deleting, writing, editing etc. and then told to stop when the shortest 5 minutes in history came to an end.

I found it quite amusing. Apparently I have passed the test and am now awaiting news on the next stage of the process.

Have others had this kind of experience - is this typical of interviews these days? I was going for a project manager/co-ordinator role BTW.

[boogiewoogie]

I think it is quite common to include a second stage assessment of some description in interviews as well as a face to face conversation. I've got one next week where I have to take notes and do a spelling test.

[thecuntureshow]

Yes totally normal!

[gettingridiculous]

I actually quite enjoyed it in a perverse way. I guess you can't prepare for it so it levels the playing field. Sounds like you have advance warning of the note-taking and spelling test boogiewoogie so you can practise ahead of it which is good.

[WipsGlitter]

So it was deliberate? Ie changing the brief was part of the test?

[gettingridiculous]

Yes, completely deliberate. Obviously testing my ability to perform under pressure. I think if I'd said "You must be f**ing joking!" I might have falied

[Rokenswife]

I've got a teaching interview coming up.

25 min lesson with a class using an unknown stimulus that will be given to me on the day. 30 mins to prepare beforehand. Then a 40 min interview. Argh!!!!!

[gettingridiculous]

Rokenswife good luck with the interview I imagine that will be quite an adrenalin rush! What age group are you teaching?

[Rokenswife]

The interview is y4 - have been out for 3 years so a bit daunting! Thank you! X

[Onedeterminedmotherholla1]

Loving this thread! Getting ridiculous- I've been out of work for 2 years due to breast cancer now trying to get back to work. I'm on second stage interview where I've been asked to prepare a 20 minute presentation on the 3 papers the firm sent me to review and also prepare a presentation on what I intend to do in my first 30 days on the job. So it looks like that's the way the world is going since we've been out of it. My advice - shit yourself as much as you can then pick yourself up, dust yourself down and go do your thing! Good luck, you'll be fine.x

[Rokenswife]

Ha ha I like the advice Motherholla! I think the worst bit is going to be coming home and waiting all afternoon for THE phone call. I shall fill my afternoon with episodes of the Young Ones. X

[Pennastucky]

I quite like the on-the-day tests with no prep. I tend to cope well in those scenarios.

What I DONT like are the presentations you have to prepare beforehand. I think its very cheeky. Recently invited to an interview where they were asking interviewees (ten in total) to plan a two day conference (which they are actually putting on in September), and present it to the board. Great way to get ten people to plan your conference for free!