Q&A – Assessment Testing Format To Your Benefit

Posted on | November 13, 2009 | Author: | lindsayascott | No Comments

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If youve wondered why you dont take an assessment exam in a more formal setting, you may be ignoring the notion that informal response can play directly into your hands.

If you've ever wondered why assessment exams aren't given in a formal setting, you've ignored the notion that informality can play into your hands.

“I can’t make sense of a company e-mailing me an assessment test to do on my own time. Why wouldn’t they want me to do this in an office setting instead?” - Manish, London

Manish, thanks for your question. There are two main reasons for this, and both are to your advantage. Firstly, some organisations do request that you come in for a face-to-face interview and complete the assessments tests whilst you’re there. This is a heavy day! Chances are that there will be more than one assessment test and each test can take up to one hour. Let’s say you have both a verbal and numerical test to take and then the interview. This is an intense three hours that will leave you feeling wiped out by the whole process.

So secondly, by taking the tests away from the interview situation and allowing you to do them in the comfort of your own home, you are much more likely to perform better without the additional stress. You can also take as many practice tests as you like before commencing the “real” test and you can also carry out the tests armed with a coffee and chocolate to keep your energy up!

I must admit, some people have been known to include their family members or friends when taking the tests but realistically the time limits on the test often mean you really do want to give it your best shot and avoid the temptation of cheating!

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This article is reprinted from the Q&A section of the October edition of Project Management Tipoffs, the project management newsletter from Arras People. It’s the project management issues and news bulletin no discerning project management professional should be without – subscribe to Tipoffs today.