a company just called me for an interview but told me the way the interview process works is you come in, then fill out an application, then you take a typing test, and 3 other tests. if you dont pass the typing test then you dont make it to the 3 other tests and you dont get the interview.
basically you have to pass all the tests before you even get to see the HR lady for the interview.
Why do companies do this???
NovemberSue
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
They must be looking for someone who has certain qualifications for example someone who can type at least 60 words a minute.
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
thanks. I can do between 60 and 65 (I have been tested quite a few times) and that I know I can pass, but lately it seems the last few job interviews I have been going on all the companies do is test your skills even before you get into the interview. You dont pass the tests then forget the interview.
One person told me to block at least 3 hours for the interview because I have to do 2 hours of testing first
ILT1221
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
I hate those tests. It sounds like they want you to take a typing test, a computer test and maybe an English (grammar/spelling) test. They get so many applications that they want to weed out those they shouldn't bother with.
I think you should go for it even though its annoying.
NovemberSue
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
Perhaps they feel that they don't want to waste their time interviewing someone if they don't meet their specific qualifications.
ChristineC68
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
I can sort of understand it from an employers persepective. They don't want to spend time and energy interviewing someone and finding someone they like and then end up with someone that fudged their qualifications on their resumes. Or worse, hire someone that can't do the job. They be back to square one.
From the job hunters perspective, it's annoying as all hell. Why can't they create a 'permanent record' of sorts that you can bring to job interviews or attach to your resume so they know if you have the proper qualifications.
Good luck with your interview
acp1101
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
Well being a manager I can tell you...if I'm looking for and admin let's say...I want to know that what they wrote on their resume they can actually do!
You have NO idea how many people lie and then get hired...then you get stuck with a lemon!
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
I am going, but extremely dreading it. It feels like one of those chores you just dont want to to.
Those tests get extremely annoying. I dread going anywhere now because of all these tests.
If i even hear the word test I get sick.
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
i can understand the employers perspective of testing everyone because they want to make sure you can do the job, i just dread the tests.
I went to one place that wanted a 95 or better on microsoft programs. I got a 90 on excel and powerpoint and they didnt even want to give me the time of day. I have certificates from advanced classes that I can do all the programs and programs some people never even heard of. but they wanted a 95 and shoved me right out the door.
its things like that, that really hurt and upset me.
ChristineC68
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
that's ridiculous!
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
thanks
michele31
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
let us know how you do...
I will say that you need to go into each interview with a very positive attitude, even if you hate the testing part. Attitude can really make or break an interview.
As for the other test...the company has a certain skill level that they want. in today's market there are a lot of overqualified people out of work looking for jobs that are less than their skill level,pay levels etc...so competition is high. have you considered going back to school for some refresher courses? maybe that will help you compete in such a tight market. or even going back to school and learning some new skills?
Teri
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
We test here, mainly because they want to prove what you indicate on your resume, as far as computer skills. Anyone can say they can type, but they like to see results of tests to be sure.
I can imagine how annoying it is to constantly prove yourself - maybe you can ask for a copy of the scores and bring them along to other interviews?
Niecey
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
You would not believe how many people lie or don't have the skills they say they have - even certificates at all. I am actually reviewing a MS Access test for HR to give candidates as we speak so it is very funny you post about this.
My office does not do this for everyone - only positions that require certain skills that would be hard to judge from an interview. Usually HR does do a brief interview first to get ot the testing part though. I use to be repsonsibile for doing this testing and still have certain key people request that only I test these people. We almost always do it for admin positions esp. for key people's admin's. I have seen everything with these tests. People claim to be experts and can't put together a simple Excel spreadsheet. I have seen people cheat. I have seen people get bored with the test and try to open the internet icon and browse the web!
One hint - be careful how you act during the test. Not only do I work to grade the tests and report the results, I give feedback on how they acted during the test. I am the only person who gets to see how a person actually works when left alone! I give feedback on work ethic, dress and attitude and prefessionalism. The COO actually finds this more important than the test results.
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
there is a company thati have done my training with and they were great and would consider going back there for some refresher courses but funds are a little low so once funds come in then i will go back for those courses
MrsTC
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
to weed out the good and the bad....
I don't even bother with those companies anymore...such a waste of time to me. All you need is an interview and some professional references, IMO.
ETS: Niecey sorry didn't read your post - no offense
Niecey
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
LOL - No offense at all, Future.....I do agree some tests are ridiculous but some are extremely helpful to the employer!
I know that once an agency asked me to take a test and I could not be bothered. It was not at all relevant to what kind of job I was looking for so why should I take the test for an agency when so many did not require me to. Plus - if the test wasn't relevant I was scared they would try to send me to jobs that weren't relevant.
anna
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
those tests are ridiculous. I took a powerpoint one once, and I had never used powerpoint. I got about an 80% and had never even seen the software before. they were so strict on me getting an 85 or something, what a joke. of only the companies knew that they were allowing candidates to retake the test UNTIL they got a good score! (Hello, useless??) Ive been able to play around with and figure out any new application, 'testng' is just something that puts someone on the spot and doesnt measure a **** thing. and as far as typing, I dont type with the 'correct' fingers, but I sure as hell can get anything typed up in a jiffy, my sister laughts at how fast I type with the 'wrong' fingers. for the most part, none of my jobs looked for these specific skills, and my bosses were more the types that would say 'here, i bought ya front page, can you do XYZ by Friday?'
sorry I babbled...
WithThisRing
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
thanks girls
i do however have some good news i will post later..
i have to run around right now
Niecey
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Re: why do companies test you on your skills
anna - also it depends on the type of test. We actually ask our candidates to create a memo from a sample or create a spreadsheet based ona sample - not just multiple test questions. It actually shows a lot about a person's skills and work ethic. If they couldn't do something - what did they do, how did they react. If they follow instructions. The instructions specifically say to make your memo as close to the example as possible - you should see some of the things that come back to me. Shows a person cannot follow instructions! Also, we don't grade with a number - we kin dof look how much do they know, how much should they know to do this job and do they appear trainable. You would not believe how many people cannot control a mouse yet claim to be an expert on the computer! It is pretty funny!
