Community Chat

[JavaQueen]

Hi all forum ladies:

Still working as freelancer and looking for that full-time job. Or a part-time one that is reliable.

 I recently appled to an office administrator position on a whim. Surprise! I got their attention. They had emailed that they weren't through with viewing all the resumes, but they would get back to me to either chat or set up an interview. Of course, with these type of things, anything can happen. All the resumes have not been selected.Or they may pick me as an EOE candidate.

It's  a part-time position for a nonprofit. I have managed an office in a publishing company and ran a small law firm library. (That part I didn't put on the resume and they still contacted me.)

This is one of these where I have 90 percent, but not all skills. 

My question is this: If I pass a screening interview, what kind of written skills test might I encounter in 2017. I have been checking career sites for this, but I know we have quite a mix of people here who might be able to provide a few tips. I am looking for real life examples.

Many thanks for reading!

Java

[Deb665]

Hi JavaQueen! 

When I retired from a management position with a community bank each department manager decided what skills were important for their department and the tests were tailored toward those specific skills.  I worked in a department that dealt with all electronic processing of funds and our top customers.  The tests for my department were:  Basic Decision Making and Problem Solving

           Math Skills

           Computer Skills

               Excel

               Word

            Communication Skills

None of the tests were especially hard, they were given on the computer and timed.  The job candidate had to pass the tests before I was allowed to interview them.  This also applied to any internal applicants who might not have already tested in these areas.

Try to relax about the testing.  I'm sure you'll do great!

I hope this information helps.

[chrystaltree]

That's great.  They verified that they received your resume.  They are now in the process of screening the resumes, depending on how many they have, that can take a while.  They'll make separate them into "to be interviewed"  and "thank you for applying but".  My employer doesn't administer pre-employment tests for positions like that because they are professional grade and a 4 year degree, sometimes a 2 year degree are always required. There's no need to verify that an applicant can read, write and use a calculator.  When I started working 35 years ago, every employer gave those tests.  Honestly, I don't think you should be concerned with testsing if you can do 90% of the tasks on the job description and if you have the experience; you would pass easily.  90% of the skills is excellent, you'd be surprised at the number of people who can't even do 50% and HR still passes them along to the department for an interview...lol   Good luck!

[I am still oxox]

Please do not put too much stock in anything until you have a date fro an interview, on my last job hunt I got a lot of promises and very few interviews.

Also I an not understanding the EOE comment

[Laura14]

@JavaQueen  A written skills test?  I'd be curious about that too.  

I have been an OA my whole career and I've never done a written skills test.  Normally, they want the basic computer skills which in this day and age are MS Office and Outlook bare minimum.  And depending on who or what you are supporting, Power Point, maybe a certain database familiarity and advanced Excel may also be desired.

A written skills test I would think may be just to see how well you write (style, punctuation, grammar, etc) if you are going to be creating documentation in your position.  They may be looking at you for grant writing if this is a non-profit?  Just a guess.   If you worked for a publishing company, I'm sure you're all over that.  And frankly, this post is proof enough you are great with the English language.  

Congratulations on getting noticed.  Good luck!   

[VaBelle35]

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning she is a Diversity Candidate.

Most places no longer do pre-employment testing unless it is 100% necessary for the job AND it doesn't inadvertently select out a class of candidates.

I wouldn't worry about testing.  I would worry about selling yourself and your skills and qualifications and what you can do for the company.

[JavaQueen]

Thank you all for your input. When I first started created the thread, I hadn't had all my coffee. LOL.

Regarding, the EOC (Equal Opportunity Commission) candidate comment, I have had interviews where I sat there wondering why they called me the first place. Diversity in this case means older. I really think they called me as a place holder. The job was going to someone else, but they were forced to call a certain number of candidates for interviewing. (They either receive grant money or are U.S. government contractors.)

This being a nonprofit, who knows? This job is going to require a bit of everything and part of that may be editing the newsletter. They don't spell that out, but I happened to see the predecessor's profile and from that I learned two things: she had no business degree and also edited the newsletter. . As for my chances, I am not going to dwell on it.  Sometimes you think you're in the running and the person before you knocks out of the park. Then you're out before even getting your foot in the door.

I'll just have to see.  

[GCR18]

I've never heard of a writing test.  I wouldn't worry about that till/if it happens.  Keep it simple, clear and error free.  My company is big on skill sets.  If you can't give an strong example, you won't go any further.  Ex.  Decision making skills - tell me about a time when you made a bad decision.  What happened?  Seems like all our questions are about you being in a negative position.  We want to hear what you did about it to turn it around.

Sending positive vibes that you get an interview, then the position. 

[Plaid Pants2]

On a writing test, make sure that all words are spelled correctly and use correct punctuation.

[wildcat fan]

For some of my recent applications, I was asked to explain what I would do in this situation and what is my philosophy about _____ and what is my idea of an effective leader.  These were open-ended questions where they seem to try to get to know the applicant as well as assess his/her writing skills.  

Best of luck to you @JavaQueen!  😊