ASK THE HEADHUNTER Job Assessment Tests: Don’t jump through hoops

[deanwebb]

Job Assessment Tests: Don't jump through hoops

In the October 3, 2017 Ask The Headhunter Newsletter, a reader doesn’t like doing assessment tests for employers who put no skin in the game. Question I really enjoy your direct and honest feedback to job hunters each week. I’d like to get your thoughts on jobs that make you do “assessment tests” to prove you are qualified. I do not work in the tech field where I know these are common. I’ve worked in marketing for 15 years, won awards, and worked for some top-name businesses. But recently I have encountered many recruiters that want you to prove your

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Source: Job Assessment Tests: Don't jump through hoops

[dlots]

I actually can very much see the benefit here.  The last place I worked our boss knew what he was doing, and he managed to put together a very good group.  He didn't need this kinda test.  However we had another manager for a different network group who didn't know networking, and drooled all over degrees and certifications and for years he hired the dumbest people you have ever meet, one of them literally spent 2 weeks troubleshooting a cable that wasn't plugged in between routers (directly connected Site A to Site B traffic). Since our group was doing the work of 2 groups we put together an assessment test for the manager.  Nothing challenging at all, it was ~10 min worth of troubleshooting with full CLI access.  Incorrect subnet mask, vlan not allowed though a trunk, and access port on the wrong vlan.  All of that was on the documentation sheet they were given.

I will admit I was in an interview that used a simulation on the internet, that was horrible: the question was wrong, you couldn't make changes, most commands didn't work, and shortcuts that you use on a normal CLI kill the web-browser.  That was not a fair test.

[icecream-guy]

That was a pretty good read. thanks

[deanwebb]

This is why I prefer hypothetical questions over the "show us what you got" stuff that the article mentions. Too often that "show us" stuff is unpaid consulting.