Interview task

[PileOfBooks]

I have a job interview next week and the email says their will be an "interview task" on arrival lasting 15mins. It's local council.

I really am not good with surprises. I like to plan in detail for everything.

Is it likely to be written/ an activity/ how do I revise??

I know I can't really ask but its making me more nervous than the interview. The role isn't one Ive done before but whereas I think I have a lot of similar skills/transferable skills I'm scared of being caught out by a lack of knowledge somewhere.

What is the job? I would guess it’s something simple like an inbox type task - ie prioritising tasks or perhaps writing a simple letter.

Ah I could do simple. It's sort of running parenting groups, so I'm worried it could be practical or testing on legislation or something. There were a lot of competencies in the application form!

Well you've got to interview stage so they must know from your CV that you have similar/transferable skills but not necessarily experience of the job itself. It really depends on what the role is but could well be something like setting you a scenario and seeing how you deal with eg time management, prioritising tasks, delegating, teamwork etc. Maybe it will be writing a letter/memo/article. I would guess it's more likely to test skills rather than knowledge so think about the skills you will likely need to do this role and concentrate on those.

Easier said than done but don’t panic!
When you get the task ensure you are totally clear on what you are doing and ask questions
You’ve got this far so you must have the skills they are looking for. Good luck

It just completely depends on what the role involves, but as above I'd expect the task to assess skills rather than knowledge. Likely to be computer based I'd imagine.

Only similar example I can think of is candidates for admin posts in my last workplace used to do a task involving composing a letter, sending an email, that kind of stuff.

Interview tasks I’ve done have included being given a spreadsheet of data and sorting it, creating a spreadsheet to coordinate something, preparing a written statement. They usually provide you with the information and you aren’t necessarily meant to understand every aspect of the data. My interview tasks have all been to show you have those transferable skills of communication, data entry and processing.

Hi thanks everyone for the reassurance. I think I have just begun to get anxious!

It isn't an admin/computer based role so I am thinking it is unlikely to be a paper/computer task. Although if it is I will be pleasantly surprised.

I did wonder if it might be scenario based perhaps. I once had to read a book as I would for children for a librarian role but that was fun! I hope it's not too much of a test but I will revise all my answers/ try and prepare some competency examples (I hate this) for the interview anyway which might help.

I don’t think there’s any harm in asking them what type of task and do you need any equipment/ resources etc. you might get a clue!

All interviews are different. Good luck

I've recruited for those kind of roles in the past (but mainly third sector ) I would only set a scenario based task or if recording was a part of the role it may be recording a session on paper (say feedback on what happened etc session planning on what to deliver etc ).

I have to say it's usually good practice to indicate what type of task it is. You are sure there hasn't been a separate email sent to explain ? For us it would often come out secondary to the invite and from our admin team?

@RestingPandaFace

I don’t think there’s any harm in asking them what type of task and do you need any equipment/ resources etc. you might get a clue!

Yeah I agree with this. I've had similar before and have simply replied thanking them for the email and something like "if there's any further information on the interview task, in which I should prepare for, please let me know." I tend to find they then say "no need to prepare, it's a role play (eg) and all information will be given on the day" or something to that effect. At least it gives you an indication on what you're facing!!

I always remind myself, an interview is for YOU as well as for them. You wouldn't marry someone just because they liked you if you didnt like them; jobs are the same. If they give you a horrendous, uncomfortable interview task, you will know that isn't a place you want to work anyway!

So, honestly, relax. If you don't get this job, you'll get another one. If you make an idiot of yourself it is just between you and them and you chalk it up to experience. Chances are you won't actually make a total idiot of yourself, so why put yourself through the mill worrying about it? The more relaxed you feel, the better you'll think on your feet and come across confident and friendly.

My driving instructor taught me to explain my thinking as I was driving, and it applies to interview tests too.

As an interviewer, I learned much more about a candidate who couldn't quite complete a task, but who had obviously thought about the ways to find out the solution.

E.g. In excel - looking at the formula, saying whether or not they recognised the function, looking at related cells. Even saying 'I'd ask my manager to show me how this function worked'.

If you can do it - great. But if you can't do it, show them how you've approached NOT being able to do things. My favourite ever hire was brilliant for that in her interview.

They have just said it is a 15min task that will be set on arrival. I have emailed to ask for more information but it is a generic HR email.

I really want the job, it sounds great and I think I would be a great fit!I am just anxious about the task now!

Thanks all. If I go in well prepared for the interview and come across okay hopefully it will go as well as it can.

That's great advice cats, thanks!