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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask for an extension for an assessment I have to do as part of a job application?

27 replies

oxgal · 27/06/2021 20:42

I'm applying to new jobs in a field where getting an assessment to do is pretty standard. I applied to several jobs and was surprised to hear back from several already. At the moment I have three writing assessments to do and an interview to prepare for. I'm also working full-time.

I have two assessments due on Friday. I do have Wednesday and Thursday off but I feel like I need more time.

WIBU to ask for one of the assessments to get an extended deadline? If so, how should I phrase it? I feel like it's going to look so unprofessional but my work days are 12 hours, I tried to do some of the work on my 15 minute break at work but by the time I sat down with my laptop I didn't have long to actually get into it.

OP posts:
custardbear · 27/06/2021 20:45

I'd get up early and donut then - what length of time is the test?

MarjorieBouvier · 27/06/2021 20:46

How long do the assessments take?

I would pretty much disregard you as a candidate if the very first thing you were asked to do, and you have a week to do it, you were unable to meet a deadline.

korawick12345 · 27/06/2021 20:46

No way. you would mark yourself out someone unable to work to deadlines

WimpoleHat · 27/06/2021 20:47

I would pretty much disregard you as a candidate if the very first thing you were asked to do, and you have a week to do it, you were unable to meet a deadline.

I would too, I’m afraid….

custardbear · 27/06/2021 20:48

Do them ... not donut lol 😆

You should be able to do them on your days off though

Are they report type tests? My top tip is to write the bare bones of titles and fill it in when you're reading the tests then copy and page into online test executive summary, options, proposal to move forwards with etc

Original poster
oxgal · 27/06/2021 20:49

Ok that's good to know, I guess I'll just try my best, it'll probably be rubbish though.

I literally have no time on work days. I already wake up at 5:30am for work, I work 12 hours come home and have barely any time to cook dinner let alone sit and write.

OP posts:
Lougle · 27/06/2021 20:52

What happens between 7pm and midnight? That's 5 hours you could use. It's not ideal, but you did apply for several jobs at once.

PurpleyBlue · 27/06/2021 20:53

Prioritise 2 of them and accept you can't do the 3rd if you need to. It's best to do a good job at the ones you want and drop out of the running for the one you done want.

PurpleyBlue · 27/06/2021 20:54

*don't want.

Can you take some time off work?

lovingllamaa · 27/06/2021 20:54

Maybe just focus properly on one if you are unable to complete two in time? Better to have one strong one than multiple ‘rubbish’ ones

HmmmmmmInteresting · 27/06/2021 20:56

I agree with the PP that said prioritise the ones you really want.

Or if you really can't fit them in explain your position and ask for an extension to the bottom two but go for the top one without asking for an extension.

HmmmmmmInteresting · 27/06/2021 20:57

I'd take holiday and get them done

itsaccrualworld · 27/06/2021 20:58

@WimpoleHat

I would pretty much disregard you as a candidate if the very first thing you were asked to do, and you have a week to do it, you were unable to meet a deadline.

I would too, I’m afraid….

Same. The only reason why you don't have enough time is because you've overstretched yourself with other job applications, so clearly the job I'm advertising isn't important to you - you want to work at lots of other places.

I'd try to take a last minute day off work to get more time. Next time, pace yourself with the applications and/or negotiate more time to turn in the assessments when they are handed out! It's easy to negotiate before the deadline is approaching.

TheGumption · 27/06/2021 20:59

Surely two full days off is plenty??
Definitely don't ask for an extension. That would just look awful.

CoRhona · 27/06/2021 21:00

You've got two full days to work on them - get up at normal work time and work through.

It'll all be worth it if you get one of the jobs!

Dishwashersaurous · 27/06/2021 21:01

Err definitely not. These jobs will have clear recruitment timetables. If you don't complete a stage at the right time then you simply won't go through to the next stage

VodselForDinner · 27/06/2021 21:05

Could you take a day of annual leave?

Sounds like work is very full-on, but you’ll never get away from it if you don’t take the time to do the assessments for your next role.

Prioritise carving some space out for that.

Original poster
oxgal · 27/06/2021 21:10

I can't take annual leave as I need to give two weeks notice.

I only applied to four jobs and didn't expect to her anything back let alone hear back from all of them! It's a new career direction for me so I wasn't sure what to expect.

I will just try my best.

OP posts:
PurpleyBlue · 27/06/2021 21:33

Could you eat something dodgy and call in sick?

Eleoura · 27/06/2021 21:39

Can someone else cook dinner so you have extra time? Asking for extra time would be a bad idea IMO.

Dishwashersaurous · 27/06/2021 21:41

Two full days you should be able to do it.

Four hours each. Just focus

Toomanyradishes · 27/06/2021 21:42

Ive had this for jobs recently, i worked thtough until 1am sometimes, prioritised the jobs i really wanted and dropped out of the process for one horrendous one which actually put me off the role

Two days should be plenty though, a company shouldnt be asking you to do a project in your own time that takes more than 2-3 hours and if they are you have to wonder what sort of employer they are

GreyhoundG1rl · 27/06/2021 21:43

Do whatever you can do in the time, with whichever applications you prefer and accept you won't be able to manage all four.
There's no way you'll get an extension, it would discount you from the whole process immediately.

GreyhoundG1rl · 27/06/2021 21:44

Two days should be plenty though, a company shouldnt be asking you to do a project in your own time that takes more than 2-3 hours and if they are you have to wonder what sort of employer they are
Seriously? Who's time should it be in, do you think? Hmm

LemonRoses · 27/06/2021 21:45

It would certainly create a poor impression if I knew an extension had been requested. Unless there was a genuine reason - in hospital, close relative died, child having emergency surgery etc I’d get it done.