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Original poster

Do you think is a lot of work for an interview?

36 replies

Maria53 · 19/08/2019 17:04

I recently applied for a job and have been invited for an interview. I am told the interview will consist of a 10 min presentation using a PowerPoint slide I have created followed by me writing a press release and creating and updating spreadsheets.

I have done trial work, sometimes unpaid but most of the time I am paid for written work. Do you think this is a lot to be tested on in one interview?

OP posts:
Choufleur · 19/08/2019 17:07

Sound normal depending on the level of the role. Going for marketing manager/head of marketing posts I expect to have to do a presentation possibly also a written test

I recently recruited a marketing and events assistant and they had to do a planning document for an event and write and article for a newsletter. I needed to see if they could logically think through planning and whether they had good written abilities

Boyskeepswinging · 19/08/2019 17:10

I've had to do similar previously. Sometimes the panel who interview you and the panel you present to are different, too. That threw me a bit the first time it happened as I was used to presenting to the interview panel. Adrenaline will get you through but be prepared to be cream crackered afterwards - it's a long time to be concentrating hard. Good luck!

CloudsCanLookLikeSheep · 19/08/2019 17:24

It doesn't sound excessive for a professional job. You have to expect a bit of hoop-jumping these days.

LiveRightNow · 19/08/2019 17:35

Sounds ok. IMO the best way to see if someone can do the job is to test them actually doing it. That said if they then go on to use your press release but not give you the job you might have a reasonable complaint.

flowery · 19/08/2019 18:00

Not particularly no. And it's good news for you, because it means you can control a lot of the things they will use to decide about whether you are the best person to do the job. It means you can show them you can do it, rather than relying on answering questions.

ShirleyPhallus · 19/08/2019 18:02

Sounds excessive for a first interview

For a final interview sounds pretty normal for a senior role

Original poster
Maria53 · 19/08/2019 18:23

Well it's not a senior role, it's for a marketing assistant role.

I've also just noticed that the salary i saw listed originally is actually listed as much lower in other places (original salary did seem too good to be true). I can live off it and save a bit, but I won't be rich.

The thing about this job is that it is in the exact area of the arts that I want to be involved in and the person interviewing me is quite well known in the industry. If I got the job the contract is until May and it would be good experience in the relevant industry.

OP posts:
NeverSayFreelance · 19/08/2019 18:25

Sadly not. My last interview I had to write a press release then do a task at the interview, another one was a 2.5 hour assessment centre with a presentation, hour long interview, and an hour long group task.

Interviews are like that these days.

NeverSayFreelance · 19/08/2019 18:26

Both of my interviews were for internships, not senior roles. Had to do a group task and presentation for a retail cashier job too.

BogglesGoggles · 19/08/2019 18:26

I once did an application, aptitude test, 10 minute video interview. 30 minute video interview and 2 month internship (paid to be fair) and 10 minute presentation for a graduate role.

ShirleyPhallus · 19/08/2019 18:27

@NeverSayFreelance at the end of last year I got a new, senior role and didn’t have to do any of that so it isn’t true for all positions

Choufleur · 19/08/2019 18:39

I think for a marketing assistant being asked to write a press release and another task is perfectly acceptable. Will you be required to present as part of the job? If so it makes sense that you do a presentation at the interview.

GemmeFatale · 19/08/2019 18:41

I’ve had a job with a local interview followed by four days at a national assessment centre.

I’ve also had jobs I basically fell into without a single formal application stage.

PuffHuffle5 · 19/08/2019 18:43

Try doing a teacher interview...

SuzieQ10 · 19/08/2019 19:16

Yes it does sound a bit much for an assistant role. To be honest I'd be a bit put off. I did a basic literacy and numeracy test for my current position as well as a written scenario question / answer. 40 mins were allocated for this part of the interview and 40 mins for verbal discussion and questions. I though that was a lot & I almost didn't go!

violetbunny · 19/08/2019 20:25

I work in marketing and this isn't unusual at all.

pinkcardi · 19/08/2019 20:37

Seems normal to me (am in recruitment)

It's a really useful way to access practical skills.

If it's only until May, and very useful experience/for your CV, I'd do it in a flash if you can afford the salary

ritzbiscuits · 19/08/2019 20:39

Doesn't sound unreasonable, unfortunately could be a lot of competition especially being an arts role.

Also, as an employee you can't rely on someone having a degree will be able to present/write/use a spreadsheet so need to test those skills at interview.

I'm senior now, and have to do lengthy presentations and tasks that take a weekend to prepare. With a child this can be impossible!

Unfortunately I'd suggest you have to suck it up.

Original poster
Maria53 · 19/08/2019 21:45

Yes ritzibiscuits, that is my concern but I applied for the job yesterday and had an invitation today. I've applied for loads and had no response at all.

I've been teaching for a few years so am a bit rusty. I've consistently freelanced but will have to re-jog my memory in terms of the other skills. I used to churn out press releases constantly!

I volunteered in the sector over the last year in addition to teaching so this may have helped me reach interview stage.

OP posts:
KatherineJaneway · 20/08/2019 06:33

In the past I've seen contractors being recruited saying they can do x, y and z but then not delivering. Testing skills at interview is now default as far as I can see for some roles.

LilyRose1236 · 20/08/2019 06:46

Very normal for certain jobs

Boyskeepswinging · 20/08/2019 07:00

Yes, sadly there are so many bull-shitters out there that you have to actually test skills. My favourite was an interviewee who said they were an Excel expert, was an Excel trainer etc but didn't know how to filter a spreadsheet.

BuckingFrolics · 20/08/2019 07:11

We once recruited a marketing middle manager role. One candidate said she had been "the marketing manager for Google". Oh yeah?

BuckingFrolics · 20/08/2019 07:14

And we always test candidates (SME) with job- related tests. Including in phone-customer facing roles having a complaining caller put through "accidentally" to the candidate while they are doing their tests, to assess customer care, ability to use verbal skills, and responding constructively under pressure. So be on your toes for that one!

ritzbiscuits · 20/08/2019 07:42

@Maria53 I think you just have to try your best and if you're not successful look at it as good interview experience.

Like anything it may take a few interviews to get practiced at them.

How long have you got to prepare? Is the 10 min PowerPoint presentation very onerous? For that length of time you may only need 5-6 slides?

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