Thoughts on tests at interview?

[Domestic1980]

I went for a job interview and they invited me back for a 2nd interview
the job is for a admin assistant.
I have never had a break in my cv, been in my current role for over 12 years, working with an office and have references.
in my first interview they said we would like to invite you back for a 2nd interview where we would like you to do some tests.
what are your thoughts on this as it makes me a bit uncomfortable.
its not that I have anything to hide but in my 40s I though I had passed the sitting tests phase😂

I think if they're well designed they're a much better way of identifying the best candidates than interviews.

They key is that they should test the skills you need to do the job.

Interviews mostly test how good you are at interviews, which may or may not be relevant to the job!

Good luck 🤞

Ooh meant to add... When I went for a job recently the test was running a workshop with a group of staff to generate ideas to solve a business problem.

This was relevant to the job and helps them see if I can walk the walk as well as talking the talk 😁

I think it's quite normal for a professional organisation - as others have said it's a more reliable way to test aptitude than an interview,

@BlueHexagon I have no idea what the tests are should I ask?

Yes, ask.

It'll probably be Word and Excel

So make sure you can filter info and do a graph in Excel!

Could be maths and written English also

Recently had a test for a job and really enjoyed it. Had 30mins to write an email. Definitely relevant to a job. You can bs your way through an interview.

It's perfectly fine to ask what the tests entail. They should give you an outline of what to expect though obviously not the specific questions.

Realistic tasks typical of those you'd get in the job give a far better insight into how someone's performance is likely to be than a standard interview.

Tests are very standard and ime very helpful.
It might be an in tray task, writing a response to a complaint, cresting a report on excel etc. All stuff you can probably do with your eyes closed!
Good luck

Probably an intray test - various tasks for you to prioritise and execute (in Word, Excel, draft email response to...) probably with an additional one appearing part way through (phone call or unexpected visitor).

This was the response when I asked what the tests were.

“It will just be tasks based on our in-house works so nothing to prepare for”

any thoughts what this would be.

My guess would be an in tray exercise. When I've done them in the past we get candidates to do a few really simple tasks in Word and Excel. Sometimes there's a time management element, eg one task will be longer than you can complete in the time allowed so it's a case of doing the quicker tasks first and fitting in as much as you can of the longer one.

It's surprising how many people struggle with a simple totalling exercise in Excel.