Assessment before interview - what is it?!

[lowrib]

I have been invited for an assessment for a job I really want (yippee!).

The assessment comes before the first interview. They've given absolutely no clue as to what they're assessing though.

Has anyone else done this kind of thing? What do you think they might be assessing? It's an admin / coordinator role.

TIA

Usually assessments are for the technical bit - so they might check your use of word/outlook for instance

agree with CMOTdibbler

could be an intray test. so you get a pile of paperwork and you have to prioritise it.

sometimes can be psychometric testing, too. depends on company policy

although, have also been on selection panels where lots of different tasks are set, but it doesn't sound the type of role where this would be appropriate...

I did an intray test . Basically several tasks you had to prioritise base don the info given and decide what to do next - some you would just describe what you'd do and how, others you might write a letter or design a powerpoint or method of presenting data for example, to time.

Jesus that was hard! Two hour exam - three questions - first one a budgeting one, second an editing job, third writing a press release.

All the tasks were straightforward, but the amount of information given was huge, so getting done in the time allowed was the hard bit. Also it was deliberately set up to keep you on your toes - for example the editing job came in hard copy (No cut and paste!!!), and you had to produce your version in Word pad, not Word (no spell / grammar check), so typing and proofing skills against the clock were also thrown into the mix for added pressure. The budgeting one had loads of components - all logical, but it just took time to set it all up in Excel. The press release one again had lots of info to digest (again in hard copy).

I could have done it comfortably with another hour! Everyone came out saying it was hard. Still pretty sure I flunked due to lack of time though

It was interesting to met the other candidates - we all sat it together. A very varied (and nice too, unfortunately!) bunch of women.

Also the assessment was designed from real life examples from the job, so it was good in that it gave a god feel for the job actually involves.

I'm not overly upset that I've probably flunked - nothing ventured and all that - but I do feel a bit disheartened at the amount of time this job hunting lark is taking. Including writing the application form and getting ready for the assessment, just this job application alone has taken the best part of 2 days, plus a day's childminding (which I could have used for something else) so the best part of 3 days in a way.

Grrr.