- January 21, 2021
- martijn@websiet.nl
- 0
Congratulations, your job interview went well. On to the next phase! You will be given an assessment test or business case. This is exciting, but the good news is that you can prepare yourself. Read here how to do that.
There is a way to do it better…find it!
Luke Schouten
During job applications, employers look at several things:
- Are you the type of person who fits into the company and the position.
- Do you show the right motivation.
- Do you have the specific skills for this job.
While employers can usually establish the first two points during the interview, they sometimes want to test the specific knowledge and skills for this job separately. How exactly varies from company to company. The most common methods are assessments tests and business cases.
What is an assessment test?
This is a program that you go through during your application process to determine whether you have the right talents for this job. For example, are you analytical enough and do you develop quickly? Sometimes they also want to know if your personality fits within the company. A business case is an assignment you make during your application process.
For example, about a situation that the company may encounter in the field. This often requires you to think strategically in order to solve a problem. This is how the employer tests whether you are made of the right stuff. It is always exciting because you usually don’t know exactly what they will ask of you. With these tips you are well prepared, regardless of the job you are applying for.
How do you prepare yourself for an assessment test?
1. Read the job description carefully
By studying the job description carefully you will know which competencies the company requires of you. Since the job description is the ‘flyer’ for companies to bring in the right people. So you know in general terms what is important to them and whether you recognise yourself in it. If you still have questions about this, ask the recruiter.
2. Know what to expect during the assessment test or business case
Are you applying for a job as an accountant? Then you will probably be given a case where you will encounter financial and accounting challenges. Do you want a job as a psychologist? Then you might get a complex case involving mental health issues. Both cases can be done on paper, or verbally in an interview or as a role play. Usually an assessment consists of a part in which you take (intelligence) tests and a practical part. Usually you will be told this in advance, but you can also ask for it yourself.
3. Ask for help where possible
You can seek contact with an employee within the company. Or, if you find that too exciting, an employee or recruiter within the industry. This can give you useful information about the type of assessment or the issues that may arise in a business case.
4. Practice in advance
Assessments come in all shapes and sizes, so knowing what to do is the first step before you can practice it. Examples of intelligence tests are easy to find online. Do you need to give a presentation on a business case? Or do a role play? In all cases, you can prepare well by practicing with a friend. Is it a written assessment? Then search the Internet for sample assessments. Often you have to get used to the questions. If you have practiced, you will have more time and you will not make unnecessary mistakes. Are you looking for a platform to practice assessment? Then take a look at the training courses from assessment-training.com. These are very extensive and cover all types of assessments.
5. Make sure you feel good about yourself
The starting point for success in any field is to feel good about yourself. You have self-confidence and this positive state gives you extra strength, motivation and creativity to perform well. If you do not feel good about yourself, then take care of yourself and make a habit of it. Sleep well, eat a healthy and varied diet, drink enough water, exercise regularly and maintain social contacts that give you energy. If you do these things for a long time, they will come naturally at some point.
Good luck with your assessment or business case!
Do you not have an assessment yet but are you applying for a new job?
Check out the do’s and dont’s on social media so you are well prepared to apply.