unsighted task in interview?

plzhelpmesave!

Hi all

I have an interview next week which includes a presentation and an unisghted task...

Anyone done an unsighted task before and know what kind of thing it is? They have also said to keep the afternoon free as you may be called back for an interview, so Im a bit unsure now of what to expect!

Im assuming an unsighted task is some kind of psychometic testing - but i could be wrong. Any ideas??

hcb42

An unsighted task might be a problem to solve etc. I did one a few years ago now, and I had to review a pile of reports, and set an action plan for the department, and it also involved a memo to staff about why/how we were going to implement a new rota system. It can be a task which is a mock up of what you might come across in the job.

normally if it was a straight psychmetric test or a verbal/numerical reasoning test they would tell you that, although it's possible they have described it as unsighted, but then they are not tasks as such so it would be unusual.

patman99

I had one of these when I was interviewed for an IQA Auditors role (which I got). I was shown a drawing of the sort of stuff they make and suddenly from out of a cupboard they pulled three components and asked me what was wrong with them.

plzhelpmesave!

Thanks both.
HCB - think it might be something like yours. It's a new role with a strong community focus,so it may well be a strategy development - which I've never done!!
Patman - I hate practical stuff, so am really hoping its not anything like yours!

Savvy_Sue

It would be pretty daft of an employer to give you an unseen task which didn't relate to your job description in some way, IMO.

We ask people to do things like write a brief report from information provided, prioritise the day's tasks, write a short letter, or draw up an invoice (where the figures provided may not add up!) - it depends on what the role involves.

dickydonkin

I was informed that I would have to prepare and deliver a power point presentation on a subject that would be given to me on my arrival at the interview location.

On arrival I was taken to an office where I was given a laptop and a scenario (the discovery of illegally dumped asbestos) on which I had to prepare the presentation within 1 hour.

It was quite daunting bearing in mind that the interview would also be taking place after all of this.

It was a good exercise however as it showed that candidates had the ability (or otherwise)to prepare and deliver a presentation on a subject relevant to the job.

Did I get the job? No - Nor did anyone else either as the position was withdrawn due to council cutbacks but it was a good experience nonetheless.

heretolearn_2

IT should be something that lets you demonstrate one of the important skills for the job.

We normally do a couple of 'IT tests' but really the 'Word' test is more than that...whatever the role is it will include creating a letter and this also gives us the chance to check their written English and also their thought processes a bit. It's amazing how many people are incapable of organising a few simple bits of information effectively and without half a yard of repetition and waffle. SO be aware that what you think you are being tested on may not be the whole story.

heretolearn_2

IT should be something that lets you demonstrate one of the important skills for the job.

We normally do a couple of 'IT tests' but really the 'Word' test is more than that...whatever the role is it will include creating a letter and this also gives us the chance to check their written English and also their thought processes a bit. It's amazing how many people are incapable of organising a few simple bits of information effectively and without half a yard of repetition and waffle. SO be aware that what you think you are being tested on may not be the whole story.

Evilm

I had one with a insurance company (doing telephone work) where we had to, as a group, build a CD shelf from a very basic picture of the finished product. They were trying to assess teamwork.

plzhelpmesave!

thanks for the replies everyone. Think I just need to be prepared to do anything!

There has been a massive interest in the job, so I think the headteacher can afford to be fussy and challenge interviewees a bit more than would be normal for a job at this level.