Online assessments - oh dear

missminx

I recently applied for a job, and there is only a week until the next stage of interviews where you have a full assessment day. I sent off cv and got a response on Friday afternoon with a link to online assessments. When I saw this, I only had 20 minutes until my OH left to work away and knew I wouldn't get another chance to do them undisturbed (children) until Thursday,and made the mistake of rushing them. I am devastated, I've been really stupid and missed the bit about a calculator for the maths and did it mentally, which cost me time and I couldn't complete the section. The other 3 elements I scored 99%, 100% and 99%. Do you think I've completely thrown my chances away? I'm so cross with myself. :mad: It's been ages since I did an application for anything, and now I messed it up. I scored 66% for the maths, just realised I missed that out.

missminx

Spelling, data entry and a call centre version of data entry where the instructions were verbal rather than written. No clue as to weighting. I'm just cross with myself, and feel better for letting it all out!

tizerbelle

No point stressing about it now, it's done. Yes, I know you are desperately trying to kick your own backside. I'd kick it for you but my legs aren't that long

It may not matter, it may do. It depends on the required pass rate and the perceived value within the company for you to have maths skills in that job.

Just use it as a learning experience and next time don't be rushed into doing it but make the time - okay so you have kids and OH is working but that does not mean he can't manage the kids for half an hour or an hour at some point so you can apply for work/do online tests - after all if you do it well and get a job the whole family will benefit from it.

dizzyrascal

Are you saying that you completed all the sections and your worst score was 66%
If so this is not so bad. They may be looking for an across the board score so you will get an average score, this might get you over their threshold. They won't tell you what that mark is as it can change, depending on the calibre of applicants. For instance if everyone scores at least 75% then they may raise the bar to 85% to eliminate a few candidates. It also depends on how hard the tests are/what skills they are looking for?
If maths is going to be a key skill it may be that they give it a double weighting in the final mark but again, that would depend on the role you are after.
These tests are mostly used to see if you have a balance of skills at the level they need and it is a way of eliminating a high percentage of candidates in the early stages. Usually they will let you take them again after a specific time, 6 months or so, it depends on their recruitment cycle.
It might be worth ringing them up and seeing if you can do a fresh set of tests if you explain your circumstances (it is a long shot). But these tests do rely on you having the internet/computer, a quiet time to do them undisturbed etc. Not everyone has access to those conditions so you might be able to draw on their sympathy a bit.

missminx

tizerbelle wrote: »

No point stressing about it now, it's done. Yes, I know you are desperately trying to kick your own backside. I'd kick it for you but my legs aren't that long

It may not matter, it may do. It depends on the required pass rate and the perceived value within the company for you to have maths skills in that job.

Just use it as a learning experience and next time don't be rushed into doing it but make the time - okay so you have kids and OH is working but that does not mean he can't manage the kids for half an hour or an hour at some point so you can apply for work/do online tests - after all if you do it well and get a job the whole family will benefit from it.

No, he works away, so physically isn't here to have them. He would if he was here. Next time he is home is Thursday. Thanks for your reply though. Needing a 'vent' for my frustration and this is it!

missminx

dizzyrascal wrote: »

Are you saying that you completed all the sections and your worst score was 66%
If so this is not so bad. They may be looking for an across the board score so you will get an average score, this might get you over their threshold. They won't tell you what that mark is as it can change, depending on the calibre of applicants. For instance if everyone scores at least 75% then they may raise the bar to 85% to eliminate a few candidates. It also depends on how hard the tests are/what skills they are looking for?
If maths is going to be a key skill it may be that they give it a double weighting in the final mark but again, that would depend on the role you are after.
These tests are mostly used to see if you have a balance of skills at the level they need and it is a way of eliminating a high percentage of candidates in the early stages. Usually they will let you take them again after a specific time, 6 months or so, it depends on their recruitment cycle.
It might be worth ringing them up and seeing if you can do a fresh set of tests if you explain your circumstances (it is a long shot). But these tests do rely on you having the internet/computer, a quiet time to do them undisturbed etc. Not everyone has access to those conditions so you might be able to draw on their sympathy a bit.

I hope it goes on average! That would make it less painful. If I can get to next stage I am happy to be honest with them, and hope they understand. I would be more than willing to re-sit them at their offices so that they can see for themselves how I manage in a 'work environment'. Fingers crossed. I just have to move my holiday if I get the training!! argh! Typically our holiday overlaps their training period by 2 days... That will be next hurdle to change if I am lucky enough to get that far

want-it-all

I once had one of these tests reset. I sat down and thought I was ready for it, only when it started I panicked big time and closed my web browser down.

I emailed the tech support of the website, and they reset it for me (told them I'd had internet issues). However, I only had a very brief glimpse (15-20 seconds) of the first question of many. I don't know if the team could 'tell' how far I'd gotten, so may not necessarily be an option in your case...