3 hour job interview assessment day

93123

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

As well as 'difficult' customers, one might hope you'd be asked about particularly anxious customers, and / or those with mobility or sensory limitations.

Oh yeah!

For people with mobility problems I would say I would wait for them to ask if they needed help rather than "patronising" them as soon as they came in, and treat them like everyone else. With anxious people I would do the same, but perhaps maybe speak a bit softer and kinder (can't think of better words) to make them feel at ease. Would that be ok? What else would you say?

Savvy_Sue

93123 wrote: »

For people with mobility problems I would say I would wait for them to ask if they needed help rather than "patronising" them as soon as they came in, and treat them like everyone else. With anxious people I would do the same, but perhaps maybe speak a bit softer and kinder (can't think of better words) to make them feel at ease. Would that be ok? What else would you say?

I think if someone is obviously struggling, eg to open a door with crutches or sticks, then you'd get up and offer help before they asked ... because although you'd hope to have accessible premises (with easy open doors) it doesn't always happen (you might not want to say that!) Your first words to anyone might well be "hello, how can I help you?" Also you generally speak to the person who's attending (once you know who that is), rather than to anyone who may be accompanying them, even if their companion answers questions.

I think your whole manner has to be calm and reassuring, I'm not sure you should speak softer to anyone, for all you know they have a hearing impairment and that won't help their anxiety!

For those with impaired sight, it's quite important to speak first, and they need to know it's them you're speaking to, so you may need to go up to them and greet them. NB speak to them first, not the dog, if they have one. If the dog's not working you can ask to speak to the dog later.

Impaired hearing: it's vital that you know how to use the loop system if there is one (and if not, why not?!) and that you speak clearly, not shouting but not too quietly either, and that they can see your lips! Don't exaggerate your speech or speak too slowly, if you have to repeat things it sometimes helps to use different words on the 3rd attempt, because so many words look identical on the lips.

But probably the most important thing is to smile in a welcoming fashion at absolutely everyone.

93123

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

I think if someone is obviously struggling, eg to open a door with crutches or sticks, then you'd get up and offer help before they asked ... because although you'd hope to have accessible premises (with easy open doors) it doesn't always happen (you might not want to say that!) Your first words to anyone might well be "hello, how can I help you?" Also you generally speak to the person who's attending (once you know who that is), rather than to anyone who may be accompanying them, even if their companion answers questions.

I think your whole manner has to be calm and reassuring, I'm not sure you should speak softer to anyone, for all you know they have a hearing impairment and that won't help their anxiety!

For those with impaired sight, it's quite important to speak first, and they need to know it's them you're speaking to, so you may need to go up to them and greet them. NB speak to them first, not the dog, if they have one. If the dog's not working you can ask to speak to the dog later.

Impaired hearing: it's vital that you know how to use the loop system if there is one (and if not, why not?!) and that you speak clearly, not shouting but not too quietly either, and that they can see your lips! Don't exaggerate your speech or speak too slowly, if you have to repeat things it sometimes helps to use different words on the 3rd attempt, because so many words look identical on the lips.

But probably the most important thing is to smile in a welcoming fashion at absolutely everyone.

You're right, I would offer if someone was visibly struggling. I guess I meant I wouldn't offer purely because someone had any kind of disability, it would depend on if it affected them getting in etc. And that's true about speaking softer, they probably wouldn't always be able to hear me! Hahaha at the part about the dog.

Thanks a lot.

93123

I've just been told it's an assessment day lasting 3 and a half hours!

It involves a competency based interview with some literacy and numeracy tests.

What kind of tests will take up 3 hours? Has anyone here had this kind of interview day before, what's likely to happen?

Savvy_Sue

A looooong time ago, I did tests for jobs within the Civil Service. I remember seeing examples of the kind of paper they'd set, maybe they posted them to me because we didn't have t'internet at home in those days.

If you google 'civil service assessment tests' you should find some examples you can look at at home, but make sure you check what grade your interview is for, and don't terrify yourself with the tests for much higher grades!!!

[Deleted User]

93123 wrote: »

I've just been told it's an assessment day lasting 3 and a half hours!

It involves a competency based interview with some literacy and numeracy tests.

What kind of tests will take up 3 hours? Has anyone here had this kind of interview day before, what's likely to happen?

Yep - Will you be with other candidates?

I tend to find there are loads of forms to be filled incl application form/proof to work in the UK if you've not already done one, my experience has been you find time flies by

I always think it is like a mini induction - you definately could find out whether is somewhere you'll want to work rather then just a convential interview that's for sure!

my literacy test was hearing a company letter being read out and then having to rewrite it, a listening test I once had was where a one sided conversation was relayed and then I was asked questions about the crucial information I should have recorded, the numeracy test a selection of whats 20% of this figure hope you get the gist - do bear in mind I've gone for the probably the most basic any droon can do type of work

They should really give you a full breakdown of what to expect/what their looking for in terms of looking for display of skills during any such assessment, my only grumble would be I find it doesn't really give you a quick answer as to whether you have been successful..

93123

Thanks a lot! They didn't mention if there will be other candidates.

If there are I hope they have chosen a bad bunch. I really want this job lol.