- Job Search Tip of the Week, by Brian Krueger, author of "College Grad Job Hunter," the #1 book for entry level job search:
"Company-Site Exams and Testing Part 2"
In our last newsletter we discussed the five basic types of
assessments you are most likely to encounter in the job interview
process. In this newsletter we would like to provide you with some
additional guidelines on how to approach quantitative versus
qualitative assessments.
Quantitative Tests
Quantitative tests deal with math, numbers and reasoning. They are
objective, meaning there is usually a "right" answer. To prepare,
keep the following points in mind:
Get yourself mentally psyched. Clear your mind of all else and
focus on the test.
Take time to fully understand the instructions before you begin.
If it is a timed test, forget about the time. Simply stay
concentrated on the test.
If you have no idea, it is usually best to skip the question.
If you are unsure of your answer, but can narrow it down, it is
usually best to answer the question with your best guess.
If you can skip questions, skip the more difficult ones and come
back to them if you have time.
Qualitative Tests
Qualitative assessments deal with opinions, viewpoints and
comparisons. They are subjective, meaning there is not usually a
"right" answer, but there may be a better answer. To prepare, keep
the following points in mind:
1. Prepare yourself mentally for taking the assessment. Get into a
positive frame of mind.
Take time to fully understand the instructions before you begin.
Do not try to fool the assessment. Always give your best answer.
Answer as the professional you, not the personal you.
Answer from the employer's point of view.
Incorporate qualities that have made you successful into your
answers.
Resist any impulse to lie about who you are.
With any test or assessment, keep in mind that the purpose is to
further qualify you for the position. Put forth your very best
effort and do not show discouragement when you finish the test or
assessment. If asked about the test or assessment, make a comment
about it being "challenging" (for quantitative) or "interesting"
(for qualitative). Ask when the results will be available and if
they will be sharing the results with you.
In the next newsletter we will cover additional points to keep in
mind when taking quantitative versus qualitative assessments.
Do you know of someone who can benefit from the information in this newsletter? Simply forward this e-mail to them and tell them to subscribe at http://www.CollegeGrad.com/newsletter. Thanks for spreading the good word!
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However, there is a very important point about these books they don't mention up front: they cost money.
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The #1 entry level job search book ("College Grad Job Hunter").
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