Prepare Questions
At the end of your interview you may be asked if you have any questions. Asking informed questions demonstrates your interest and desire to learn more. Prepare three to five questions which show the research you have done on the position and organization or focus on specifics of either such as:
Regarding the Position
- What are some of the challenges I would face in this position?
- What kind of assignments could I expect in the first six months?
- What teams and customers would I be working with most?
Regarding the Organization
- How would you describe your organization’s culture?
- How does your organization support diversity in the workplace and for your customers?
- What kind of training and development opportunities are available to staff?
Avoid questions on:
- Salary
- Vacation/leave policy
- Promotions
- Pay for further education
- Details easily found online
Pre-Employment Tests
Many companies use pre-employment tests to screen job candidates. These tests are designed to assess a candidate’s fit for the organization and the role. You can, however, prepare to provide optimal answers with the following tips:
Be Your Professional
Self Your personality has many dimensions, i.e., student, friend, professional, etc. When taking an employment test, maintain your professional perspective. This can take focus while answering dozens of questions which seem unrelated to the job. Answer as your best, most confident self throughout.
Control Your Environment
Employment tests are often taken remotely. Before starting, ensure your test-taking space has few distractions. Take the test on a laptop or desktop, not a mobile device, and make sure your technology is sound.
Manage Your Stress
Stress can cause indecisiveness and carelessness. Learn as much as you can about the test to be completed, i.e. the format, time allowed, number of questions, etc. Be well-rested when you take the test and as noted, control your environment to reduce outside stresses.
Finally, understand that there are no right or wrong answers. Be honest when taking these tests. Trying to out-think them can backfire, as you will not know what specific answers indicate or the exact profile the employer wants to see. Also, assessing your fit is not only about your potential success in a role, it indicates how satisfied you would be in it. Answering honestly offers the opportunity to confirm the role will fit your needs, too.