2 hour online assessment?

Anonymous

May 10,2022 at 8:50PM UTC

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2 hour online assessment?

Question-I am an executive currently interviewing for a new role. One organization has sent me an email asking me to complete an online assessment that will take about 2 hours.

This is not a technical role and my linkedin and resume are robust with my accomplishments as well as recommendations from some high profile CEOs.

If someone wants to get a better idea on how I solve problems, wouldn't a 30 minute conversation to get the ball rolling be better than a 2 hour assessment? I fear this is already not a fit. I welcome your input. Thank you!!

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Julie HumbirdMay 10,2022 at 9:35PM UTC
I'm not a fan of assessments. Like you, I like conversations. I keep my resume super simple with my best ideas and skills so its just one slide that will inspire someone to want to talk to me. Years ago Red Robin wanted to hire me (yes, the burger place with all that tech on the tables). I am a technical engineer. They sent a required online assessment full of personality questions. "What do you do when you get angry" and periodically the question would just say "Choose option B to validate you are paying attention" Closed browser, thanked the recruiter for her time.
AnonymousMay 10,2022 at 10:37PM UTC
It seems to me that the more employees leave companies in historic numbers and the harder it is to find people, the crazier recruiting gets. If I really needed/wanted the job I’d do it but it is not a good sign to me about what it says about their culture.
Changemaker911887May 11,2022 at 1:00AM UTC
You are correct. This is not a good fit for you.
Tomilyn RichardsMay 11,2022 at 10:53AM UTC
I am unsure what the test is... but there are some really good ones that I have used and been trained on in the past. Korn Ferry offers some great profiles and they aren't just used as a pass or fail, they are used to better understand traits and competencies. Honestly, I think more companies that used traits, competencies and potential over just if someone checks off boxes on a resume... we would have a TON more better leaders in the right roles. I know it is a lot of time, but I would ask questions of them... how is it used? Will I see the results? How many candidates are receiving this? We use it as a final stage and always make sure to review the data with candidates. Just a different perspective.
Cyndi LynnMay 11,2022 at 11:23AM UTC
There are places that have an intensive hiring process and some of candidates will complete the process and still not get hired. There is, after all, usually only one position to fill. I've seen this type of thing before, and not only at higher levels in the organization. That said, if the position isn't exciting enough for you to spend the time, move on. As already stated, this is likely to speak to the priorities and mindset of the organization and may not be a good fit for you.
Sedef BuyukatamanMay 11,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
Run, don’t walk, away.
Rt WlMay 12,2022 at 3:50PM UTC
I'm an engineer. I have had technical competency tests as part of an interview. If you interview for a company like Google, you'd have 4-5 skills assessments. I don't know what they're testing for in your case, though.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 10:34PM UTC
It is possible that your interview process will involve multiple stages, and this is only 1 of several. In this phase, perhaps they may want to determine how well you write not only how well you speak. Some pay professionals to write their cover letter or statement of interest for them and the hiring official is looking to weed out those not really qualified.
Unfortunately there are CEOs out there who talk a good game but cannot write for shins. Talk a good game meaning bullshit their way and oversell a solution to a problem that is only theoretical with bows/ribbons and not tangible or practical.
Perhaps that could be an important element they want to examine before they proceed further in the interview process. They may want to get past the charisma fluff and see how well you can articulate in writing how you can solve a problem sequentially with a practical well thought out written plan on the spot.
OR
It could be a mechanism for them to scam off ideas from intellects to use for their company for free. It may be worth researching the company to find out more about it.