Required 3 hour Excel modeling exam for interview process

73 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 1:39PM UTC

   They are trying to determine if you have the skills they need. Being able to do a quick search to find answers is a skill that not everyone possesses. It's exactly how I wound up in IT training 25 years ago. If you think it's a great opportunity for your career, take the exam.

2. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 2:11PM UTC

   I would be very skeptical about this - especially when they ask you to keep it from the recruiter. The last time I was asked to do anything like putting together a “test” that seemed to help the company do a project on your dime and time, I told the company that I will do a small snippet of what you need to show my skills but a three-hour project that seems like free work will be billed as consulting fees. I would also tell the recruiter about this so they know what’s going on. Sounds shady to me.

3. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 6:18PM UTC

   The recruiting firm knows about the test, the hiring manager asked me not to share the details of the case study and the spreadsheet with anyone once completed.

4. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 2:13PM UTC

   Three hours seems extensive. I would love to give them the benefit of the doubt, but I wonder if they have a problem to solve, and they're looking for someone to do it for free. There are other ways to pressure test a skill set than working for free for nearly half a day. Unless this job is 100% Excel-based, I'd at least ask to understand their rationale, but would probably pass on the opportunity. However, only you can decide what you're willing to spend your time on and how much you're willing to overlook if you think this is the best job for you. Good luck!

5. Heather (she/her)July 18,2023 at 3:05PM UTC

   I'm generally against anything that asks me to spend private time without compensation, because I think it says something about how the company values work. I think you just have to consider that if you refuse, you probably won't get the job. You could try a middle ground of refusing the test but offering up some other concrete proof that you can do this kind of job - maybe something you've created using the same skills in the past.

6. Anne KrookJuly 18,2023 at 4:05PM UTC

   if the job seems like a good fit and a good next step, I would take the test. If you get the job and like the firm, after you have been there for a little while you can raise the question of it being unprofessional to ask for three hours' uncompensated work (entirely correct IMO). You can also ask the recruiting firm about the test without sharing its contents -- the latter is so that other candidates do not have an advantage, but if I were recruiting I would want to know that there is such a test.

7. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 6:18PM UTC

   The recruiting firm knows about the test, the hiring manager asked me not to share the details of the case study and the spreadsheet with anyone once completed.

8. Anne KrookJuly 19,2023 at 11:16PM UTC

   that seems like a reasonable request in the context of a test being required. If you like the job and the firm, I'd take it

9. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

   Sounds to me like if you don't take the test, you won't be moving forward in the interview process. You have some choices in front of you.

10. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 6:37PM UTC

    Agreed. Want the job or not? May not get it regardless, but if no test then definitely no job.

    You are an adult and know your situation best.

    Welcome to Adulting

11. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 5:47PM UTC

    I actually would tell the recruiter as this goes towards their professional capability of representing the company next time. If they don't know about it, they'll never know what is actually going on during the hiring process.

    This is a red flag! Most recruiters on LI are saying that if the test/project is 20 minutes or less, decide if you'd like to do it. Anything more than that is either paid, or a no. Good Luck.

12. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 6:13PM UTC

    The recruiting firm knows about the test, the hiring manager asked me not to share the details of the case study and the spreadsheet with anyone once completed.

13. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

    ok, I was replying to the part where you said "they asked you not to share the test" part, but if you're good with it, ok.

14. Molly FJuly 18,2023 at 8:03PM UTC

    They don't want her to share the actual test, not the knowledge of the test. They don't want the test shared so someone else could cheat would be my guess.

15. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 4:44PM UTC

    Molly, yeah, I got it, that's why I replied with what I said, so she could see what she wrote, not the inference. Thank you for the confirmation.

16. AnonymousJuly 18,2023 at 6:57PM UTC

    Excel person here who builds models: if you want the job then do the work.
    They very well may be using you but whatever. If not hired, their loss. If hired.... great.

    Yes, keeping a secret from the recruiter is a reread flag but I have no answers

    Three hours of this is easier than three hours of guaranteed unemployment.

    JMO

17. Mary PoolJuly 19,2023 at 12:10PM UTC

    I don't think they are asking her not to tell the recruiter about the test, just what is covered on the test.

18. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:13PM UTC

    “If not hired, their loss”?? Not exactly their loss after the candidate does three hours of free work for them.

19. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:25PM UTC

    Hard to know - but if needing a job...... depending how bad you want it. Bottom line.

20. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 7:04PM UTC

    Skills test are a test, it's the same one given to every candidate. It's not like the hiring manager is giving this person something that they're making money on, if anything it requires un-billable hours from someone to assess the response provided by the candidate.

21. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 11:15AM UTC

    Ok, too many candidates feel that they don't need to prove themselves in certain areas of roles that they are being hired for. IF this is a part of the role, yes, it is time consuming, but this is the role. Why would they hire someone, invest in someone, pay someone who 'says' they can do it. In certain tech areas and program specific areas it requires proof. If this is too much of a commitment to show that you're the one they should value and hire then pass. Spending these 3 hours may hault endless hours continuing your job search. You're not being paid to job search now, yet you're doing it for free. If you're one who needs to google for the majority of the program specifics it will flush out.

22. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 12:22PM UTC

    Amen, I totally agree

23. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 12:31PM UTC

    I agree! I work in tech and the amount of people who oversell themselves in regards to their role (and scope) in a project is outstanding! then we do a skills test and they flunk, I agree it's time consuming but that's the one way to know if the person is able to do the job!

24. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 12:25PM UTC

    I'm not an Excel person but I do work in a field where people sometimes get asked to do a test to demonstrate their skills. If a prospective employer can't assess my abilities and level of competence by talking to me and by reviewing samples of my work (obviously blinded), I don't think it's the right place. Working for free is a non-starter for me.

25. Barbara ThompsonJuly 19,2023 at 12:39PM UTC

    To reframe the way folks are looking at the length of the test:

    Perhaps 3 hours is the time LIMIT, not how long the test will take. As in, you can take UP TO three hours to complete this, but we’re wanting someone who only takes 30 minutes.

26. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:35PM UTC

    That was my take on it too. Which I think is reasonable. Testing someone's capabilities and giving them a deadline gives good insight into the candidates. I wish I would have been able to do that when I hired my newest member. They said they were really good with excel (they weren't).

27. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

    My take as well

28. Mary PoolJuly 19,2023 at 12:50PM UTC

    It seems that many people have no idea how many apply for jobs they have zero qualifications for and say they do. Hiring is expensive, replacing an employee is costly, and someone in a position who cannot perform the duties is not only expensive but a source of stress for the entire team. I don't know enough about the position to know whether three hours is over the top. I know there are certificates that people serious about Excel positions can obtain, which prove mastery. Also, the Excel bible is 1,074 pages long, and understanding its capabilities and the most efficient way to perform tasks is not always found in searches.

29. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 1:04PM UTC

    I encountered something similar. I had three interviews with a company. The third was with the hiring manager. After passing her vibe check, she asked me to do an analysis/case study in Excel (over the weekend). I had the same thoughts as you stated. So I had to make a decision. I was curious so I did the assessment. And, I am confident that I did it well because I'm experienced in this type of work (I'm a trained analyst). Still, I did not get an offer and I was okay with that. But, from that point on, I decided that I won't jump through those hoops for entry to any company anymore. I'm okay with walking away.

    Every company will have its requirements/hiring process. We can't control others. However, we can have our own personal code/process. My policy is to do my best by being prepared for interviews, ask in the first interview what to expect from the hiring process, and make a decision early on about whether I am willing to invest my time/effort to follow through. I have no hangups about withdrawing from an interview process if I find it excessive (for example, time consuming assessments or five rounds of interviews).

    Something you might consider - If you've never done one of these types of assessments for an interview process, maybe you should try it so you know what it's like just in case it comes up in another process. I like to know that I CAN do it (which is why I did that case study), even if I decide not to do it. Good luck.

30. Kathleen SullivanJuly 19,2023 at 1:30PM UTC

    I would never ask someone to work as part of the interview process. Three hours is unreasonable, what is it like to work somewhere that doesn’t value your time?

31. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 1:34PM UTC

    I don’t typically have an issue with short tests as part of the interview process, but a 3 hour one?! Unless you’re applying for a C Suite position, 3 hours is excessive! I guess what it comes down to is how much you want this job. If I were desperate or the job doubled my income, I would probably consider it. Otherwise, not sure I would.

32. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 6:32PM UTC

    Maybe it won't take 3h, yet you are PROVIDED 3h.

33. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 11:03PM UTC

    Probably UP to three hours. Work smarter, not harder.

    I've taken these tests. Had an hour. Took 20m. 90s score because I KNOW the material.

    Either you know or you don't

34. Cyndy TrivellaJuly 19,2023 at 1:46PM UTC

    I was just discussing this with someone who's in a similar situation.

    Skills-based interviewing is not new. Companies have been doing this for years. I know many people who were given an assignment to complete to prove they have the working knowledge to take on the role. I fully understand how this can rub some people the wrong way. Most employers are looking for someone to fill the role and hit the floor running with little training or guidance. The only way to really know is to put someone through the riggers of showing them that knowledge.

    I will tell you what I told this other person who's in a similar situation. I'm a believer in human intuition and that we have this "skill" to protect ourselves from undue harm. If you are getting a bad vibe from doing this exercise, don't do it. If you feel it's excessive and does not meet your expectations for a job interview, don't do it. Lean into your vibe; you are probably correct.

35. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:20PM UTC

    Do you feel confident enough to produce the model without difficulty? This seems like it is something you will be expected to do if you get the job. I doubt that it is a "work product," but more like a hypothetical exercise. When I worked for a software company, we did a similar test for people who identified skills in a programming language. They were never any real problems or features we intended to include in products, but more like an exam in a college or tech school class designed to prove that the person had sufficient knowledge to do the job. If you feel you must use Google searches or Chatbots to complete the test, you probably are not a good fit for the job, so I suggest you bow out now rather than get into a position over your head. If you are confident you can produce the result without extensive research, then you have the skills to proceed, and it is probably worth three hours of your time if you like the company and feel like it is a promising career move for you.

36. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 2:37PM UTC

    I frequently head up a hiring panel for operational roles, including those that need Excel & Salesforce experience. We have a similar-ish requirement after the initial 15min screening with the recruiter. The candidate chooses a time, and we send them a prompt. We ask that they have it back to us within 4hrs. However, we don't care about presentation or methodology, we just care if it can do what we asked (typically a basic pricing calculator). The prompt itself isn't difficult at all, and most people complete it within an hour. While I also have mixed feelings about asking for free work, we have this in place of requiring certifications. IMO it takes much more of your time & money to get the Salesforce certification than me asking you to write one formula to prove you understand their coding language. However, you would be amazed how many people with absolutely insane resumes listing how great they are at these systems, absolutely fail to create basic formulas.

    Another perspective, I've previously had hiring managers ask me to create fake Facebook Business profiles (for a SM marketing role) or a google slide presentation, which both took much more than 3 hrs. While I hated every second, those jobs also had some of the absolute best coworkers I've ever had.

37. AnonymousAugust 7,2023 at 2:34PM UTC

    “Some of the best coworkers you’ve ever had” doesn’t say much about the company that made you perform free labor for several hours. You’re not making the point you think you are here

38. Jennifer RJuly 19,2023 at 2:44PM UTC

    I feel like job hunting these days IS work - in other words, you have to do the work to land the job. My husband just did one of these 3 hour tests in order to get a job interview (Excel, Outlook and Word). On a positive note, I think it's nice to be able to get a free eval/score on these skills. I know my husband was really happy to hear that he scored in the mid to high 90s on all 3 tests.

39. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 5:13PM UTC

    You are right! Looking for work is harder than working!!

    I'm right there with you.

    I'm an Excel person with macros, advanced, etc. I once had to train a person who didn't know SUM

40. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

    If you want the job then you have to do the project. They don't want it shared because they don't want cheating and copycats. They are trying to assess your technical skills and in excel because of the complexity of it there isn't a best way to do that without testing. You could do a quick scan to see if some other person shared their test. If the company is tracking your time they might have a way as well to see if you google things. If it were me, weigh out how much you want the role and then think about the 3 hours you would spend interviewing vs doing this solo.

41. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 5:11PM UTC

    Amen!!! Exactly. Either you want the job or not.

    I'd rather do the work than wait by the phone three hours while unemployed

42. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 6:01PM UTC

    Do you have previous work that you've done to demonstrate the skill the company is looking for? If so, share that. Tell the hiring company that should be suffice, as you do not have the time to work on this (due to your full time job, or some other excuse). And in order to set aside a time, you would charge a small consulting fee, which is reasonable (based on the hours it would take for you to create this model). But of course, this only depends if you need a job, or have options. Personally, I've rejected hiring companies that make me do big projects or jump through too many hoops. I'm happy to chat about my skills and show you past work samples, but not do free work or waste my time.

43. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 6:28PM UTC

    As someone who interviewed candidates in this exact tool with an EXPERT/Advanced level: if you told me no, I'd say ok. Then I'd call my next potential employee wanting to show off their talents. During pandemic, I earned SEVEN Advanced Microsoft certs. Nothing was paid in and those certs were $$$$, but EARNING my credentials....If you only knew how much "free" work I've done to be successful. Good thing you aren't a school teacher!!!I'd rather have an "almost" person I can mentor and coach than a know-it-all that is demanding

44. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 8:36PM UTC

    Where can you earn Excel certifications?

45. Mary PoolJuly 19,2023 at 7:55PM UTC

    It depends on how much you want to progress in your career. If you are happy with entry to lower midlevel positions, don't prove your skills to a potential employer. If you want to progress, then do. If someone asked me for a consulting fee to demonstrate their skills, I'd ask them to leave my office. I have a job; they need a job, and I need someone who can do what the position requires. They are not a good fit if they cannot understand that. This attitude of “I'm too good to fully interview for you” shows entitlement and a poor attitude. This says, “I am a person who will not go above and beyond when it is needed."

    If someone does not want to do this, then they need certifications to back up their resume. And certificates take a whole lot longer to get than three hours and (at least in my profession) are not cheap.

46. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 8:35PM UTC

    Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    I posted basically the same thing

47. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 11:23PM UTC

    “I am a person who will not go above and beyond when it is needed." You're right I won't. How employers have treated employees for decades, I won't go above and beyond unless I've been well compensated and treated well. Why would you ask someone to do a project for 3 hours and not compensate them for their time? Why is that the negative here? Why can you not see past projects and see someone's skill set from there? Based on your approach, I would see your attitude as a red flag and would happily withdraw and move onto another employer who I felt was better aligned.

48. DeniseJuly 20,2023 at 12:56PM UTC

    Seeing samples is not always the best indicator of what someone can do. So many people lie on their resumes and they can produce a sample of work the claim they did but actually did not do themselves. When they are hired based on that, then once they start the role you realize that they don't have that skill although they produced samples during the interview process. Companies are being victims of fraud so often that they have had to resort to doing things like a 3 hour test to weed out the liars.

49. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 1:01PM UTC

    I'm sorry, but this is a poor attitude/position to take. You've just stated that you let previous experience - "how employers have treated employees for decades" - dictate how you will conduct yourself in a new relationship right off the bat.

    I've always found it to work to my advantage to give every new employer, every new person, their own baseline. I do my best to impress and be recognized for it. THEN, if you find you're being taken advantage of, tactfully make other arrangements.

    The other attitude is a like holding the job hostage, doing the bare minimum and then being annoyed for being passed over for recognition. You gotta give to get, and it takes time and effort to establish oneself as a producer. It's an investment in self. The rewards come later.

    On the other hand, "treated poorly" is very real, and I've been in those environments before for too long, as well, in spite of best efforts to impress. In those situations, you have to find better. I'm in the process of doing this myself, currently, and will be leaving the current position with a weak, bullying bottom-level "manager" who takes all and gives nothing in return. This person sets staff up to fail in order to have to swoop in to save the day; self-martyring in the face up upper management, who does nothing to curtail this poor behavior in spite of staff turnover citing difficulty in this person's abusive manner. My next role? I will start fresh and give my best from the beginning.

50. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 12:45PM UTC

    Yes, this, Mary. Not interested in spending what is most likely "up to" 3 hours of your own time to *earn* a job? This is an opportunity to show what you know. Personally, I would feel enthused that the company is doing this, because it means they are looking to hire competent staff who can produce so that the competent staff doesn't end up doing the work of those who can't or won't.

    And yes, it is a test, and yes, the company is well within right to ask. The unfair expectation of use of personal time - please don't convey this attitude in an interview or communications. You will only come across as entitled and this is not a good impression. You don't "deserve" a job or role, you "earn" it, you "gain" it due to impressing the hiring manager or team with character and experience.

    Certificates and certifications aren't always a solid measure either. I work with people with great credentials, but lack basic knowledge and skills that a 1-3yr sysadmin should know.

51. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 9:33PM UTC

    You are so right. It does feel unfair to put all that work in, with no guarantee that the job will be yours. Every time I'm asked to open a profile with a company, just to apply for a job, I get that same sense of frustration. However, I've also hired people who misrepresented their level of experience and aptitude. I've even pulled out the samples one employee provided in the interview process and said "this. just do this.". Then realized he had not done the work. That's a whole recruitment process, onboarding, trial period, and lot's of frustration, to end up firing the guy and starting over. It had never dawned on me that he could lie. Blame him, and those like him, for the 3 hour investment.

52. AnonymousJuly 19,2023 at 10:45PM UTC

    Agreed! I had to train an Excel an "Expert" that had no clue on the SUM function for accounting.

    She did say she could shade in cells.

    Infuriating.

53. DeniseJuly 20,2023 at 12:48PM UTC

    Same here. We hired someone who resume says proficient in Excel but didn't know the Sum function either and didn't know other basic Excel items. Only knew how to move from cell to cell and change column size. This person also previously worked at an accounting firm.

54. Liz MilneJuly 20,2023 at 12:55AM UTC

    If they're asking for a three-hour piece of work, I'm guessing that is exactly to weed out the 'Siri, how-do-you...' crowd - they want someone who actually does know the program. Whether you do it or not depends on how much you want the job, to me, although I would ask why they are doing such an intensive test before you've signed a contract with them, just to be sure it is due diligence, not freebie work

55. Lucky JackJuly 20,2023 at 9:43AM UTC

    good luck the your interview!

56. Alicia PiconeJuly 20,2023 at 12:32PM UTC

    I'm not sure how much of an expert you are in Excel, but I find this comment to be incredibly inaccurate:

    "On the other, I can see why they want to know if one is familiar with Excel, yet at the same time, if one does not know exactly how to do something in Excel, a quick Google search or Chatbot can provide instructions and usually a YouTube video on how to do what is needed. "

    A three-hour test does not sound like they are looking for someone who is "familiar" with Excel or someone they have the time to wait while that person looks up what they have to do.

    I get what you're saying, but I work with Excel every day, and I've never been given a 3-hour test - that sounds like some super expert stuff there :).

    Good luck.

57. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:50PM UTC

    I work daily as expert level Excel and you are right -- vlookups, macros, advanced (routine) functions should not require a Google search if you are whom you illustrate.

    After you get the role and have a potential "memory" test (as in "I know I saw it somewhere") then Google

58. Rebecca MillikenJuly 20,2023 at 1:54PM UTC

    It's simple. The potential employer is asking you to do something . If you really want the job, you'll do it and if you don't think it's worth your time, don't. People can argue who is in the right--does the employer have the right to ask you do something on your own time? Do you have the right to get paid for it? In the end, it doesn't matter. They have said what they want and if you don't do it, you don't have a chance.

    I have driven hours for job interviews that I didn't get. I didn't have to spend that time, but I wanted the job and it was a chance I took.

59. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 6:11PM UTC

    I really disagree with this approach to job-seeking. As much as the candidate may want the job, the employer also wants/needs the (right) candidate. They called the person in for an interview. So maybe it's worth considering a review of, and shift in, the power dynamic at play in an interview situation.

    As long as we continue seeing ourselves as some sort of Dickensian characters ("please sir, may I have some more?"), we will continue being asked to work for free, or to take on added responsibilities without any increase in pay, or to do any number of other extra things without gaining the attendant status or title.

    I personally don't want to work for any company that can't figure out if I'm qualified for a role from my interview(s). What does that say about their management and their HR practices?

60. Mary PoolJuly 20,2023 at 6:30PM UTC

    "What does it say about their management and HR practices?" It says they are careful who they hire. It says they respect their current employees enough to hire someone who can help them, not hinder them. It says they value the skills someone brings to an organization. It says they want long-term employees, not someone just to fill a slot. It says they take recruiting seriously. It says they want professionals. It says they want someone who understands beyond the basics. It says they want people who are serious about their careers, not someone who is simply marking time. It also says they have learned they cannot count on applicants being forthcoming about their actual skills and abilities. Personally, I'd much rather work for a company that is careful in its recruiting then one that is not.

61. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 10:37PM UTC

    I don't know how you were able to read all that into this post.

    If a company and/or its managers can't figure out how to elicit the information they need in an interview or series of interviews, the company has serious flaws in its hiring practices. And if a company feels they can't "count on applicants being forthcoming," that's a red flag: who wants to work somewhere they don't trust people? Lastly, who wants to work in a place that has no compunctions about asking people to work for free? Not I.

62. Karen LytleJuly 20,2023 at 1:57PM UTC

    If this is a position that you want with a company with which you want to grow, maybe try to shift your perspective from "spend my personal time on this" to "investing in your future". And typically, when a company is providing such a test, it isn't considered "work product" - it's likely a screening test that they give to every candidate (bearing in mind that if each candidate gets the same screening test, it's easier to compare ability across candidates).

    This is an opportunity for you to put your best foot forward and stand out amongst the other candidates.

    On a personal note, I work in a different profession but it isn't unusual for someone in my field to get a "screening test" as well and 3 hours of time sounds about right. It's a form of mitigating risk, if you will, for the employer so that they have confidence (and also validation) for their choice of new hire,...and it's also in your best interest because no company I have ever worked at retained someone whose actual skill level didn't match their CV.

    Best of luck to you.

63. AnonymousJuly 22,2023 at 1:19PM UTC

    Skills tests are pretty typical in my industry so this doesn't strike me as unusual. Some companies will ask you to track how long it took you and compensate you for your time but it's not universal. Personally, I would do it, but, again, I'm used to it in my industry.

64. Antonia CalzettiJuly 20,2023 at 3:18PM UTC

    From a corporate recruiting side, this is a very poor ask on behalf of the hiring team and company. 30 minutes is ok but 3 hours is not ok. They haven't offered you anything. I don't suggest doing it.

65. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:13PM UTC

    Sounds like a solid job and an interesting next step for your career. If you're truly interested in this company and those are their terms, then you don't have a choice I'm afraid. We could discuss the validity of them asking for this but it's not really helpful. I'd say go for it and it you get it, great, and if not it's a learning experience and perhaps a new boundary for you. Good luck either way!

66. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 4:30PM UTC

    This is the conundrum job candidates are facing from employers. It's your call how much you want to invest, but providing free work product is generally not a good sign. Also, why would they not want their own recruiting firm to be aware of the ask? That's a red flag for me. You might ask if you can provide a sample of an Excel modeling document and walk them through your approach. They may be legit and are using this exercise to gauge your skills if their interviewing approach is not allowing them to get those answers but in my experience, it's never a good indication of their culture when they ask you to provide free work product during the application or interview process. But companies like this count on the fact that if you say "no", there will be a line of people behind you who will say "yes". Just be aware of what this may mean for the culture of the company as a whole.

67. AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 6:24PM UTC

    Ha--I have done it and have been very employable. I'm sorry I don't do exactly as asked by employers who ghost interviewees and/or ask for a lot of work just to interview. Maybe your perspective of "no one wants to work" is because you hire this way. :)

68. Rocky ZJuly 21,2023 at 1:33AM UTC

    DON'T do it... unless they are going to pay you for your time/cooperation- Stay away

69. Janet ParkhurstJuly 21,2023 at 2:53AM UTC

    Being asked/required to take any kind of skill test as part of the application process is insulting and professionally demeaning. As a seasoned (senior) copywriter, I have often been asked to take a "copywriting test." And just as often, I have replied, "That is what a portfolio is for. If you think the work presented in the portfolio isn't mine, then so be it."

    There are two things I strongly believe in:

    Doing your job shouldn't cost you money. That means supplying / using your own equipment, buying your own office supplies, paying for any courses they may suggest and, worst of all, "self relocating." DON'T!

    Second? Never give away your time/expertise for free. That's exactly what otherwise intelligent professionals do when they agree to any kind of "pre- employment test." DON'T DO IT.

    It's selling yourself short.

    Would you, if you were an independent consultant? Of course not!

70. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 3:01AM UTC

    How will they time the exam? Will you have to login to a system that has a timer? Or just submit your model via email? My assumption is that if it’s a controlled environment with a timer than they are serious about testing capabilities. And not looking for free work. The role probably requires producing models like that within a few hrs and it’s the only way to know for certain that a candidate has the capability to do that. I would ask the recruiting firm if this is common practice in the company’s hiring process and why they do that. That will hopefully help you get clarity.

71. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 12:37PM UTC

    If this job has the possibility of career growth and good future opportunities, I would consider taking the test. The potential outcome years later may be worth 3 hours of your time now.

72. AnonymousJuly 21,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

    As a hiring manager, I had asked software engineers to take a competency test as part of the interview only because in software and web development - we we getting an influx of candidates who had pages of qualifications asking for a high salary. A lot of those engineers did not do well in their tests which meant they were inflating their capabilities. I was hiring someone to fix the current issues and build a foundation for the future, so I needed someone skilled.

    BTW, if it is within a controlled environment, they can see when you leave the screen to google something. I am in no way suggesting that this is you, but they know. The test is clearly about the company and risk mitigation. They've probably been burned.

    But I also wouldn't be taking the test, especially not a 3 hour test. We don't work for free. Good luck!

73. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 8:38PM UTC

    What is Excel modeling? Where can one go to learn this? School me, I want to know.