Potential Employer to test my skills w/online program. Help!

I have to leave in a couple hours to do some "online testing" for a potential employer that I interviewed with yesterday. I met with HR, the department supervisor and also had a 1/2 hr phone interview with the VP.

Today they want to test my skills using an online testing process. Has anyone ever experienced this type of testing?

This is an administrative clerical position aka Billing Coordinator. The interviews went well but I have no idea how I will do at the testing, especially since I don't know what to expect. I've used Word, Excel, Access etc, but not to the point where I would consider myself moderately proficient. I've made it work for what my prior responsibilities needed it to do.

Should I mention anything regarding my (fears, lack of proficiency etc) prior to, or after the testing? If the interviews went well and I was told I was the type of person they were looking for, would they still consider me if I did poorly at the testing? Do they take into account that a person is nervous etc?

Any moral booster, insight or advice appreciated! This is the 4th job loss between my DH and I in the last four years...it's getting old since we're both accustomed to being long term employees. The older you get the harder it is to go through this interview/testing "stuff"!

Thanks~

I'd say don't be worried about it! The 'on-line' part probably means that they use some sort of service that's available on-line. Just relax and have faith in yourself!

I did one once, piece of cake.

It could be that they sit you in front of a computer and have you do a couple of tasks in the programs you'd be using?

If you're savy enough to be on-line and in forums - don't worry about it.....you'll do fine!

m.

Well...I'm back. What a nightmare! There were 39 tasks each to be perfomed in Access, Excel & Word. Then a lot of manual math, filing skills, & ten key numerical entry test.

I doubt I'll be hearing back from them. The program asked for me to do things I've never even heard of! I failed miserably right from the 1st test and it was all downhill from there. Oh well, it was a learning experience. An experience that taught me I'll NEVER be able to get a job if I have to take more of those types of tests.

Thanks for your kind words anyway!

Sandy

Oh Sandy - I'm so sorry. Keep your chin up - something will come around. Meanwhile - I'll be saying a prayer for you.

m.

Darn and rats, Sandy! Doesn't sound like much fun at all. Don't lose hope. The right job is out there for you.

Sandy, so sorry to hear that. The stuff you mentioned (programs)-had no idea what kind of stuff that is. Keeping fingers crossed and sending out energy that you find a good job in a field that you like/know.

Hi Sandy. I've been through those tests so many times I can't remember them all. I typically feel like I've failed them all and end up aceing them. I believe they just want to know you can type, honestly and can follow instructions. Remember, it is only a portion of the process and will not be their only deciding process. Good Luck!

Well, I know I did miserably, because you can check your answers. I think the best I got was 13 out of 39 possible answers for each. I goofed up the 10 key speed/accuracy test---I skipped one and all my answers ended up on the wrong lines. The ten key was a really weird setup---the numbers you had to key in were in a column on the right side of the screen, with the "fill in the blanks" taking up the rest of the monitor space. It was like trying to read from right to left---very un-natural. I also just remembered why I couldn't key decently....I never use the ten key on the keyboard (I always use the numericals across the top of the keyboard)....I have VERY small hands, and my pinky finger isn't long enough to hit the subtract key on the 10 key pad (without totally lifting my fingers off the keys). I'm a whiz on a "real" calculator though, when I'm running a tape on a calculator it can't keep up with me.

Anyway, they called and left a message late yesterday for me to call them back. I'm headed off to the dentist for awhile and I doubt I'll be able to talk afterwards.

Thanks for all your positive support, it is much appreciated. I spent most of the holiday weekend down in the dumps feeling that I must be much less capable than I thought I was and held a real pity party for myself.

We'll see what today brings!

Sandy

Personally, & this is from someone who has tested a number of job applicants, if they called you & asked you to call them back, there's a very good chance that you're still in the running for this job.

Not everyone is a great "tester", & they very well might want to give you a chance to retake the test, take a non-internet type test, or perhaps offer you a different position.

If they were just phoning to let you know you didn't get the job, they would have just left a message to that effect.

Don't put off calling them back - that would be a mistake in my book.

Thought I would post an update! They did end up offering me the job....telling me that I really did quite well on the testing. Go figure! My emotions about accepting the job keep bouncing back and forth since I found out they offer NO sick time/pay, and I do have a number of health issues. The big thing that attracted me to the company and the position was the HR person's (multiple) comments about the company offering flex starting time, and I could pick my hours up to an hour before the posted starting time of 8 o'clock. Then when I talked to the department supervisor she told me that the HR person was not correct, that the job was always 8-5 and it is remaining 8-5. I told her that was a problem because I have to pick my grandbaby up from daycare by 5 o'clock. She said we could change it to 8-4:30, but I still won't make it in time since its at least a 45 minute drive. It sometimes seems like I wasn't suppose to take this job....I have jury duty the 1st week of October, and now I found my calendar from my last job, and I have a doctor appointment the end of September in the middle of the day. I had to schedule this appointment almost a year ago, so its not like I can cancel. Geesh!

Sandy

I'm sorry to hear about the job time requirement/perc mixups. Perhaps it really wasn't meant to be.

But am glad that my feeling about their response was correct. Always remember guys - it ain't over till the fat lady sings - lol!!

Congrats Sandy on getting the job. They should stick to what they advised you during the interview. It's almost like false advertising. Your doctors appointment is more important. Considering that you're on DG, are ya looking at horticulture jobs? Maybe seed collecting or starting a home-based seed store? Just a thought.