The next time you head in for an interview, it may not be the typical question-and-answer format you’re expecting. More and more organizations are implementing creative interview strategies that go beyond the surface and dig deep into your skills, personality and behaviour.
One of the emerging trends is Job Simulation and it certainly pays to prepare for one. A Job Simulation is an assessment that puts you in realistic, job-related situations and measures your behaviours or responses to help determine your qualifications for the job.
Job simulation assessments can have higher predictive validity than many other types of assessments. They are definitely a better way to predict future job performance.
By exposing candidates to various types of events, scenarios, and challenges confronted on the job, these simulations can help you determine if the job is well suited to your knowledge, skills, abilities, and interests.
Because job simulations replicate the real types of tasksperformed in the actual job, studies have found that applicants are more likely to view them as being fair and job-related.
Research generally supports the premise that job simulation assessments have lower rates of adverse impact.
Job simulations can take many different forms, such as in-person assignments, online exams, take-home assignments, role-playing, presentations or even virtual simulations.
You will be required to complete certain tasks such as responding to emails, taking phone calls and handling grievances within a set amount of time. Often, these exercises are best for administrative and managerial positions.
You may be presented with a work-related scenario and asked to use your judgment to provide a solution that can amicably resolve the situation at hand. These tests ideally lead to positions such as customer service and supervisory roles.
These, typically hands-on tests will require you to complete certain activities that are similar to actual tasks you would perform on the job. Examples include writing code, take-home assignments, collaborating with others to design a website or completing an onsite construction task.
Role-playing is probably the most common of all job simulation formats. These exercises help to evaluate your ability to navigate interpersonal challenges in a work environment.
So, what should you do if you find out a job simulation will be a part of your job interview? First things first, you should do your thorough research and brush up on your abilities.
This means, reviewing your knowledge and skills for the position being assessed to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Then practice hard to perform the task/issue that will be assessed. You could even record yourself performing the task and ask anyone to observe and provide constructive feedback.
Go online for quick help. No matter your specific field, a quick online search will reveal a lot of practice assessments.
And lastly just relax and smile. Remember, Job Simulations aren’t always about judging your skills. Most of the time, the hiring team is looking to measure intangibles such as EQ and critical thinking ability.
Today, Job Simulations are beneficial for employers and candidates alike. Candidates who ace the process and are hired are more likely to stay with the company longer, report higher levels of job satisfaction and demonstrate greater productivity.
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