Adequately preparing for the recruitment and selection process with a prospective employer requires much more than practicing for an interview. Many employers administer a battery of tests, depending on the position, technical expertise and competency levels required. Candidates who prepare for recruitment and selection exams are among those who are better qualified to become strong contenders for rewarding career opportunities.
Instructions
1. Improve your administrative, clerical and organizational skills when you apply for a position that requires these duties to support managers and executives. Employment specialists administer typing tests that measure speed and accuracy; therefore, the more practice time you devote to keyboarding skills, the better you may do on the test.
2. Practice for exams that measure proficiency with various software applications if that is part of the job you're seeking. Becoming familiar with popular programs will make you more qualified and increase your chances of obtaining the job you want. Tutorials and refresher courses for many software applications are available online or through community colleges and continuing education centers. If you already have basic computer knowledge, a small investment of time and money will help you demonstrate proficiency to your potential employer.
3. Improve your organizational skills by reading business journals and articles about time management and general business topics. Organizational skills change with time and technology, therefore, business trends may affect the effectiveness and efficiency of various business and organizational concepts.
4. Conduct research about industry trends and updates. Recruitment and selection processes for roles that require in-depth industry knowledge will likely include some form of examination in the field. Even if the prospective employer doesn't administer a formal examination pertaining to industry concepts, you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge during interviews with hiring managers, and possibly, upper management.
5. Review materials from previous jobs if you have been working in another industry and are planning a return to your previous area of expertise. Schedule regular study time to ensure you can articulate your industry knowledge. Join professional associations to network with other professionals in the same field, and attend workshops or seminars to get up to speed on industry changes and future trends.
6. Prepare for competency examinations by reviewing materials from coursework you have done. For positions that require technical knowledge or competency in a field, such as nursing, you will almost always be required to demonstrate your competency through demonstration, certification or a combination of both. Employers may evaluate your competency through situational interviews--asking how you would complete a process or procedure. Candidates who are new graduates or candidates who have been in the field for a long time may find it easier to prepare for competency examinations.
7. Practice your basic interviewing skills. While the interview itself is not considered an examination, your knowledge of the company, its business philosophy and its products and services will certainly be evaluated during the interview process. If you have several rounds of interviews, be prepared to provide answers to questions designed to test your knowledge about your prospective employer.
