Practical Assessments in Job interviews

[Danny11616]

Hi,

 

I have recently applied and got to the next round of interviews for a school. This role is for a Senior Network Technician role and even though I have the experience of being a senior network tech I am still worried about what this assessment will throw at me. I am going to be provided an iPad and that is about it so I am not sure what I will be up against.

 

Has anyone else been in my position before and know what this is about and how they tackled it? I really want this job and have shown a lot of eagerness to work with them but I fear that if I mess up the practical then all hope will be lost. and me sitting the interview would be hopeless.

 

Any reassurance would be grateful!

[Roberto]

It's hard to know what to say to this - they could ask you anything technical they want. To be honest, I think this kind of thing has somewhat gone the way of the dodo, but I certainly did it in the past and for senior roles I was far more interested in how you think about things more than which obscure technnical details you could remember under pressure.

 

If they're good interviewers then the 'practical' questions may be difficult but I would expect it to be fair - they're trying to find someone to help them, not to drive potential candidates off. Pay attention to the job description, etc. I'd expect that to form the syllabus for their questions.

 

In terms of the test: remember the basics - don't let pressure to do well make you look for obscure issues and overlook obvious ones. Pay attention to what they say - they might be checking your ability to listen to people rattle off a spiel of issues and conceal a vital symptom or piece of info in the middle.

 

Is the iPad a research tool or what you'll be using to write your notes/observations/answers?

Edited October 3, 2024 by Roberto

[Danny11616]

Hi,

 

The school is a microsoft based school but there younger years use iPads and then transition to Microsoft computers when they get older so I believe this might be a technical support type of show me and tell me type questions with probably acting like a younger child asking for support. But again it could be anything to be honest.

 

All I know is that I will be doing a practical with an iPad.

[hallb15]

This is very tricky to answer as only the person who set the technical task knows what they are trying to get out of you. Remember that you've made it this far through the recruitment process though, so they've obviously seen something in you that they like.

Try not to overthink it.

Treat it like any other problem and don't be afraid to start with the basics and work your way up to more complex issues.

 

If the only thing you know about the assessment is that it will be on an iPad, have a browse on Edugeek at common iPad issues in schools. Maybe take a known, working USB cable with you - nothing wrong with showing a bit of initiative.

 

Good luck and don't forget to let us know how you get on.

[Davit2005]

Above all don't worry too much. A good interviewer will normally pick up on whether you have capacity/attitude/ability to do the job or not.

 

Be confident (not telling them how it should be done, what they should do or anything like that ) and professional :-)

Edited October 4, 2024 by Davit2005

[PotNoodleTech]

I wouldnt worry about it too much just be yourself and you'll trouble shoot around it just stick to the usual IT methodology of starting with the basics, is it "turned on" and work your way down from there, you'll get it.

 

As people are discussing the merits of prcatical assessments I have always find them to be quite useful as it immediatly shows what kind of problem solving methodology they have or if they have one at all - someone who lurches around random ideas or who simply sits there and stares at the broken PC clueless is unlikely to be a great asset. Problem solving skills are nothing to do with intelligence some people just cant think around a problem logically and others are really really good at it and they tend to make excellent techs/engineers.

[Danny11616]

Thank you everyone with this. It is a really good confidence booster to read all of your support about this. I have also emailed the HR team to let them know about my dyslexia as well so that they can note this down and be a little understanding on how I process issues a little slower than the average technician that has had years of experience but I am more than capable of fixing the complex issues in IT.

[NegativeKillDeath]

Your CV and application should have provided the employer with your experience and level of knowledge. The practical assessment is almost certainly to show how you approach a problem. It has the additional use of weeding out chancers who lie on their CV and have a story prepared for the "give an example of" type interview questions.

[TechMonkey]

Basics, basics, basics. Don't over think. Most of the practical tests I have had to do or heard about have been simple things that others have gone off and tried to solve with quantum mechanics. Things like check the plug, check connections, while someone else is autopsying the PC and checking soldering joints.

 

If you get stuck don't be afraid to say you don't know, but also explain what you would do to further your knowledge or move the issue on. Don't bluff, you may sneak it past but expect the person interviewing you to know the tricks and spot the bluff a mile off.

 

One thing you could practice is to narrate your actions. Bit like in driving lessons they get you to speak out what you are seeing and doing, give it ago. Don't babble, but being able to clearly and concisely explain what you are checking, what you are doing and why you are doing it, is a skill in itself. Especially if you can do it without technical jargon, or be explaining concepts as you work. Remember, hirers are looking to differentiate between candidates so something that stands out may get the edge on someone else, and proving your communication skills and showing you can break concepts down is a big differentiator.

 

Good luck!

[msi_school]

This is very tricky to answer as only the person who set the technical task knows what they are trying to get out of you. Remember that you've made it this far through the recruitment process though, so they've obviously seen something in you that they like.

Try not to overthink it.

Treat it like any other problem and don't be afraid to start with the basics and work your way up to more complex issues.

 

If the only thing you know about the assessment is that it will be on an iPad, have a browse on Edugeek at common iPad issues in schools. Maybe take a known, working USB cable with you - nothing wrong with showing a bit of initiative.

 

Good luck and don't forget to let us know how you get on.

 

When I interview for technical staff and ask a trouble shooting question I am looking for people to start at the basics and work up, a good example question is "a teacher says the internet is not working on their wireless laptop, explain how you would trouble shoot this" and we regularly get people talking about router settings and SSHing into APs when the first thing I am looking for is check the URL followed by try it on a different device.

[FN-GM]

Look at the job description. It’s likely (not certain) to be a topic covered in there.

[Sonic007]

I have seen in the past the following when given an iPad:

 

Person was asked: Why is it not connecting to the Internet?

 

Check wifi connection. Is there a Proxy that needs to be set.

[JRA]

I have the experience of being a senior network tech

 

Pfff, you're already a veteran! Wouldn't worry at all (though easy for me to say.) Do what you do. You're quite obviously worth a look in their eyes as you've made it into the best of the applications, and the best of the first round of interviews.

 

As many have said, the logical brain you have already got will be your best asset. Don't over-think things and it just may be that putting you under a little pressure to problem-solve is the test itself. Might be worth asking what MDM they use, proxy/network settings as previously mentioned etc etc. If X app isn't on there or isn't working, how's it deployed? Need an update for it? Might be none or more of those.

 

If you don't know and don't use something, being honest about being unfamiliar with something (as in "that's not something I've seen before. I've used similar but I don't know the ins and outs of specifically %thing%") can do wonders in coming across someone who's plain-speaking rather than bluffs and blusters through things.

 

But also very best of luck. Come back and tell us how you got on?