Interviews. Tests. Exams.

Such high tension 😬 moments into which we condense and through which we (supposedly) demonstrate the learnings and experiences of several weeks, months or years. How effective are they? Or is it our ability to prepare that is being tested? Are there people who do them without getting nervous?

As you might imagine, I have recently had to prepare for some of these. Otherwise, what else could prompt these kind of thoughts? I find there is a very strong emphasis on preparing for these events. Which leads me to ask if what is being assessed is the presence of certain skills or knowledge or the ability to prepare for the assessment. One could argue that the process of preparation builds the skills or knowledge being assessed, or that it refines existing abilities and reduces the impact of the testing environment, allowing one’s true ability to shine. But neither of this is always true.

Many a candidate only temporarily become what the assessor seeks, transforming as soon as the assessment is over to what they were before. The assessor is “deceived” and the “shapeshifter” gets opportunities genuinely great candidates miss. Also, preparation also does not always take away the nerves that sometimes make great potential frazzled. More preparation sometimes reduces confidence and raises one’s nerves.

In the end, we can’t avoid these assessments, even if they are not always accurate predictors of capabilities or future performance. Assessors have to continuously improve on how they design processes that reflect the knowledge, capabilities or traits they truly seek. And for testers – just arm yourself with as much information about the assessment as possible. Hopefully, you are able to calm your nerves and demonstrate what you truly know, can do, or can become. Bonam fortunam!

P.S.: This post was first written almost a year ago while I was prepping for some assessments. Had to abandon it to focus on getting results and almost decided to never post it. However, I have modified it a bit and added a few closing words just to get it out of my drafts. It’s drafts-clearing season! Hahaha.