"homework" assignment for 2nd interview - INTERVIEW WENT GREAT!

[jspahn]

So, I work for a very large wireless service provider. Right now I am in a finance/audit type role here.
I applied for a job in another department internal to my company. It is more of a web design/ maintainence role - which I am very interested in, and I know I could do all the functions described in the job requisition. I mean, I spent 4 and a half years on the road as a system implementation consultant for one of the large consulting firms. I am a smart woman, with a good resume if you see what I am saying.

Anyway - I had the first interview last week, which went really well. Yesterday I got an email asking me to come in for the second/final interview this thursday.

Here's the thing... there were 2 "assignments" attached to the email that I am supposed to complete and be ready to present at the interview.

Has anyone else experienced this type of thing? I would expect it for a manager position or higher, but the position I applied for is basically the same level I am now - Sr.Analyst type. One of the assignments is quite difficult, and I wonder how anyone not already working in that department would really be able to complete it.

I am beginning to doubt my own abilities a bit, and certainly doubting if I really want to work for this woman. I started trying to work on the assignments this morning (in between my real work) but I am really struggling to come up with ideas.

Here is one of them, which I have generalized so it makes sense to all of you:

Put together a process to monitor the quality of all area internal web pages (350+ ) on a monthly basis. Quality encompasses low utilization, missing metadata, incorrect spelling, broken links, incorrect formatting, missing items, etc. Be prepared to discuss your process as well as how you went about putting the process together.


Thoughts on this type of thing being required for an interview? Words of encouragement?

 

[bekkiz]

Sometimes they're not looking for the "right" answer, but looking to see how you approach difficult problems. My DH has had to do these types of things for interviews before, and often they're looking at your though process instead of your content knowledge.

In temrs of what to do (I hope no one flames me for helping) this is what DH suggests as a starting point:
"well you'd need to run stats, a validator and a link checker for the obvious stuff. those would give you some good overall type stuff. you would probably have to manually review at least the main sections to clean them up, etc"

Not that I have ANY idea what that means, I just IM'd him with the description you gave, and copied his reply..LOL

 

[Tiffer]

I am not familiar with this typ eof job description, but generally speaking, I think it's a good idea.

AS the employee it stinks. But when you are on the other side of the desk, doing the hiring, you'd get discouraged with the nti wit after nit wit who miraculously becomes in your employ. So many people these days take interviewing courses and are great at interviewing and then stink as employees.

I also agree with the above. There usually isn't a "right" answer. They are looking for initiative and writing abilites.

Although, get the inside scoop from your co-workers, if she is a real *B*, I wouldn't take the job. No job is worth that.

 

[jspahn]

haha - you know I sent it to my boyfriend and he had no idea what the assignment even meant - he's not very web/tech saavy either.

bekkiz I appreciate your husbands suggestions - I had thought of quite a bit of that on my own.
But I think indeed you are right that they are more interested in my thought process and approach than the "right" answer!

It just seemed overwhelming when I first looked at it! I wasnt expecting something like this, and have never had it come up in any other job interview.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Bekkiz had some good ideas. I think something I'd do is go to a web designer's forum (or several) and put some of those questions to them. You know, just to get a smattering of additional ideas.

I'm sure you will do fine. But I will wish you good luck just the same. Let us know how it goes!

 

[jspahn]

Bekkiz had some good ideas. I think something I'd do is go to a web designer's forum (or several) and put some of those questions to them. You know, just to get a smattering of additional ideas.

I'm sure you will do fine. But I will wish you good luck just the same. Let us know how it goes!

Thats a terrific idea Annie! And thanks for the good luck - I am so nervous about the interview and its still 2 days away!

 

[jspahn]

Ok, so i thought I'd post an update for those of you who gave advice. I had my interview today - and presented the 2 "homework" assignments to my potential boss and 2 others on her team.

I think the interview went really well. I think my asnwers to her assignments were good, and she really was interested in my thought process than the real answer. She said there was no right answer, just wanted to see how I approached a problem.

I am confident I did well, I just dont know anything about the other candidates. I think she had 2 others. I wont know anything until next friday - so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[OceanAnnie]

Yea! Good for you! I hope you get the job!!