A couple years ago, companies like Google started using offsetting
brainteasers in interviews to test applicants’ quick logic. The days of
prepping for an interview by memorizing your answers to the expected questions
and polishing your resume with buzzwords like “team player” and “motivated”
were over. You now had to show your problem solving skills in real time. Ack!
Well, the brainteasers have stepped aside, thank goodness. But,
employers have found a more effective way to interview applicants, by using job
simulators. Applicants are put into real-time simulations for their potential
job duties, the new “show us what you’re really made of” interview technique.
Certainly, there are job simulators that we’re already familiar
with. Pilots spend time in flight simulators before going up in a plane and
some luxury car companies test new safety features via driving simulations. But
more tailored simulators are appearing on the interview scene. For example,
Scenetap’s interviews take place in a bar, where they let interviewees loose to
see how they interact with staff, other employees, and complete strangers. An
important part of the job these applicants want is to build relationships and
sell product, so Scenetap needs to see how they perform in real world
situations. Some employment agencies use virtual simulators for roles such
as customer service, where applicants interact with customers in a virtual
environment and the employer can then evaluate their performance.
Why Simulation?
These days, most people can make an impressive resume and rattle
off satisfactory answers to interview questions. Employers are keen to this and
are tired of hiring people who look great on paper and perform well in
interviews but can’t actually do the job. Real-time simulation forces
applicants to prove their ability right there on the spot, saving the employer
from hiring the wrong person.
If you are a current jobseeker, don’t fear. Job simulation is good
for both the employer and the applicant. Three benefits
to applicants who must survive these simulations are:
- They allow you a chance to “try on”
the job to see if it is a good fit and know what will be expected before
you commit.
- If you are prepared for the job and do
possess the skills listed on your resume, your performance will reflect
that real world knowledge.
- They help weed out those applicants
with professionally written resumes but no job experience, so you are
likely to have less competition.
How to Prepare
The best way to prepare for simulations is to have been in the
situation before and know how to respond—that is, to have previous experience
in the role. Today, applicable experience speaks much louder than graduating
summa cum laude, though having both is a powerful combination. Applicants with
proven experience in the role are in high demand. But what if you don’t have
any? A great way to get solid experience under your belt is through temping.
Temping provides you an opportunity to learn about a position, apply yourself,
and if you’re a good fit, seek a full-time role.
JWilliamsStaffing is your resource for
temporary employment opportunities. We have one of the highest temp-to-hire conversions
for personnel staffing in the real estate industry. While some
roles require a real estate license, others do not, and we're here to
help place you in the right job. We offer excellent training and assistance to
help you be successful, learn valuable skills, and build a career. Check out
our jobs board to see open positions and apply online. Let our employment services help
you start getting experience today!
