Subject: Inquiry About Recruitment Test for University Admin Role
Hi everyone,
I recently received an interview invitation for a Project and Business Support position at the University of Hertfordshire. I’m curious about what to expect in their 30-minute written test and the subsequent 45-minute panel interview. Any tips on how to effectively prepare for the written test or an idea of the content would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
RCadmin
Congratulations on securing an interview call! For the written test for a university admin role focused on project support, you can expect the following areas to be covered:
Administrative Skills: You may be asked to demonstrate your ability to organize information, prioritize tasks, and manage deadlines. This could involve a scenario-based question where you need to outline how you would approach a specific administrative challenge.
Project Management Basics: Familiarize yourself with basic project management concepts, such as defining project scope, objectives, timelines, and deliverables. You might be presented with a project plan and asked to identify potential risks or suggest improvements.
Communication Skills: Since the role involves support, effective communication is crucial. You might be asked to write a brief email or memo responding to a colleague or a stakeholder, handling a specific issue, or providing an update.
Problem-Solving: There may be a section that tests your analytical skills. You might be given a problem related to project support and asked how you would resolve it or improve existing processes.
Knowledge of University Policies or Procedures: Brush up on general university policies, especially those related to project management and administration. You might be asked how you would handle situations in line with these policies.
Preparation Tips:
Review the Job Description: Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills outlined in the job description. Tailor your preparation to these areas.
Practice Writing: Since the test is timed, practice writing concise and clear messages or reports to improve your ability to think and communicate quickly.
Mock Scenarios: Consider creating or practicing with hypothetical situations that you might face in the role. Think about how you would handle them.
Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the University of Hertfordshire, its projects, goals, and values, which can help you align your responses during the panel interview.
Panel Interview Preparation:
Know Your CV: Be ready to discuss your experience and how it relates to the role. Highlight specific achievements relevant to project and business support.
Common Interview Questions: Prepare for questions like:
Can you provide an example of a challenging project you worked on and how you handled it?
Prepare Questions: At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s structure, ongoing projects, and any challenges they are currently facing.
Best of luck with your preparation! You’ve got this!