TACKLING THE TASK ASSESSMENT STAGE

By Ray Baptiste

Congratulations on progressing to the next stage of your interview! Tasks or assignments are a common way employers assess your skills, creativity, and ability to handle job-specific challenges. While it may feel daunting if you've never done one, a thoughtful approach can help you shine. Here's how to navigate this situation effectively:

Tackling the task assessment stage

1. Understand the Task Clearly: Before jumping straight in, ensure you fully understand the expectations. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if anything is unclear. For example, "Could you confirm the key objectives for this task? I want to ensure my submission aligns with your expectations."

• What is the purpose of the task?

• What specific skills or qualities are they evaluating?

• Are there clear instructions, guidelines, or deliverables?

• Is there a deadline?

2. Research and Plan: Treat the task as an opportunity to demonstrate your potential. Start by doing some research, and once you've done this, outline a clear plan for completing the task, including milestones if it's a large project.

• Company context: Understand their mission, values, and culture. This insight will help you tailor your approach.

• Industry standards: Research similar projects or case studies to inform your work.

• Role-specific expectations: Consider how your deliverable will reflect the day-to-day requirements of the position.

3. Leverage Transferable Skills: Even if you haven't done this specific task before, focus on how your past experiences prepare you to handle it. Consider this an opportunity to highlight what you ‘can’ do, even if it's new territory. For example:

• Analytical skills: If the task involves problem-solving or data, draw from times you've analysed information to make decisions.

• Creativity: If it's a design or content creation task, channel your experience into developing innovative ideas.

• Communication: For presentation tasks, emphasise your ability to structure information clearly and engage your audience.

4. Manage Your Time Wisely: Balance thoroughness with efficiency. Employers generally don't expect perfection, especially for tasks completed within tight timelines. Avoid spending excessive time on elements not critical to the task’s goals. Prioritise delivering:

• A well-structured and clear outcome.

• Key insights, ideas, or solutions that demonstrate your potential.

• Attention to detail where it matters most.

5. Showcase Problem-Solving and Initiative: Employers value resourcefulness. If the task challenges you, demonstrate how you approach unfamiliar problems:

• Highlight your research efforts in your submission. For instance, include a note saying, "To inform my approach, I reviewed industry best practices and adapted them to fit the specific scenario."

• Be transparent about any assumptions you made and why. For example: "I assumed X because there wasn't explicit guidance on this area, but I'm happy to adjust if there's additional context."

6. Keep It Professional and Polished: Your submission should reflect your attention to detail and professionalism:

• Format: Ensure the task is neatly organised, visually appealing (if applicable), and easy to follow.

• Grammar and spelling: Proofread your work carefully.

• Presentation: If delivering verbally or visually, rehearse beforehand and use tools (like slides or visual aids) that enhance clarity.

7. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Work: The task is often a conversation starter for the next interview stage and will reflect your self-awareness and adaptability, so make sure you are ready to explain:

• Your thought process and decisions.

• Challenges you encountered and how you addressed them.

• Areas for improvement or additional steps you would take with more time or resources.

8. Stay Confident: Remember, you are being asked to complete the task because they want to see your potential. Your effort, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn are valuable, even if you're new to this format. Approach it as an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and problem-solving mindset.

In summary, following these steps will make a positive impression and set you up for success.

1. Clarify the task's requirements.

2. Research thoroughly and plan your approach.

3. Draw on transferable skills and past experiences.

4. Allocate time wisely to produce a strong submission.

5. Demonstrate initiative and critical thinking.

6. Polish your work for professionalism.

7. Be prepared to discuss your process and decisions.

Ray Baptiste - With over 30 years of recruitment experience, I’ve helped thousands of mid-career professionals and those over 50 find jobs that match their skills and passions. Whether you're just starting your search or fine-tuning your interview technique, I can provide the guidance you need to succeed.

If you're ready to take control of your job search and land your next role with confidence, I’m here to help. Contact me at ray@aionion.co.uk, or book a 1:1 coaching session with me to start your journey toward your ideal career.