There are many people currently searching for employment, so having the right skills to fit your perfect job is vital. Not only this, but jobseekers must have the skills required to pass the recruitment process. A key part of this process is online testing, which is becoming increasingly difficult.

We asked The Test Factory, a provider of bespoke online assessments, which are the five easily avoidable mistakes jobseekers make when completing online tests :

Skim Reading

One common mistake that jobseekers make is to skim the online recruitment test quickly instead of taking the time to read through the questions slowly and digest all of the information. In doing this, it is easy to make mistakes and choose incorrect answers, or misread the information on screen. It sounds obvious but in the panic of completing an online test it is easy to rush. To avoid this there is one simple solution. Slow down your reading pace by reading the words on screen out loud. Another way to avoid misreading information is to write down each question on a notepad to make sure the meaning is understood.

Careless Spelling

Some jobseekers don’t spend enough time thoroughly checking the correct spelling of the words typed into their online tests. This is a huge mistake as any potential employer will think the applicant doesn’t pay attention to details. To avoid making spelling errors, don’t rely on the test to recognise any mistakes and check the dictionary. Read through your answers carefully, paying close attention to every word. Reading out words as they are typed can also help with spelling. Continue reading “5 Common Mistakes Jobseekers Make During Online Tests” »

As the year draws to a close we’ve been looking back at the many posts that we’ve shared with you to see which have been the most popular and the most widely read. It helps to provide us with a snapshot of what jobseekers want to read and the type of advice they look for.

We usually find that most of you like reading blogs about covering letters, CVs and interviews, but it has been interesting this year to see the increasing popularity of posts concerning different aspects of online job hunting.

Here are five of the most read blogs – if you haven’t read them yet then now is a good time to catch up!

How to Write a Covering Letter

This is one of the most asked questions, and one of the most popular Google searches by jobseekers. It’s always tricky to get right, especially with letter writing potentially becoming a dying art! This comprehensive post tells you most of what you need to know!

Answer the 10 Most Frequently Asked Interview Questions

Blogs and articles about interview preparation are always popular and this one, dealing as it does with the most frequently asked – and often trickiest to answer – questions was the interview oriented post that you read the most.

Protecting Yourself Online

With more job applications now being made and processed entirely online it makes sense to ensure that your details are as safe as possible. The simple guidelines contained in this, piece proved popular throughout the year. Continue reading “The Top 5 Career Advice Blogs You Read in 2011” »

Jobsite’s ads will return to TV from Monday 9th January in a high impact nationwide campaign, which will run for 4 weeks across over 200 terrestrial and satellite channels.

In advance of the launch, we wanted to share our plans with you, so that you’re in the very best position to benefit from the thousands of new candidates who’ll be using Jobsite in the New Year.

Continue reading “Jobsite returns to TV from 9th January” »

For many, interview success can often depend on the personal touches and using small things to stand out.

Here career coach Steve Nicholls gives us some examples.

“Prepared for that upcoming job interview? Suit pressed, shoes shined, answers rehearsed? While I am a massive advocate of properly rehearsing the answers to potential interview questions (there really is no excuse these days not to have prepared in this way), I would urge you to take into account another point, one which can make a major difference. It’s a classic example of small things can make big differences…

A good friend of mine recently attended a gruelling high level industry interview. You know, one of those processes that take an entire day (but perhaps feels longer!). This was for a post with a 6 figure package, and benefits to die for. The interview process involved presentations, panel interviews, tour of company premises (by the way, however well you may know the building where your interview is to be conducted, never refuse the invitation to have a guided tour. The information you will pick up during this more informal stage of the interview process can be invaluable during the interview itself, and is a prime opportunity to find out what issues staff are facing, things that need addressing etc.), and to top it all off my friend then gave a speech to the assembled staff – scary stuff (but all part of the process)! Continue reading “Talk to everyone! It could make the difference in a job interview!” »

Jobsite’s December 2011 Recruiter News email contains the latest information on Jobsite’s activities, blogs and event attendance – including the return of Jobsite’s TV ads in January 2012.

This month’s highlights include:

• Jobsite’s ads return to TV from 9th January
• Record mobile traffic for Jobsite in November
• Social Media – productivity, guidelines & opportunities

To read the newsletter online, click here.

Continue reading “Recruiter News, December 2011” »