The employment landscape has become increasingly competitive, and many organizations now rely on online assessments and virtual interviews to screen candidates efficiently. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate position, internship, or remote opportunity, knowing how to prepare properly can significantly improve your chances of advancing. This guide walks you through everything you need to approach online assessments and interviews with confidence and strategy.
What Are Online Job Assessments?
Online job assessments are evaluation tools employers use to measure a candidate’s abilities, expertise, and personality traits before progressing to interviews. These tests may examine logical reasoning, numerical ability, situational judgment, or role-specific technical knowledge. Large organizations across industries frequently use these tools to streamline recruitment and ensure fair, objective candidate selection.
Common Types of Online Job Assessments
- Aptitude Tests: Assess numerical reasoning, verbal comprehension, and logical thinking skills.
- Personality Tests: Analyze behavioral tendencies and determine alignment with workplace culture.
- Technical Assessments: Designed for specialized roles such as IT, engineering, or finance to measure practical job-related skills.
- Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs): Present realistic workplace scenarios to evaluate decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
- Coding or Analytical Challenges: Frequently required for technology-focused positions to test programming or data analysis proficiency.
Tips for Taking Online Exams
This is the bone of contention. Therefore, expert tips were sought from Tyler York, the Co-founder of Achievable, and Lorraine Acker, Vice President for Student Affairs at Suny Brockport.
1. Review test guidelines & format
- Before your assessment, make sure you clearly understand the details.
- When is the exam scheduled? Is there a fixed start time, or can you begin anytime during a specified window?
- How much time is allotted for completion?
- Through which platform will you access the test? (Examples may include Blackboard, WebAssign, Wiley, etc.)
- What types of questions should you expect? (Multiple choice, short answer, essay-style responses, and so on.)
Clarifying these points in advance eliminates unnecessary stress on test day.
2. Find your zone
- Decide carefully where you will complete the exam.
- Select a location with a stable and reliable internet connection.
- Minimize interruptions by turning off notifications, email alerts, television, music, or any other distractions.
- Inform household members or roommates that you need quiet time. Consider wearing headphones to reduce background noise.
Creating a focused environment allows you to perform at your best.
3. Study
- Even if the exam is labeled “open book,” time constraints often prevent you from searching for every answer. You must be able to recall information efficiently.
- Prepare concise reference sheets highlighting key concepts. Organize notes using charts, tables, or diagrams to make information easy to locate.
- Complete a practice test under realistic conditions. Stick to the time limit and only use permitted materials. If no practice test is provided, build one yourself using previous assignments, notes, or textbook questions.
Treat practice sessions as rehearsals so you feel prepared and composed.
4. Check your tech
At least 24 hours before the exam:
- Install any required applications or plugins.
- Update your web browser. If a specific browser is recommended, use it; otherwise, Google Chrome is generally a reliable choice.
- Develop a contingency plan. Consider what you’ll do if your internet connection fails or your computer encounters issues.
30 minutes before starting:
- Power on your computer and confirm your internet is functioning properly.
- Close unnecessary programs or tabs. Pause streaming services and ask others in your household to limit internet usage during the test.
- Silence or switch off your phone.
Technical preparation prevents last-minute panic.
5. Prep your space
- Collect any approved materials ahead of time, such as textbooks, notes, reference sheets, or a calculator.
- Keep scrap paper and writing tools nearby.
- Have water or a light snack within reach.
- Use earplugs if needed to block out distractions.
A well-prepared workspace supports sustained concentration.
6. Watch the clock
- Set reminders to alert you when 30, 15, and 5 minutes remain. This helps you pace yourself and avoid rushing at the end.
7. In case of emergency
- Back up your answers whenever possible. Draft essay or short-answer responses in a Word document before pasting them into the exam portal. Record multiple-choice or calculation responses separately. If a technical issue arises, you won’t lose all your work.
- If permitted to reference materials online, use a separate browser or device to avoid accidentally closing your test page.
- If technical difficulties occur, notify the appropriate authority immediately. Describe the problem clearly and provide screenshots of any error messages. Don’t delay while waiting for a reply—reach out to IT support or the platform’s technical assistance team right away.
Preparation for unexpected issues can save your entire attempt.
8. Trust but verify
Before submitting, review your responses carefully.
- Did you answer every question?
- Did you complete all sections of each question?
- Confirm that your submission has been successfully received. Avoid closing or refreshing your browser until you see confirmation, which may appear as a message or redirect depending on the testing platform.
Taking a few extra moments to verify can prevent avoidable mistakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping practice tests beforehand.
- Poor time management during the assessment.
- Neglecting to research the company prior to interviews.
- Arriving unprepared for role-specific technical questions.
Avoiding these pitfalls can dramatically improve your performance.
Bonus Tips for Success
- Take short breaks before your assessment or interview to stay mentally refreshed.
- Keep identification ready, as some employers require identity verification.
- Test your internet speed, webcam, and microphone before starting.
- Remain genuine—employers value integrity and authenticity just as much as competence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are online job assessments difficult?
They can be demanding, but consistent preparation and practice significantly improve performance.
Can I retake an online assessment?
Most organizations allow only one attempt per application, so it’s important to prepare thoroughly before starting.
How long do assessments and interviews take?
Assessments typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, while virtual interviews usually range from 20 minutes to an hour.
Conclusion
Successfully navigating online job assessments and virtual interviews requires preparation, focus, and confidence. By practicing regularly, organizing your environment, and preparing for both technical and behavioral questions, you position yourself ahead of many other applicants. Approach each stage strategically, and you’ll significantly increase your chances of securing the opportunity you’re aiming for.