If you are applying for a tech job, such as a position that involves IT or computer science, you may be required to complete a practical assessment as part of the interview process. As daunting as a test may seem, it is no bad thing, as it enables you to show a prospective employer that you have the necessary skills and know-how required for the role.

From the employer’s perspective, the goal is to help him or her to gain a solid understanding of what your technical skills are, as they pertain to the position you are applying for. The interviewer will also be looking to see what your thought process is for solving specific problems during the assessment.

For most tech assessments, you will need to show that you are skillful in application-based techniques and are able to answer questions that relate to your technical knowledge, such as showing you understand the concepts, tools, and frameworks related to the role.

Completing the assessment portion of a tech interview can certainly feel intimidating, but as long as you prepare well for the test, there is no reason why you cannot ace it. By abiding by the following advice, you can ensure you go into your next tech assessment with confidence, and you will stand a greater chance of getting hired.

Carefully Read the Job Description

Preparation is crucial if you want to ace the tech assessment at an interview. The first thing you need to do is know exactly what skills are required for the position you are applying for. So, read the job description carefully and in detail.

By understanding what skills are needed, you can spend time brushing up on the right skills prior to the interview. For instance, if the job description says you need to have coding skills in the most common programming languages, you can practice coding with popular languages like JavaScript, SQL, HTML, and Python.

Or if the job description requires knowledge of cybersecurity, you could perhaps take a course in industrial control systems and cybersecurity.

Brush Up on All Relevant Skills and Knowledge

Whatever kinds of skills are required for the job, as stated in the job description, make sure you practice all of the fundamental capabilities that could be required for the type of tech job you are applying for.

By ensuring you have a strong understanding of all technical principles and methodologies, you will be able to successfully showcase your skills and knowledge during the assessment portion of the interview.

Research, Practice, and De-stress

Even if you feel confident in your technical skills and knowledge, it can be a different ballgame demonstrating your capabilities during an assessment compared with practicing your skills at home.

That is because you will be under a lot more pressure during a test situation. So, spend time practicing in a way that is close to the real assessment.

For instance, you could research what types of data analysis exercises and coding challenges are often used in tech assessments, by reading books and looking up information and videos online, and then test yourself by completing tasks under a time limit.

To further reduce the pressure that you may feel during the actual test, it could be a good idea to learn relaxation techniques prior to the interview.

Prepare for All Areas of the Interview

It is not only the technical assessment part of an interview that you need to prepare for. You must also spend time preparing for the other elements of a tech job interview if you want to ace the interview process.

One of the best ways to prepare for tech interviews is to use a platform like Exponent that provides courses to help you get the job you want.

For instance, Exponent provides real interview examples and advice from hiring managers at major companies like Facebook and Google and you can be matched with the ideal mentor to help you prepare for interviews.

You can also look through interview questions that are commonly asked and see how experts answer such questions by viewing hundreds of videos.

Highlight Your Other Skills During the Assessment

While your first priority during a technical assessment for an interview is to demonstrate your technical skills and knowledge, it is just as important to demonstrate you have other skills during the test.

For instance, the hiring manager will be looking to see if you have skills like excellent communication skills, analytical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think creatively.

The technical skills you demonstrate are only a part of what an interviewer is looking for, so make certain you brush up on things like communication skills as much as you practice skills like coding.

Go Above and Beyond Expectations

While your priority during an assessment is to demonstrate you have the skills and knowledge required by the company, if you have the opportunity to do so, you should go the extra mile.

Remember, you will be competing against other candidates, so by going above and beyond what is expected of you, without doing so in an arrogant manner, you can really impress the assessor and make sure you stand out from your competitors.

For instance, if the test allows it, you could explain to the assessor why you are completing tasks in a certain way while you perform the tasks.

Be Honest if You Do Not Fully Understand the Assessment

If you find yourself in a situation where you do not fully understand elements of the technical assessment, it is better to be honest than to fumble your way through.

By being transparent with the interviewer, you will demonstrate that you are honest and have a willingness to learn.

You could even pick up on a problem that prevents you from completing assessment tasks that other candidates have not noticed and which is actually a very valid point; in which case, by being transparent, you could actually impress the interviewer.

If you do not understand something, that is okay. Just make sure you explain why you do not understand, and also give examples of your expertise and willingness to learn.