A friend of mine, who has been unemployed for a while and is nearing the desperation point, is applying for a job as a “recruitment manager” with the U.S. Census. On Thursday, she’s supposed to take a “management test,” success on which is a requirement for the job. She knows nothing about the test other than that it’s a “written, one hour, multiple-choice, supervisory skills test.”
I’m not looking for a cheat-manual; just trying to find out if it’s going to be a test of basic literacy skills or an MBA-level exam on theories of management. It’s a federal government job, but there are only going to be maybe twenty positions of this type in the state of Tennessee, so I’m guessing they’re looking for at least a modicum of education and/or experience. A “supervisory skills test” doesn’t sound terribly intimidating, but then I’m not a supervisor, so I don’t really know what that entails.
She’s petrified, because she’s got no info on this and she REALLY needs a job. Anyone have a general idea of what’s covered on this test?
Does your friend have a copy of the application notice similar to this one? (Here is a link for a “recruitment manager” for the US Census in Memphis —> http://www.census.gov/rocha/www/pdf/AMR-Memphis-ERB-192-Ext.pdf (PDF Warning) )
The application notice will list the basic for the job including the GS level of the position. A quick check on the opm.gov web site should list basic quals for GS positions.
If this is what your friend is talking about, the application notice provides a wealth of information. If she is still unsure of the management test, have her read the application notice for the job she is apply to and find a name and contact number. Call that number and speak with the name in the application notice. I can practically guarantee the voice on the other end will not bite, nor fold, spindle or mutilate her, but will be very helpful answering any and all questions.
Make sure your friend sounds eager and inquisitive about the job. The voice on the other end will be more willing to offer some advice and suggestions. While the voice many not tell her specifics about the management test, it will calm her nerves.
Thanks, Duckster; this seems like helpful advice, and I’ll pass it along, as well as anything else posted in this thread.