Ask the expert: Grasping the basics

By MARIE WILSON

Q. I am new to New Zealand, having migrated from the United States. Since arriving I have applied for two IT jobs. Both ads said basic technical testing would be part of the selection process. However, I found the tests to be quite a bit above basic-level knowledge - the information would not even be needed for the hiring position, but for a very senior level position.

My question is, how and where would I find information on what line of technical questioning is used in such interviews so that I can prepare myself better?

A. When potential employers are going to be collecting information, it's always good practice (and well within your rights) to ask what is required and at what level. It is possible that your understanding of basic level and theirs are different, or that they are using the same test for several job levels and accepting a lower score for entry.

For technical skills, it is very good practice on the part of the employer to use tests or work samples to accurately assess skills before employment.

Even without the issue of misrepresentation, employers and employees often disagree on what "basic", "advanced" or "excellent" means in terms of job requirements.

You can certainly ask what content areas are covered, and you might ask for an example of what the highest level of basic is in their expectation, as long as this does not compromise the subsequent test.

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Q. The general manager at my former job has offered to be my referee, however, when I received a reference in the mail all it said was I worked at the company from this date to that date. I'm not sure if it is such a good idea to use him as a referee? We did not get on that well, which is why I left.

I do not have a lot of work experience. What is the best way around this?

Also, I am doing temp work so I can pay my bills. Would prospective full-time employers view a temporary employer as a suitable referee?

A. When you are seeking employment, you should identify people who know your work fairly well, and are generally pleased with your work, even though they may have concerns in one or two areas.

When you are seeking another job, if you have concerns, you should approach your former manager directly. Tell him what kind of work you are looking for, and ask him if he will feel comfortable giving you a positive reference for this type of work. You might ask him to summarise what he feels your strengths would be, and what areas he would be concerned about.

If you are still in doubt, and the letter does give you some idea of his position, then don't use him as a reference. You should be aware that new employers may be curious about why you are not using a former supervisor as a referee, but they cannot contact your former boss unless you have authorised it.

Your former boss is someone who knows your work, but may not be positive. The temporary employer may be just the opposite. A temporary employer may be positive, but the issue is being able to present them as someone who knows your work well.

If you have daily assignments, then the temp agency may be the best reference as they would have feedback across a range of temporary placements. If you have longer-term assignments, from a few weeks to a few months, then these situations may well satisfy the requirement of knowing your work well enough to provide a credible reference.

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