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Depending on the position, you'll either be tested on 1 skill or several skills. Send the manager a brief and polite email asking them to explain the test to you. For example, you can say: “I am writing to ask some follow-up questions about the assessment test. Specifically, how will the test be administered and what will it cover? Thank you for your help.” In a skills-based assessment, these are the most common abilities that you'll be tested on. Check with the hiring manager first, though, to find out if you will be tested on any of these. Employment agencies sometimes offer practice skills tests on their website. For skills like math, you can look for books of sample quizzes at your local library or bookstore. Use your scores on these tests to figure out what skills you need to work on before taking the test. Practice solving sample math problems for at least an hour a day leading up to the test. If you need to improve your skills more quickly, increase the amount of time you're studying. If you have a friend who's particularly good at math, ask them to help you study. When you get sample problems wrong, make sure you look over your work to figure out why. Focus on studying math skills relevant to the job position. For instance, if you're applying to work as an architect you might be tested on your ability to calculate dimensions. Practice your grammar, spelling, and typing skills as needed. Work on these for at least an hour a day leading up to the test, or more if necessary. Show your work to someone with a good understanding of writing and ask them how you can improve and what skills you need to work on. If the job ad asks for proficiency in specific software programs, you may need to demonstrate proficiency on your test. For instance, if the job requires you to know how to use Excel, you may be given sample tasks to perform using that program.  If you need to sharpen your software skills before the test, set yourself sample tasks to perform so you feel confident using the program on the test. Search for online tutorials if you need to refresh your memory of the software program. If you're taking the test at home, work away from distractions, like the TV. You want to be focused on the assessment. If you're taking the test at the office, bring a bottle of water or anything else you might need to feel comfortable. Take a few deep breaths if you find yourself getting stressed out. If you can't think of the answer to a question, try to come back to it after you've finished the rest of the test. Try not to worry about whether or not you'll ultimately get the job, and instead focus on answering each question as well as you can. Don't simply glance at questions and assume you understand them completely. If a question confuses you, read it again. If you read a question several times and still don't understand it, take your best guess and try to come back to it later if there's time.
Ask the hiring manager what skills you'll be tested on. Take skills quizzes for spelling, grammar, and math as needed. Review any math skills you might be tested on. Study writing skills if you need to improve on them. Practice your skills with the software the job requires. Create a positive environment for the test. Stay calm while answering questions. Read questions thoroughly.