Hello all,

 

despite totally messing up a job application by following the instructions incorrectly I have somehow managed to get invited along to an assessment afternoon (2hrs).

 

Obviously we could be tested on any of the skills that the role asks for but I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience of these kind of assessments or tests for junior web developer roles? and had any advice or tips?

 

Going to be spending the next 10 days swotting!

 

any advice welcome.

thanks in advance

What does the job entail?

I was asked to an assessment appointment for my first web dev design job, and this is what happened.

 

First I was asked to assess two web pages in terms of design and code, and explain what I thought could be done to improve them, and how I'd approach this. This was just HTML & CSS.

 

The I was asked to explain what process I'd take in the design & code of a site from scratch. I talked about discussing the project with the client, understanding their needs, and making recommendations before starting the project to make sure we both agreed on the scope. I also talked about the importance of usability and accessibility.

 

Finally, I was asked about my coding experience and CMS implementation. Being something of relative newcomer to php I was honest about what I could and couldn't do.

 

It wasn't as stressful as I thought it may have been, and I got the job.

 

Remember, they'll be assessing your character and how they think you might fit in with their team as well as your technical capabilities.

 

Best of luck with your assessment

Edited June 10, 201115 yr by notbanksy

As BlueDreamer said, what does the job entail?

 

I can only echo notbanksy's comments.

Chances are you will be interviewed by somebody who hasn't got a clue what you're talking about.

They might present you with a couple of sample web pages (is there a template for these?) and ask you to tell them what you think is wrong with them (really obvious stuff like 'the menu is covering the slideshow' or 'that image is overlapping the footer'.

 

My advice would be , (corny as it sounds), be true to yourself and your knowledge.

Don't say you can do something when you can't.

Try and keep the conversation to things you do know about.

Admit your failings (stuff you're not sure of) but are keen to learn.

 

A few years back, I had an interview for a web dev role. They asked me if I could create a 'calculator' script to do with personal loans. I replied with 'PHP or JavaScript?'

They couldn't answer...

 

I got the job and left three days later because they were sh1te...

 

Just relax and take it in your stride; you've made it this far, they must like you

 

 

Good luck with the job

Thanks both really helpful about possible things to expect. Put my mind at ease a bit.

The requirements are strong knowledge of strict html and css; reasonable knowledge of PHP and my SQL (not sure what reasonable amount is, will definitely have to swot up on these), usability, WP experience, basic seo.

think the main job would be converting psd designs into functioning sites.

So plenty to get revising and studying on!

if anyone can recommend any good php and mySQL tutorials

Thanks both really helpful about possible things to expect. Put my mind at ease a bit.

The requirements are strong knowledge of strict html and css; reasonable knowledge of PHP and my SQL (not sure what reasonable amount is, will definitely have to swot up on these), usability, WP experience, basic seo.

think the main job would be converting psd designs into functioning sites.

So plenty to get revising and studying on!

if anyone can recommend any good php and mySQL tutorials

 

Have you worked with php, mysql before

 

http://www.tizag.com/mysqlTutorial/index.php

Have you worked with php, mysql before

 

http://www.tizag.com/mysqlTutorial/index.php

 

thanks for link, yes I worked through a book and exercises a while ago, but in terms of websites I tend to only use php in wordpress context, haven't had any sites that require databases. So think I'll go through book again and bunch of tutorials.

I did an assessment once - a 1hr one and it was mainly about how i could improve a specific webpage they gave me to look at. Also i was asked about browser modes(standards mode, quirks mode and nearly standards mode) and how they affect the webpage.

 

So that one thing you could look into. But most importantly is trusting your own judgement on certain things. If you fail then ask why?

 

Good luck!

I did an assessment once - a 1hr one and it was mainly about how i could improve a specific webpage they gave me to look at. Also i was asked about browser modes(standards mode, quirks mode and nearly standards mode) and how they affect the webpage.

 

So that one thing you could look into. But most importantly is trusting your own judgement on certain things. If you fail then ask why?

 

Good luck!

 

 

Ooh thanks, not heard of those different modes before! Will look into that.