Job Applications Kata for Test Automators

What is interesting, is that when applying for a job there is always a technical round. Some kind of exercise, where a simplistic task or challenge is brought forward. A programming task in Java. A test strategy or assignment using Cypress.

It is a big opportunity, and to win big on it, you can take the following steps. I admit, this is a lot of work, and in the end you have learnt something new, even if you wouldn’t move forward for a position. Time well spent.

1. Get excited about the company you are applying for. If you can’t get excited in what they do, showing enthusiasm and fitting in to their business will be a lot of work.
2. Understand the problem. Ask a few questions to clarify and validate the assignment to make your goals really crystal clear.
3. Research your options. Create a list of possibilities, testing frameworks or approaches that you would like to work on, and think how the assignment could be delivered with them. What would bring the most value to the new position.
4. Choose a technology or approach you have not used before. (Slide 1.)
5. Frame the assignment differently. Take a minute to think about whether the slight change in wording affects how you view the problem. Balance your emotional and rational mind.
6. Would this change your choice of technology or approach? (Slide 2.)
7. Commit to your goals and choice of tools and complete the assignment.
8. Let it be. Non-conscious thinking is surprisingly efficient. So consider sleeping on a problem.
9. Create the narrative of your work. These are busy people, so prepare just like you would for a sprint demo. (Demo)
10. Add the theoretical background to support your logic and choices. (Slide 3.-5.)

Looking for work is a two way street. What these interviews are for is for you to understand if you really want to work with the people you meet, and if you believe you will be successful. I sometimes call it the reverse interview. You build trust both ways.

Applying for a job is a 100 meter hurdle. The best ones take the podium. To be successful in job interviews, you need some practice. Rome was not built in a day, so on and so forth. Cliches.

In today’s uncertain world every CEO takes that call from the headhunter. Successful people always have what they want to do waiting for them. Define yourself by choosing what you want to be and where you want to be, don’t only let where you are now define you.

The author wishes to help the development environment hold the weather and reduce the number of disappointments experienced by millions of people in everyday life.

Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.