KiLLiNG-TiME Posted October 3, 2012 Posted October 3, 2012 Just think of it as a bit of reverse sociology you will actually be testing them Quote
JD Mather Posted October 3, 2012 Posted October 3, 2012 Just think of it as a bit of reverse sociology you will actually be testing them My rate of pay is set by a point system. I took a test that is called the "State Trade Compentency Test" for mechanical drafting that counted as more points than writing a couple of textbooks. I was told before the test that it was done on computer (I asked this question because I heard it had board drafting component). I showed up at the testing center and the proctor asked if I had brought my drafting tools?????????????? He lent me some. Did the board work and half way through a section view of detailed thread representation I recalled that in section the lines are reversed. Ouch! Get to use that eraser. After finishing the board work (I think about 2 hrs) it occured to me that I could have done the work in AutoCAD as a first-run trial (if the proctor would allow this subversion of the test) and then repeated as the board work all in about 30 minutes. Then I went to the CAD portion of the test. One of the problems required that I do a 2D isometric view?????????? I did a 3D model and flattened it getting rid of the 3D. Apparently the proctor didn't catch my subversion of the test - I passed. This was all in this century! Quote
ringas Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 Just a little question regarding these tests: are you allowed to bring your own lisp files and customisation files (cui, pgp) and install them or you are forced to use vanilla Autocad? The reason I am asking is because after 20 years of using Autocad, I am so dependand on them that I feel stupid when I can't use them. Who on earth thought of C as circle??? Tassos Ringas Quote
ReMark Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 I don't see why you couldn't bring and use your lisp routines but the company might get a bit nervous about someone "installing" files on their computer. I'd at least inquire. Quote
BlackBox Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 ... are you allowed to bring your own lisp files and customisation files (cui, pgp) and install them or you are forced to use vanilla Autocad? In my experience (limited as that may be)... No, you cannot... What's the point of the test then? This CAD test *should* be an evaluation of your core competencies, using their production platform(s). If all someone has to do is study up on all of the free LISP routines, and CUI(x) customizations that others post online, is that really an accurate assessment of the test taker's AutoCAD knowledge? No, it is not. That being said, if someone wanted to write code on-the-spot to perform a given task(s) at the time of taking the test (do so at your own risk)... And they're successful.... Then they are definitely in my top 5 for consideration. A company wants to hire someone who's resourceful, and can operate autonomously when needed. The reason I am asking is because after 20 years of using Autocad, I am so dependand on them that I feel stupid when I can't use them. Who on earth thought of C as circle??? That is unfortunate. The employment of efficiency initiatives is ideally based on solid knowledge of the core functionality, and built-in commands... Knowing how to code LISP is not an increase in efficiency, it's knowing the existing processes and procedures, and strategically implementing LISP to save steps through automation, and \ or adding functionality where none exists currently. As for "C"... It's the first letter of a geometric command (as opposed to Copy, Change, etc.) on a geometry-based software platform. Not to be unexpected. Quote
ReMark Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 The point would be the OP was smart enough to think ahead. Score one for him! Quote
BlackBox Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 The point would be the OP was smart enough to think ahead. Score one for him! ... Here's to hoping that the company interviewing them feels the same Quote
ReMark Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 No points given for being resourceful? I'm not working for you! Quote
f700es Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 I've only taken a CAD test twice myself and I have given one a few times. In all situations only basic CAD knowledge was tested. Not in using custom scripts and commands. If the person has trouble with basic commands then they will have even more trouble with harder ones. The CAD tests I gave when I was the CAD manager at a modular casework company dealt with making the person line up the case work for the finished/desired view. Basically I gave them a file with all of the products already in the file. I wanted to see them move the items to their proper place. I gave them a sheet with how I wanted the file to look when finished. I tested them on moving, rotating and aligning 3D objects. Before I gave the test to a potential hire I had my other CAD guys do it as well and I timed them on it to see how they did. They all flew through it as I knew they would but this gave upper management a look at how well they did it compared to potential hires. I was surprised at how much trouble people had with it. I also used this test when I had outside sales reps/designers come in for our training on our custom AutoCAD add-on package (our modular casework system). Quote
BlackBox Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 ... You must have really enjoyed that rare occasion, when potential hires manipulated your 'modules' properly, and in a timely manor. Quote
rkent Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 ... You must have really enjoyed that rare occasion, when potential hires manipulated your 'modules' properly, and in a timely manor. Render(inuendo)Man Quote
ReMark Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 I would much rather have my modules massaged than manipulated. That seems so cruel. Quote
BlackBox Posted October 4, 2012 Posted October 4, 2012 Render(inuendo)Man Yes I am still laughing What's life without a bit of levity every now and then!? I'm always happy to not help (copyleft pending). LoL I would much rather have my modules massaged than manipulated. You know... I'm not sure that that is an appropriate request; we're talking about evaluating a potential new hire here, Mark. Sheeesh! Quote
Dana W Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 CyberAngel, the OP said 24 years experience, I don't think they said at the same place. Have you had a potential employer look up your Facebook page? Just curious, I have heard of it but never got to ask someone about it. I don't bother with one but if I suddenly need a job maybe I better create one? My dog Daisy has a facebook page. She has yet to find a job. However, I found one here in Florida after only 3 months of looking. No luck in Maryland after 3 years. Go figure. I was not asked about facebook, only AutoCad and architectural millwork. My only test was the interview. The guys I talked to were very well versed in AutoCad and were happy that I knew what they were talking about. I would have taken the test, if asked. And, I would have told them that I ghost write Daisy's facebook page if it had come up. Quote
Dadgad Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 My dog Daisy has a facebook page. She has yet to find a job. However, I found one here in Florida after only 3 months of looking. No luck in Maryland after 3 years. Go figure.I was not asked about facebook, only AutoCad and architectural millwork. My only test was the interview. The guys I talked to were very well versed in AutoCad and were happy that I knew what they were talking about. I would have taken the test, if asked. And, I would have told them that I ghost write Daisy's facebook page if it had come up. Would you be able to post Daisy's resume and references, I'd like to take a look, we might be hiring. Are you using the full version at work now Dana? Quote
43st Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 Having just gone through the US job hunt myself .. I would say the test is fine as long as it pertains to your area of expertise. If however the offer is entry level just get up and leave. Remarkable the balls some Operating Officers have.. but I never regretted heading to the door after such a comment. As far as I'm concerned if that is how you run your company then go ahead and hire bottom feeders, you deserve them. Quote
f700es Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 (edited) I've walked out of an interview before myself. That firm is now closed so no harm done Edited October 8, 2012 by f700es Quote
ReMark Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 I've never walked out of an interview although right after one particular one I ran to my car laughing all the way! Quote
Dana W Posted October 5, 2012 Posted October 5, 2012 Would you be able to post Daisy's resume and references, I'd like to take a look, we might be hiring. Are you using the full version at work now Dana? Resume? What for? Kids stop us on the street to take her picture. You'd think she was a pit bull Justin beaver or sumpin'. Full version? Believe it or not, these people ar still running LT 2008. They only have a few seats on the full version. There are a couple of guys using full 2010, but none of 'em are me. Quote
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