Sachin Walls
The airport test is a term used to describe a type of job interview where employers assess candidates' suitability by imagining what it would be like to be stuck in an airport with them. It is often used in the consulting industry during recruiting season. The test helps employers evaluate candidates' personalities, interests, and soft skills, such as communication, organisation, teamwork, and adaptability. While the test is usually conducted as a casual conversation, it is still a crucial part of the selection process. Candidates should be prepared to answer questions about their personal life, such as their hobbies and interests, and be mindful to ask insightful questions about the company and role.
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What You'll Learn
Be personable and engage in small talk
When it comes to passing an airport interview, it's important to be personable and engage in small talk. This is your opportunity to showcase your soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills, which are highly valued by employers. Here are some tips to help you excel in this aspect of the interview:
Be Authentic and Engaging:
During the interview, it's crucial to be yourself and let your personality shine through. Be genuine, thoughtful, and honest in your interactions. Engage in conversations not only with the interviewer but also with other people you meet during the process, such as the receptionist, colleagues giving you a tour, or even the cafeteria cashier. Show that you're interested in the person you're talking to and actively listen to what they have to say.
Participate in Small Talk:
Don't shy away from small talk or casual conversations. These moments can give the interviewer a better glimpse of your character and personality beyond the standard interview questions. Be prepared to answer questions about your personal interests, hobbies, or recent travels. Share what makes you interesting outside of the workplace, whether it's playing intramural sports, volunteering, or reading. However, be mindful of the fine line between being engaging and being inappropriate or boring.
Ask Insightful Questions:
Asking thoughtful questions during the interview is a great way to engage and show your interest in the company and the people you're interacting with. Inquire about their experiences working for the company and what they enjoy most about their position. Ask about their growth and how they've developed within the organization. Interviewers often remember candidates who demonstrate genuine curiosity and a desire to get to know the people and the company.
Build Connections:
Look for common ground with the interviewer and other employees you meet. Do an internet search beforehand to learn more about the company, its employees, and its culture. Find potential shared interests or experiences, such as attending the same college or having similar hobbies. Building connections and establishing rapport can make you a more memorable candidate and increase your chances of standing out in a positive light.
Practice Your Soft Skills:
Soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and interpersonal skills, are essential for passing the airport test. Practice these skills in various situations, including social events, networking events, and case interviews. Take online courses or seek guidance from career mentors to enhance your soft skills. Remember that demonstrating these skills is not limited to in-person interactions; strive to showcase them in your emails, phone calls, and online presence as well.
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Be authentic, but filter your answers
Being authentic is a key part of passing an airport interview. Employers want to gain a better understanding of who you are outside of the standard interview questions and pre-prepared answers. They want to know how you'll fit in with the team culture and whether you have the "soft skills" to bring to the table.
However, it's also important to filter your answers. While you should be genuine, thoughtful, and honest, there is some room to be selectively professional. Choose answers that represent the best version of yourself. Remember, the interviewers are trying to assess whether they could get along with you, especially if you'll be spending a lot of time together. So, it's crucial to be prepared to answer questions about your personal interests and passions, but also know what you feel comfortable sharing and what you might want to keep personal.
The airport test doesn't just refer to your future manager, but also to the team. Companies often include an outing or group meeting as part of the interview process, which is a chance for the team to get to know you and see how you'd fit in. Make sure you're engaging with them and getting to know them, too. Ask questions about what they enjoy about the company and look for common ground. Share what makes you interesting, both inside and outside the workplace, and showcase your soft skills.
Prior preparation is key to a successful interview. Practice behavioural interviews and put yourself in situations where you can practice small talk. Be prepared to answer a range of questions, from your favourite television shows to hobbies, travel experiences, and family life. These topics may seem unrelated to the role, but they can be an important part of getting hired.
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Ask insightful questions about the company and role
Asking insightful questions about the company and role is a great way to make a good impression at an airport interview. It shows that you are curious, engaged, and have done your research. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this aspect of the interview:
Understand the Purpose of the Airport Test
Firstly, understand that the airport test is a common evaluation method used by hiring managers to assess your suitability for the role and the company. It is often used in industries where employees work closely together, travel frequently, or are required to have strong soft skills, such as consulting or aviation. The test helps employers evaluate your character, personality, and cultural fit within the team beyond your technical skills and qualifications.
Research the Company and Role
Before the interview, take time to thoroughly research the company and the specific role you are applying for. Study the company's website, annual reports, and recent news updates. Understand their mission, values, and key projects or initiatives. Additionally, learn about the day-to-day responsibilities and requirements of the role. This knowledge will help you ask informed and insightful questions during the interview.
Prepare a List of Thoughtful Questions
Come up with a list of thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and your enthusiasm for the role. For example, you could ask about the company culture, recent projects or achievements, or specific challenges the company or industry is facing. You might inquire about the team dynamics, the expectations for the role, or the opportunities for professional development. For instance, consider asking, "What are the qualities you most value in your employees and how do you foster those qualities?" or "How do you see this role evolving in the next few years?"
Assess Your Fit and Interest
The airport test is not just about impressing the interviewer; it's also about assessing whether the company and role are a good fit for you. Use this opportunity to gather information that will help you make an informed decision if you receive an offer. For example, you could ask about the work-life balance, the company's plans for growth or change, or the opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. Ask questions that are important to you and that will help you determine if the company aligns with your values, goals, and long-term career aspirations.
Engage with the Interviewers and Show Authenticity
While asking insightful questions is important, remember that the airport test is also about building a connection and showing your authenticity. Be mindful of your body language, maintain eye contact, and come across as open and receptive. Show genuine interest in the interviewers and actively listen to their responses. Share relevant personal experiences or anecdotes that showcase your skills, passions, and fit for the company culture. Remember, the interview is a two-way street, and asking thoughtful questions can leave a positive and memorable impression.
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Highlight soft skills on your resume and during the interview
Soft skills are an essential part of your resume and interview performance when it comes to passing the "airport test". These skills are highly valued by employers as they are harder to teach than technical or "hard skills". They are also a great way to showcase your personality and how you would fit into the company culture.
When preparing your resume, consider the soft skills that are most relevant to the job and include them in your summary, work history, and other sections such as volunteer activities or certifications. For example, if you are applying for a customer service role, highlight soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and attentiveness. If you are applying for a leadership role, showcase your leadership skills and provide examples of how you have successfully led a team in the past. Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job and company you are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a position at IBM, weave in soft skills that align with their values, such as customer service, attentiveness, initiative, and loyalty.
During the interview, be prepared to showcase your soft skills through casual conversations and small talk. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how you would fit in with the team and get along with your colleagues. Share your interests and passions outside of work, and ask insightful questions about the company and the interviewer's experience. For example, you could inquire about what they enjoy most about their position and the company, or what has kept them at the company for a long time. This shows that you are interested and engaged, and it helps to build a connection.
Additionally, consider taking online courses or seeking mentorship opportunities to develop and enhance your soft skills. For instance, LinkedIn offers an online course called "Master In-Demand Professional Soft Skills", which can help you improve your soft skills and increase your chances of passing the airport test.
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Be prepared for a color vision test and other assessments
The TSA Airport Assessment includes a color vision test, which is used to ensure that all potential Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) can distinguish colors to meet the requirements of the position. The Farnsworth D-15 Color Vision Test determines whether a candidate has a color deficiency. During the test, you will be given a set of caps and a reference cap. You will have three minutes to sort the caps in order according to the shades most similar to the reference cap. The pass/fail distinction is determined by the number of "crossovers", or errors, in the ordering of the caps. If you make two or more crossovers, you fail the test. In this case, you will be given the opportunity to take the test a second time. If you fail the test the second time, you will be given a failing grade and exited from the interview.
The color vision test is not the only assessment you will encounter during the TSA Airport Assessment. You will also undergo a standardized interview, which will be conducted by at least two airport staff members. This is a mandatory interview that includes six universal questions and assesses seven competencies or soft skills. These include critical thinking, communication skills, attention to detail, and customer service aptitude.
To prepare for the interview, it is recommended that you research TSA policies and procedures and practice with mock interviews. You can also take online courses to improve your soft skills, such as LinkedIn's "Master In-Demand Professional Soft Skills". During the interview, it is important to be genuine, thoughtful, and honest. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your personal life, such as your hobbies, interests, and recent trips. These types of questions allow interviewers to get to know you better and evaluate how well you would fit into the team.
In addition to the color vision test and the standardized interview, the TSA Airport Assessment may also include a computer-based skills test and a medical evaluation. The entire TSO hiring process can last around 90 days, and the Airport Assessment is usually step five out of eight steps.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport test is an informal assessment used by hiring managers to evaluate candidates beyond their professional qualifications. It is used to determine if a candidate would be a good fit for the company culture and if they possess the necessary soft skills for the role.
It is important to be authentic and genuine during the interview. Engage in conversations with everyone you meet during the process, from the person at the welcome desk to the interviewer and anyone else you may interact with. Be prepared to answer questions about your personal life, such as hobbies, interests, and recent trips. Practice your responses to common interview questions and prepare anecdotes to back up your answers.
According to a WSJ article and LinkedIn survey, employers seek candidates with strong communication, organization, teamwork, punctuality, critical thinking, social skills, creativity, interpersonal communication, and adaptability. These skills are often evaluated during the airport test to determine cultural fit and compatibility with the team.
