As a junior Real Estate analyst who has just been employed in my first role, it’s been fascinating to see how many of my other counterparts who are looking for a job want to get their hands on modelling tests. This is no doubt a good thing, of course, if they’re wanting to upskill and use it to help them improve their excel skills, but instead it seems to be a trend to submit modelling tests for potential jobs, without the applicant actually doing the test themselves.

These modelling tests are therefore not a true reflection of the applicant’s ability, and it results in disappointed employers and unskilled excel employees – an unrewarding combination.

There are therefore a handful of reasons not to cheat in modelling tests when you are applying for a job, and here are a few:

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Why Cheat in the First Place?

Let's face it, job interviews can be nerve-wracking. The pressure to perform your best can sometimes lead to thoughts of taking shortcuts, such as cheating on a modelling test. Before you reach for those shortcuts, consider the long-term consequences. When joining the Farley Cove team, I was asked to complete a modelling test, this is something I was not familiar with. However, I gave it a go and was honest about the areas I could not complete. In hindsight, this was very much the right move as I have now had the opportunity to learn and be taught things I did not know or couldn’t do. On top of this, I was not expected to do anything I could not do due to an honest modelling test that was a true reflection of my ability at the time. Simply put, one step back (be honest if you can’t complete the test), two steps forward (learn and improve in the workplace).

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The Ethical Angle

First and foremost, cheating is, quite simply, unethical. It's about breaking trust and misrepresenting your skills and abilities. If you want to excel in the world of data analysis, integrity is a trait you must uphold. Building a successful career isn't just about landing a job; it's about maintaining a reputation as a trustworthy and dependable professional.

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Self-Deception and Impostor Syndrome

Cheating can provide a temporary boost, but it's like building a house of cards. Sooner or later, it's going to come crashing down. Inflating your qualifications by cheating can lead to a perpetual sense of self-doubt, known as impostor syndrome. The feeling that you don't truly deserve your role can take a toll on your mental well-being.

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Missed Learning Opportunities

The process of preparing for an interview can be a valuable learning experience. Even if you don't get the job, the skills and knowledge you acquire can benefit you in future endeavours. Cheating short-circuits this process, robbing you of the chance to grow and develop as an analyst.

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The Power of Honest Assessment

By being honest about your abilities, you open the door to an authentic journey toward improvement. Interviewers often appreciate candidates who are candid about their strengths and weaknesses, as it allows for better team alignment and professional growth. It's okay not to have all the answers; everyone starts somewhere. For the tests I’ve seen marked by the team, it has always been encouraged to work within the timeframes given and to work within your own ability. This, however, does not necessarily mean you can’t complete the modelling but rather you ran out of time. Top tip, note down what you were planning on doing or would have done and in what manner, should you have been given more time. This simply displays you had a good understanding of the model and what was needed to complete it.

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Reputation Matters

Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Cheating can tarnish it for years to come. Word travels fast in the industry, and if you're caught cheating during an interview, it could damage your career prospects and make it challenging to rebuild trust.

In the world of data analysis, integrity and authenticity are highly valued traits. Cheating may offer short-term gains, but the long-term costs far outweigh any benefits. So, as you prepare for your next analyst job interview, remember that it's not just about landing the position; it's about growing as a professional, earning trust, and building a lasting, successful career.

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As a team who are highly experienced in excel and have been testing and auditing applicant models for years, at Excel in Property, we know what the best modelling practices are and who has the potential to be a great analyst.

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Sign up to our "How to Pass A Modelling Test" mini-course here: https://excelinproperty.thinkific.com/courses/how-to-pass-a-modelling-test

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Alternatively, let us know if we can help you find your next best analyst!

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