Crossover CCAT & Hiring Process Preparation – 2024

What Is Crossover?

Crossover is an online hiring platform that connects companies with the talent they need. With headquarters in Austin, Texas, Crossover offers its services to companies across the globe servicing 116 countries. All positions with crossover are entirely remote, allowing those hired by Crossover to work with teams around the world.

Crossover is unique in that they are not a recruiter. They operate as a contractor, matching you with a company that requires your particular talent for a period, before moving on to your next role. They refer to this as a “tour”. At this time Crossover does not offer a benefits package. All of the positions they offer are 40 hours plus, and you will be responsible for keeping track of your tax information, as you will be considered an independent workout. Crossover currently offers a unique solution to job-seekers who are trying to take more control of their careers.

What Is Crossover’s Interview Process?

Application Process

To apply for one of the positions offered by Crossover’s partners, you will need to have a LinkedIn account. The application is a brief form that asks for basic information, including name, phone number, and your LinkedIn profile.

Crossover Online Assessments

The Crossover pre-employment tests can be intensive. There is a 5-step process of tests you will need to take before being considered for a position. Since all the positions available through Crossover are 100% remote, they require an elaborate screening process to make sure they are making good hiring decisions.

Basic-Fit Questions

The first step in the testing process is to answer some questions about your experience. This is used to see if your experience makes you a good match for the job you are interested in.

CCAT

The Criteria Cognitive Test, or CCAT, is a cognitive assessment test used to make sure you can think on your feet, and that you are capable of problem-solving, and thinking critically. The CCAT evaluates your Verbal skills, math and logic abilities, and your spatial reasoning, to give an overview of your cognitive abilities, similar to an IQ test. The test is 50 questions long, and you will only have 15 minutes to complete it. Your score will be compared to the scores of other applicants to determine how well you performed.

English Assessment

To further evaluate your communication skills, you will be asked to provide a 2- minute recording. This recording will be in English and will demonstrate that you can communicate effectively through audio equipment.

There may be other tests you are required to take, but these will depend on the type of job you are applying for, the skills required, and the company you will be working with. Other tests that are frequently used, especially for those who are going into roles that require a lot of technical knowledge include:

• HackerRank Test – This is used for multiple positions and is made of either multiple-choice or coding questions depending on the job being tested for.
• 5Q Evaluation – This test is reserved for non-technical roles. It requires you to use skills you have learned in the past to answer situational questions.
• Tech Trial – This is a technical test that will take several days. You will be presented with a coding challenge in which you must develop a project and have it delivered within a strict time frame.

Interviews

If you show expertise in your field, and a strong personal drive in the pre-hire assessments, you will be contacted to set up an interview. All interviews will be conducted online via Skype.

How to Prepare for Crossover’s CCAT Test?

Crossover is very selective with the candidates who are invited to join the Crossover Marketplace. Receiving exceptional scores on the aptitude tests is essential to be invited to interview.  Practice and enhance your cognitive skills by reading, working on crosswords, and using apps designed to strengthen your critical thinking abilities.

If you are in a technical field, make sure your required technical skills are sharp. If you know any positions you qualify for require coding, make sure you practice so your skills are competitive with those of other applicants.

The testing process is extremely long, and tests are usually given back-to-back. Be sure you have a quiet place to go, where you can work undisturbed for several hours. Remove any distractions so you can focus on the tests. If you are not taking the tests in your home, make sure you have a strong internet connection, so you are not suddenly cut off. Do your best to create a stress-free environment.

Crossover is not a traditional contractor and their hiring practices reflect this. If you are self-motivated and trying to take more control over your career, then Crossover may be a path for you to do this. Proper preparation for the assessment tests is the first step in this new direction for your career.