Tips & Tricks

<div> Assessment centres are an important part of the job selection and recruitment process, in which candidate skills are tested through a series of psychometric tests and role playing exercises. These tests are designed to give a fairly accurate idea of how a candidate can be expected to perform in the job they are interviewing for.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars" target="_self"><img alt="Assessment Centre Secrets Revealed: How to Prepare for Assessment Centre Tests" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips5.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 261px; height: 250px; " />Assessment centres</a></u></strong> are an important part of the job selection and recruitment process, in which candidate skills are tested through a series of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test" target="_self">psychometric tests</a></u> and role playing exercises. These tests are designed to give a fairly accurate idea of how a candidate can be expected to perform in the job they are interviewing for.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Though <strong>assessment centre</strong> evaluations may sound like a daunting exercise, they are fairly easy to prepare for. By spending time learning about the tests and exercises that candidates participate in, you will be able to perform better than your competitors.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Tasks, tests and exercises of an Assessment Centre</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Before starting the preparation, it is important to understand the type of assessments that make up an <strong>assessment centre</strong>:</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> <strong>Informational sessions</strong>: In these sessions, candidates are given a brief overview of the company and the role they are interviewing for. Take notes if required as the information given during this session may come in handy in the interview.</li> <li> <strong>Social sessions</strong>: Candidates are given an opportunity to meet other candidates, talk to current employees, and get a feel of the company. It is important to remember that <strong>assessment centres</strong> start their evaluation process the moment you walk in the company doors.&nbsp;</li> <li> <strong>Aptitude tests</strong> or <strong>psychometric tests</strong>: Depending on the role, these can include <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">numerical and verbal reasoning tests</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/abstract_reasoning" target="_self">abstract reasoning tests</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/situational_judgement_test_sjt" target="_self">situational judgement tests</a></u> or other types.</li> <li> <strong>Group exercise</strong>: A team of candidates involved in group discussions or strategic role playing while assessors are evaluating them and the group dynamics, based on various competency metrics.</li> <li> <u><strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/in_tray_exercise" target="_self">In-tray exercises</a></strong></u> <strong>and </strong><u><strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/case_study" target="_self">case studies</a></strong></u>: These include exercises such as role playing or writing tasks such as creating memos, presentations, and training sessions under time pressure to measure analytical, problem solving and other skills, or competencies to work in a team.</li> <li> <u><strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/job_interview" target="_self">Structured interview</a></strong></u>: a special set of questions that seeks to find examples from your professional or personal history to demonstrate certain competencies such as resilience, leadership, working with others and related competencies.</li> </ul> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Researching the Company and the Role</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The first step of <a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self"><u>recruitment test</u> </a>preparation must include research about the company and the role. Read about the management, what the company does, corporate social responsibility, their Unique Selling Proposition and products. This information can be sourced from the company&rsquo;s website and also from online and offline resources such as trade magazines and financial newspapers.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Responsibilities of the Role</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Read about the responsibilities and especially the related competencies, skills and abilities you are required to possess in the organisation, either by reading the job description or by researching similar roles. This will help you tailor your <strong>assessment centre</strong> performance to meet these criteria.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Focus on Strengths</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Make a list of your strengths such as good communication skills, ability to cope with pressure, fine analytical skills or any other, and figure out how you can use them in a way that takes attention away from your weaknesses. Tie your strengths to the qualities the <strong>assessment centre</strong> is looking for by formulating answers in a way that highlights your strengths.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Practice, practice, practice</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Practice <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">psychometric tests online</a></u> so you can be well prepared for your interview day. Take aptitude tests, <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">reasoning tests</a></u>, and interview tests. Attend <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars" target="_self">online training webinars</a></u> to learn more about the methodology and best practices. By practicing for one or two hours daily, you can improve your chances of performing well in <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">assessment tests</a></u> and also increase your chances of getting the job.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <p> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">Questions? Check our live webinars for psychometric test preparation now!</a></strong></span></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p>

<div> Cognitive ability tests, also known as aptitude tests, are a part of psychometric testing conducted by assessment centres during job selection procedures to determine a candidate&rsquo;s skills and abilities. In most cases, these aptitude tests include a combination of abstract reasoning tests and numerical and verbal reasoning tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><img alt="Assessment Centre Secrets Revealed: What Are the Cognitive Ability Tests?" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips6.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 300px; height: 200px; " />Cognitive ability tests</strong>, also known as <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u>, are a part of psychometric testing conducted by <strong>assessment centres</strong> during job selection procedures to determine a candidate&rsquo;s skills and abilities. In most cases, these aptitude tests include a combination of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_abstract_reasoning_demo" target="_self">abstract reasoning tests</a></u> and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">numerical and verbal reasoning tests</a></u>.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Aptitude tests are used in many different industries, especially sales, finance, and marketing sectors. A large number of consulting firms also use <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">aptitude online tests</a></u> in order to gauge a candidate&rsquo;s abilities prior to interview.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> These tests help <strong>assessment centres</strong> to quickly shortlist candidates that reflect the skills required for the role. Apart from numerical and verbal reasoning tests, candidates may also be required to take mechanical ability tests, which test their product knowledge and professional abilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>What Cognitive Ability Tests Include</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Although <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> include a series of psychometric components, the actual test depends on the industry and the role being interviewed for. A company hiring for a position which requires excellent communication skills may focus on <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/verbal_reasoning_test" target="_self">verbal reasoning tests</a></u> while a company hiring for a position which requires mathematical skills may focus on numerical reasoning. Similarly, certain <strong>cognitive ability tests</strong> can also include spatial and mechanical tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/spacial_ability_tests" target="_self">Spatial ability tests</a></u> are used primarily in production and design jobs, with questions about two dimensional and three dimensional drawings, shape assembly, and object angles.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/mechanical_reasoning" target="_self">Mechanical reasoning tests</a></u> are industry specific and are mostly used in interviews for manufacturing, production, and mechanical engineering roles. These <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/common_interview_questions" target="_self">testing interviews</a></u> are also used for military jobs and apprenticeships.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Why Cognitive Ability Tests Are Important</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Cognitive ability tests</strong> are a combination of aptitude tests and general intelligence tests. They provide an insight into a candidate&rsquo;s capabilities, skills, personality, and attitude. They also make it easier for <strong>assessment centres</strong> to evaluate a candidate.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Most of these tests are computerised, thus allowing for a fair and legitimate selection process. A percentile score helps shortlist candidates who have performed better than others. These candidates then move forward to additional interview rounds.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Because manual input during these test interview processes is minimal, they also help save time and money for the interviewing organization.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Test Taking Tips</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> You can find numerous <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">aptitude sample tests</a></u> and aptitude test papers online. When discussing the job role with your interviewer, try and find out about the different interview stages and assessment methods. This will help you plan your <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/coach_says_tips_tricks" target="_self">preparation course</a></u> better.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Take online tests for numerical, verbal, and abstract reasoning to hone your skills. Spend at least one or two hours a day practicing these tests. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better are your chances of doing well in the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">selection test</a></u>.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div>

<div> <div> An abstract reasoning (or, as sometimes called, diagrammatic reasoning) test is a test of analytical and logical abilities, designed to evaluate quick thinking and strategic planning. They are an integral component of many aptitude tests and are increasingly being used by business organizations for interview testing.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <img alt="Why Abstract Reasoning Tests Are Special" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips8.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 320px; height: 250px; " />An abstract reasoning (or, as sometimes called, diagrammatic reasoning) test is a test of analytical and logical abilities, designed to evaluate quick thinking and strategic planning. They are an integral component of many aptitude tests and are increasingly being used by business organizations for interview testing.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Unlike&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">numerical and verbal reasoning tests</a></u>,&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_abstract_reasoning_demo" target="_self">abstract reasoning</a></u>&nbsp;is entirely based on visual questions, which do not require any arithmetic or language skills. Candidates work with patterns, shapes, and diagrams.&nbsp;<strong>Abstract reasoning tests</strong>&nbsp;are considered accurate indicators of general intelligence and cultural awareness.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>What Do Abstract Reasoning Tests Include?</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> If you have taken a career aptitude test in school or college, you might remember they almost always had visual questions. While there is no specific pattern to an&nbsp;<strong>abstract reasoning test</strong>, questions can range from identifying common patterns in a set of similar shapes, find missing patterns or find a series of patterns. This is achieved using diagrammatic representations or a set of geometrical shapes.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Candidates use their logical abilities to find the correct match. Their choices are then assessed by interviewers or&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">assessment centres</a></u>&nbsp;to determine if the candidate is a good fit for the job.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> All&nbsp;<strong>abstract reasoning tests</strong>&nbsp;are timed. Candidates usually get between 15 to 60 seconds per question.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>What Is The Format Of These Tests?</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The exact format of the test and the difficulty depends on role responsibilities and requirements. If the role in question requires candidates who can think on their feet, take strategic decisions, and improve business processes, it is likely that the&nbsp;<strong>abstract reasoning test</strong>&nbsp;they take will be difficult.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> These tests are created by&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometrics" target="_self">psychometric testing</a></u>&nbsp;companies or occupational (industrial) psychologists. There are two to three rules of identifying shapes and solving questions, which are explained in abstract reasoning practice tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>How Companies Use Abstract Reasoning Test Scores</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Assessment centres have test performance benchmarks for every role in an organisation. A candidate&rsquo;s test scores are evaluated against these benchmarks and their performance is measured accordingly. This enables future employers to get an insight into how a candidate could perform if hired.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Preparing for Abstract Reasoning Tests</strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Practicing free aptitude tests will give a fair idea of what to expect in a real&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/job_interview" target="_self">testing interview</a></u>. Take as many<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">&nbsp;practise tests</a></u>&nbsp;as possible so you can work on correcting your mistakes, thus allowing you to perform well in a real-time test.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Because performance benchmarks are different across organizations and roles, there is no minimum or maximum score to aim for. Taking&nbsp;<strong>abstract reasoning tests</strong>&nbsp;will also enable you to find your strengths and weaknesses, giving you time to work on improving them.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <u><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">Questions? Comments? Check our FREE psychometric tests today!</a></strong></span></u></div> </div> <div> &nbsp;</div>