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> Initially reserved for management interviews in consulting firms, case study exercises are gaining popularity in all industries. They are a quick way of determining a candidate&rsquo;s problem solving and strategic thinking skills based on a (usually) fictitious context that is presented in background documents such as e-mails, statistical charts, article clippings or any other kind of material. These exercises form an integral component of assessment centres and most management oriented interviews.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <img alt="Assessment Center Secrets Revealed: What Are the Case Study Exercises?" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips7.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 302px; height: 200px; " />Initially reserved for management interviews in consulting firms, <strong>case study exercises</strong> are gaining popularity in all industries. They are a quick way of determining a candidate&rsquo;s problem solving and strategic thinking skills based on a (usually) fictitious context that is presented in background documents such as e-mails, statistical charts, article clippings or any other kind of material. These exercises form an integral component of <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">assessment centers</a></u></strong> and most management oriented interviews.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> By using a combination of <strong>case study exercises</strong>, along with traditional interviewing methods, <strong>assessment centers</strong> are able to evaluate if a candidate is suitable for the job they are interviewing for. <strong>Case study exercises</strong> are popularly used in consulting firms where candidates from all kinds of business backgrounds are assessed on a specific exercise.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>What Case Study Exercises Include</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> These exercises follow a fairly simple format. Candidates are presented with a hypothetical business problem and are given time to prepare themselves, after which they participate in a discussion with experienced professionals who are employed with the company. These interviewers make notes about a candidate&rsquo;s abilities to think creatively, find solutions that are beneficial to the organization, and approach the problem in a meticulous manner.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The types of problems candidates need to solve depend on the role they are interviewing for and their professional qualifications.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Academic Qualifications</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Academic qualifications, while relevant, are not considered when evaluating candidates for <strong>case study exercises</strong>, therefore when assessing them for management or business consulting roles they may obviously come from any academic background.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Companies That Use Case Study Exercises</span></strong></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Case study exercises</strong> are popular in the consulting, banking, professional services, tax and related sectors but are increasingly being used by <strong>assessment centers</strong> since they provide a greater insight into a candidate&rsquo;s skill set.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Before the process starts, speak with your recruiter and find out about the interview stages. This will help you in preparing yourself for any <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> or <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">psychometric tests</a></u> as well.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Preparing for Case Study Tests</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Because the nature of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">assessment test</a></u> depends entirely on the company and the role you are interviewing for, it is always worth familiarising yourself with the terminology, jargon and overall &lsquo;language&rsquo; of the company and industry whose vacancy you are applying for. The best is to browse relevant websites&rsquo; annual reports, glossary, press releases and other materials that include such written materials. It is also helpful to read about the company itself, what they do, what kind of projects they handle, who their clients are and what is the nature of work so you can provide great references in the case study if the context and material warrants it.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> This type of preparation will help the candidate to have a fruitful discussion later in the <strong>assessment centers</strong> or with the interviewer after the <strong>case study exercises</strong>, as well as showing that they are serious about doing well during the job test.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Tips for Doing Better</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> For the case study, make sure that you are fully aware of how much time will be allocated for the task. Make sure that you split this into units as follows:</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> 5% of the total time should be spent on reading the instructions and questions very carefully so as to avoid starting an essay or written answer that may not correspond to the expectations</li> <li> 15% of the total time should be spent on an initial quick read-through of the background materials so you become familiar with the context, key issues, facts, data and others &ndash; make sure to take notes while reading!</li> <li> 60% of the total time should be spent on drafting your answer while of course referencing each document, checking on the facts, finding further information and argumentation and supplying your essay with lots of great arguments</li> <li> 20% of the time should be spent on reading through your case study answer, correcting grammatical and spelling mistakes, factual check of all information you inserted and a final proof-reading of the entire paper to make sure it is top quality.</li> </ul> <div> With the above approach in mind, you will certainly score very well for the <strong>case study exercise</strong>!</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="http://www.careergym.com/how_to_ace_psychometric_and_aptitude_tests_free_webcast" target="_self"><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Still questions? Comments? Let us know or send us a message for FREE advice!</strong></span></a></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>

<div>As the name rightly suggests, <strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo">verbal reasoning tests</a></u></strong> are used to assess linguistic ability of the test taker. Candidates are tested on several different parameters, including reading comprehension, grammar, and sentence structure. Although these <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">assessment tests</a></u> are primarily used in universities and colleges during the admission procedure, many business organizations are also adopting <strong>verbal reasoning tests</strong>, along with <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars">psychometric testing</a></u>, for candidate evaluation.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>It is important to understand the difference between verbal ability and verbal reasoning. The former tests grammar and spelling, and is used to judge a candidate&rsquo;s understanding of the English language, while <strong>verbal reasoning tests</strong> logical ability through reading comprehension and complex sentences.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>What Verbal Reasoning Measures</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The actual type of <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">reasoning test</a></u> varies depending on an organization&rsquo;s unique test selection process but the basic premise for all tests remains the same &ndash; testing the ability to comprehend complex questions or situations. This is considered a fairly accurate representation of a candidate&rsquo;s verbal abilities.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Some organizations also test candidates for spelling, sentence structure, and word meanings. In such a case, candidates are advised to speak to their interviewer and ask them about the kind of questions to expect in the test.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Why These Tests Are Used?</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Experts believe that <strong>verbal reasoning tests</strong>, combined with psychometric assessments, can help organizations determine if a candidate is a good fit for a job. A cumulative average of verbal test scores and other job aptitude tests is taken, after which assessors discuss candidate profiles.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Additionally, these tests are a measure of critical reasoning skills, analytical abilities, and candidate intelligence. They are mostly used during managerial interviews in sales and marketing industries.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Grammar and spelling tests are used to interview candidates that have applied for administrative positions. Some of these tests can be speed tests, where the number of questions is deliberately disproportionate to the time limit.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; ">What is the Format of the Tests?</span></strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>The exact format depends on the <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars">assessment centre</a></u> organizing the <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/common_interview_questions">testing interview</a></u>. Typically, <strong>verbal reasoning tests</strong> include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <ul> <li>Word analogies</li> <li>Critical reasoning</li> <li>Reading comprehension</li> <li>Sentence deductions</li> </ul> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>These tests gravitate towards native speakers of the language and certain candidates may need additional preparation in order to have the best chance to perform well on them.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>How to Prepare Best</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo">Verbal reasoning practice tests</a></u> are a great way of preparing for upcoming <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test">aptitude tests</a></u>. Regular practice helps improve skills that are critical for a successful interview.</div> <div>Reading books, newspapers, and online resources will also help improve vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. Additionally, candidates can prepare by completing <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages">online practice tests</a></u>.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><u><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">Questions? Comments? Check our FREE online psychometric tests now!</a></strong></span></u></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<div>You&rsquo;ve just completed your first round of assessment or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test">aptitude testing</a></u>, congrats! And now what? Instead of sitting around waiting for the phone to ring here are a few tips:</div> <ul> <li><strong>Timing is everything:</strong> It could take a few days to a few weeks for assessors to provide feedback results. Part of the British Psychological Society guidelines are to provide each <strong>assessment test</strong> participant with individual feedback, and it can take some time to compile results and respond to all the candidates, so try to be patient.</li> <li><strong>Consider your responses:</strong> If you had difficulty with a specific <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test">psychometric <strong>assessment</strong></a></u><strong> test</strong> question or format you may want to review soon after the test, so you don&rsquo;t forget. Reviewing questions will be a big help for future tests. There are tons of online resources where you can find the answers to particular questions (including our <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">practice tests</a></u>), and you may research better methods to approach a test or take one of our <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars">webinar trainings</a></u>.</li> <li><strong>Ask yourself:</strong> Did you do as well as you could? What would you do differently next time? By asking these questions you can improve your testing abilities and ensure you are even better prepared for your next test.</li> <li><strong>Make notes: </strong>Write down everything you remember that was significant about your test; including rules, question formats, and even specific questions that stood out. The more you can remember and review about your first <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/coach_says_tips_tricks">test for a job</a></u>, the better chance you will have of improving future results.</li> <li><strong>Listen:</strong> When you talk to your assessor about your test results, listen to what they have to say. You may not be thrilled with the results (particularly if this was your very first aptitude or <strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">assessment test</a></u></strong>), but this is the perfect opportunity to find out exactly how to get better. Feel free to ask questions, these are the ones who are the experts on psychometric tests, so they will have the answers.</li> <li><strong>Keep practicing: </strong>You can never have enough practice for assessment and aptitude tests. Continue taking <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">free online tests</a></u> to improve your skills and get more comfortable with taking these types of tests, as it will certainly provide you with the tools you need to get successful test results next time.</li> <li><strong>Celebrate: </strong>You&rsquo;ve completed a difficult task, one that required significant preparation and lots of concentration, so take a moment to celebrate your achievement before you start preparing for what comes next.</li> </ul> <div>Hopefully in the near future you will receive a call to schedule an interview, but if not consider this first round as a dry run, meaning next time you will be ready to give it your best!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Need further advice or tips? <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us">Ask our psychometric experts</a></u> FREE of charge, and we&rsquo;ll be happy to help!</strong></div> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Personality questionnaires</strong> are a popular type of <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/personality_inventory_profile_test_questionnaire">interview test</a></u> for employers to get an idea of what makes you &ldquo;tick&rdquo; and whether your personality would be a good fit for the position they are filling. The great thing about <strong>personality questionnaires</strong> is that there are no wrong answers; it is all about how you feel about particular situations. If you are taking your first personality test, consider these tips:</p> <ul> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Consistency</strong>: Most <strong>personality questionnaires</strong> will have several questions that measure the same traits, so it is important to answer consistently and truthfully &ndash; otherwise you will have very odd results which may raise the suspicion of you trying to manipulate the outcome.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Honesty</strong>: There are usually a few questions intended to measure your honesty, so be honest! For example &ldquo;I have never told a lie&rdquo; &ndash; everyone has told at least one lie in their life, so answering negatively may, ironically, be a red flag that you are being dishonest in your answers.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Speed</strong>: Although these tests are usually not timed, it is important to choose your first (or &ldquo;gut&rdquo;) reaction as this is the most likely indicator of your true personality. Note that for computer-based tests there may be indicators to let employers know if you hesitated on any answer, so keep that in mind.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Emphasis</strong>: Depending on the position you are applying for, you may want to keep a particular emphasis in your mind. For example, if applying for a caretaker role you would be aiming for empathy, discretion, and willingness to help others.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Role</strong>: Consider what your role will be with this organisation, and keep that in mind as you are answering questions. For example, if your role is going to be customer service, then you will want to agree with statements to do with resolving conflict or working with others.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Work-related</strong>: Consider your answers in relation to your work personality only, not your social personality.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Vary results</strong>: If too many test responses use the same answer (i.e. all &ldquo;strongly agree&rdquo; or all &ldquo;neither agree / disagree&rdquo;) it will be very difficult for the <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/assessment_centre_assessment_center">assessment centre</a></u> to gauge your personality profile.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Stick to the end</strong>: The test can be fairly long, tiring, and tedious. However, it is intended this way to ensure that the employer gets a reasonably accurate picture of your work personality. Make sure you answer all questions as truthfully as possible all the way through.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Avoid neutrality</strong>: Questions where you want to choose a neutral answer (i.e. &ldquo;don&rsquo;t know&rdquo; or &ldquo;not sure&rdquo;) should be reconsidered; your potential employer is looking for specific traits, not someone who doesn&rsquo;t know what they would do in a situation.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Relax</strong>: This <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test">psychometric test</a></u> has no wrong or right answer; it is merely trying to get a picture of who you are in a working environment. You really can&rsquo;t go wrong, so it&rsquo;s not worth stressing about the answers!</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify; ">If you have never taken a <strong>personality questionnaire</strong> before, it may be worth trying out an <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages">online psychometric test</a></u> so you can get used to the format of questions. This will help you feel more comfortable during the test, so you can fully focus on providing the answer that best reflects your true self.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Interested in learning more about Psychometric Tests? Check out the most comprehensive <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/">FREE Psychometric Glossary</a></u> now!</strong></p>

<p>Even if you understand the need to prepare for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">psychometric tests</a></u> while job-hunting, there are still many common mistakes to avoid. By reviewing these issues you can ensure you are ready for your next testing interview, as well as what comes before and after to maximize your employment success:</p> <p><br /> 1. <strong>Thinking a few days is enough</strong>: Preparing to take <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">job tests</span></strong> can take longer than you expect. In fact, it may be a good idea to start practicing for the standard types of tests (i.e. <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_abstract_reasoning_demo" target="_self">abstract reasoning</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo" target="_self">verbal</a> and <a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self">numerical reasoning</a></u>) already now to ensure you are fully prepared when it comes time to take them, even if you don&rsquo;t have a specific employer in mind yet.</p> <p><br /> 2. <strong>Assuming your skills / knowledge are enough</strong>: Even if you are exceptionally talented at math, you may still not have the experience or practice to succeed at <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/numerical_reasoning_test" target="_self">numerical reasoning tests</a></u>. One issue is that straight calculations do not take into account the &ldquo;reasoning&rdquo; part of the test &ndash; using the facts at hand to arrive at a logical answer. So even if you are a math whiz it can certainly be advantageous to take <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">practice tests</a></u> prior to the real thing.</p> <p><br /> 3. <strong>Rushing the process</strong>: Posting a competition, sifting through CVs, interviewing, testing, re-interviewing, and hiring may be a long process. In the meantime, you are sitting around without a job. Keep applying to other positions and continue <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">test practice</a></u> for future <strong>job tests</strong>.</p> <p><br /> 4.<strong> Too much competition</strong>: When someone sees a job they wish to apply for, the first thing that runs through their mind is &ldquo;so many people will apply for this job, it&rsquo;s not even worth my time&rdquo;. Sure, many candidates may apply, but they may not: i) have the experience, skills, education you do, ii) be able to successfully complete the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u>, or iii) have the personal skills to make a positive impression during interviews. You&rsquo;ll never know unless you try!</p> <p><br /> 5. <strong>Focusing on salary</strong>: Even though a job may not be &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; for you, you may be tempted by a generous salary. This may not be the best approach, particularly if the employer plans on assessing candidates for motivation and aptitude tests. These types of exams will clearly indicate what type of job you are suited for and determine the decision of the potential employer as well.</p> <p><br /> 6. <strong>Assuming you&rsquo;re under-qualified</strong>: Being surrounded at the job test by competition with more skills, experience, or education can make you feel like you don&rsquo;t have a chance, but it is well worth it to hang in there. Remember that most employers are focused on finding the &ldquo;right&rdquo; candidate, and may prefer someone they can really work with, rather that someone who <em>thinks</em> they already know all they need to know.</p> <p><br /> 7. <strong>Ignoring the future</strong>: Getting your CV noticed is the first step, likely <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">verbal or numerical reasoning</a></u> tests will follow. However, it is important to look at the future and be prepared. For example, if you are applying to a law firm you may need to prepare for a panel interview, while if you are working in communications, a written exam may be next. Spend your spare time now preparing and you will be much more relaxed and confident when it is time for the next step.<br /> <br /> <strong>Still lost? Try our <a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">FREE psychometric test preparation</a> and start practicing online now!</strong></p>

<p> Studying for hours upon hours, taking online practice tests, and for what? The slim chance of landing a good job? While it may not seem worth it now, studying for psychometric tests online is well worth it,&nbsp;both in the short and long run. Here are a few reasons why!<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Why Bother with Psychometric Prep?</strong></p> <p> Studying for hours upon hours, taking <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">online practice tests</a></u>, and for what? The slim chance of landing a good job? While it may not seem worth it now, studying for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">psychometric tests online</a></u> is well worth it, both in the short and long run. Here are a few reasons why:</p> <p> <strong>Reason One: Gain Knowledge</strong></p> <p> There are many things you will learn while preparing for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">assessment tests</a></u>: reasoning, mathematics, applied knowledge, writing skills, and more. While assimilating this information for the exam you are also enhancing you employability in the long run.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Two: Improved Research Skills</strong></p> <p> During your <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">psychometric test</a></u> preparation you will spend a lot of time browsing through websites to gather test materials and find practice exams, as well as searching for tips and tricks. Not only will you learn a ton during your prep, you will also be improving your research skills online and off, something that is highly valued by employers.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Three: Improve Your Reasoning Skills</strong></p> <p> All the practicing and testing has an additional advantage; it makes you smarter! You can use your advanced verbal or <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self">numerical reasoning</a></u> and mathematical skills and apply them to nearly any situation. Not only will you have improved self-confidence, but you will also do better on job tests in the future.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Four: Become a Time-management Expert</strong></p> <p> Choosing to prepare for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> will mean adding a few more tasks to an already hectic schedule. Preparing for these types of tests involves intense study, practice, and review &ndash; meaning you have to make time and manage it. All this cramming will help you become a better manager of time, personally and professionally.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Five: Practice Drafting</strong></p> <p> Practicing and writing the essay portion of the test improves your drafting and writing skills &ndash; something that comes in handy nearly every day. It is also a good idea to prepare some sample essays before the test in order to memorise their major points and help to further enhance your ability to write clearly. All this practice will help achieve good marks on your test, but more importantly will help you become a better communicator.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Six: Become a Pro</strong></p> <p> All the multiple choice and written tests are merely a precursor to your job interview. Assuming you come out near the top of the candidate group, therefore you can expect to be called in to sit down for an interview. While you may also want to brush up with a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/common_interview_questions" target="_self">test interview</a></u>, merely practicing for psychometric tests will help to boost your confidence &ndash; something that will help you appear more polished and professional when meeting with employers.</p> <p> <strong>Questions? Comments? Try our <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">FREE online practice tests</a></u> today!</strong></p>

<p>Have a <strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online">psychometric test</a></u></strong> coming up in the course of your recruitment and are not sure how to get ready? While many are content to just walk in and take the tests, preparation is needed if you want to do your best (and doing your best is the only way to secure the job!).<br /> <strong>Here are 6 career tips on how to get started:</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Begin with a Study Plan</strong><br /> You can&rsquo;t just expect to cram in your studies &ldquo;when you have time&rdquo;: in order to fully prepare for testing you need to have a specific action plan. Start by looking at how much time you have to prepare exactly. The week prior to the tests should be spent reviewing everything you have studied, so any time from now until one week prior can be spent studying.</p> <p><strong>2. Focus on the Task at Hand</strong><br /> There&rsquo;s not much use spending time studying for a <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/case_study">case study</a></u> or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars">assessment centre exam</a></u> when you know you have to pass a verbal or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo">numerical reasoning</a></u> test first. Start by studying for whichever test type you will be required to take first, once you have mastered those skills and passed the pre-selection test (if there is one), you can move on to other test formats.</p> <p><strong>3. Understand How it Works</strong><br /> While knowing the content of <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">assessment tests</a></u> will certainly help you succeed at test time, it is also very important to understand the procedures behind the tests. For example, if you can improve your ability to read and comprehend quickly, you will likely do better on <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo">verbal reasoning</a></u> tests by giving yourself more time, while practicing calculations can help when it comes to numerical reasoning tests.&nbsp; Meanwhile, practicing drafting essays will certainly help you when it comes to written essays by speeding up your composition skills.</p> <p><strong>4. Prepare for Core Skill Testing</strong><br /> If you are applying for jobs in specific fields, such as engineering, consultancy, banking or computer programming, you may be asked to complete a skill test. Find some practice skills tests so you can ensure you are ready to show future employers how talented you are and showcase your domain specific knowledge to your assessors.</p> <p><strong>5. Know the Rules and Regulations of the Job Test</strong><br /> Each type of <strong>psychometric test</strong> is administered differently; even the same test given by different companies may have slightly altered rules. Make sure you fully understand all the rules and regulations for each test. Important points include: <br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Start time<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Allotted time for each section<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whether you can skip questions and come back to them (particularly important if you are doing multiple sections within the test)<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Permitted tools (pencil, paper, calculator, erasable slate, other)<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Scoring procedure and system<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Allocated time per question<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Response time (how long until you hear back)</p> <p><strong>6. Keep Practicing!</strong><br /> In the best case scenario you will land the first job you complete <strong>psychometric tests</strong> for. However, in case you don&rsquo;t hear back right away it is important to keep working on your testing skills by studying and taking practices tests. Remember that the more practice tests you take, the higher chance you have of getting your future employer&rsquo;s notice!</p> <p><strong>Questions? Comments? Try our <a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">FREE</a> verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests today!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">Psychometric test</a></u></strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types"> procedures</a></u> are an important step towards qualifying for lucrative jobs in many fields. Approaching and preparing for these tests should not be taken lightly, as failing to pass one of the requirements may significantly affect your chances of gaining a great job. So here are the top reasons why candidates fail and how to overcome them:</p> <p><br /> <em><strong>1. Failing to Prepare</strong></em><br /> Candidates should be ready to spend several weeks in preparation for <strong>psychometric tests</strong>, as the most common reason for failure is lack of preparation. Having a regular study and practice routine and good study materials is key, as well as taking practice tests to ensure you are prepared for the &ldquo;real thing&rdquo;.</p> <p><em><strong>2. Just Getting By</strong></em><br /> Candidates who focus merely on passing the exams may be disappointed in the end, as most competitions are looking for candidates who score above a particular percentile, or are interested in only the highest scoring candidates. So even if you think you are ready to &ldquo;pass&rdquo; <strong>psychometric tests</strong>, you should study hard and <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">practice <strong>psychometric tests</strong></a></u> as much as possible.</p> <p><em><strong>3. Not Recognizing Weak Areas, Ignoring Strong Areas</strong></em><br /> There are two common approaches to psychometric exams; the first one is a &ldquo;shotgun&rdquo; approach that hits a bit of each study area equally, the second approach focuses only on weak areas. Both of these approaches can cause problems, the first by not spending more time working on problem areas, the second by not brushing up on strong fields, just in case they aren&rsquo;t as powerful as you remember. The best approach is to spend 80% of study time on weak areas, with 20% reserved for brushing up on your other skills.</p> <p><em><strong>4. Using the Incorrect Tools</strong></em><br /> Understanding the methodology behind certain <strong>psychometric tests</strong> can go a long way towards knowing the right way to approach each test type. Going on gut feelings and common sense is most likely not the right approach; instead, you need a combination of experience and pre-test preparation.</p> <p><em><strong>5. Ignoring the Details</strong></em><br /> The test should be arranged far enough ahead to give you time to prepare, as well as to gather information on the tests you are going to complete. As the test day approaches, ensure you have the tools, personal identification documents, instructions and driving directions to arrive at the test center in time and successfully complete your tests.</p> <p><em><strong>6. Lack of Motivation</strong></em><br /> Trying to prepare for verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/abstract_reasoning">abstract reasoning</a></u> is a challenging task, one that can quickly become overwhelming if you don&rsquo;t have any help or support. You can stay motivated by joining a study group and keep interacting with others who can help you keep on track. Most importantly of all, maintain your drive and keep studying &ndash; right up until test day.</p> <p><br /> <strong>Questions? Comment? Need FREE Advice? <a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us">Contact us</a> now!</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>