Tips & Tricks

<div> Structured interviews, or patterned interviews, are a test interview method popular in many different industries and the public sector as well. In these interviews, a large group of candidates is asked the same or rather similar questions that reflect on their past experiences so various competences, such as working with others, leadership, learning and development can be assessed. A typical question would be the following: &ldquo;Please tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a member of your team and how you reacted?&rdquo;.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><img alt="Assessment Centre Secrets Revealed: Structured Interviews" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips2.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 301px; height: 200px; " /></strong><strong>Structured interviews</strong>, or patterned interviews, are a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/common_interview_questions" target="_self">test interview</a></u> method popular in many different industries and the public sector as well. In these interviews, a large group of candidates is asked the same or rather similar questions that reflect on their past experiences so various competences, such as working with others, leadership, learning and development can be assessed. A typical question would be the following: &ldquo;Please tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a member of your team and how you reacted?&rdquo;.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Their answers are then evaluated and compared, allowing job interviewers and <strong>assessment centres</strong> to determine key competences that are relevant for a job rather quickly and fairly.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> This interview process helps both candidates and interviewers save time. Interviewers do not need to develop a large list of questions or go deep into each candidate&rsquo;s resume (CV), while all candidates spend the same amount of time, usually around 30-60 minutes, in answering <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/job_interview" target="_self">interview test</a></u> questions.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>What Are Structured Interviews?</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Simply speaking, <strong>structured interviews</strong> are a set of questions that follow a particular structure, where all candidates interviewing for a particular job role are given the same or very similar set of questions to answer, grouped according to competency areas the interview seeks to evaluate.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> If you are a candidate, it is important to know that <strong>structured interviews</strong> are a part of the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">selection test</a></u> and your performance will be used to determine how well suited you are for the job, compared to other candidates, and possibly to determine a training map after you&rsquo;ve been recruited, based on the strong and weak areas of your competencies.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Why Are Structured Interviews Important?</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Because all candidates answer similar set of questions, interviewers are able to create a pool of qualities and key job skills that candidates have. Moreover, candidates are screened according to their competencies and not their resume (CV), which makes the understanding of the candidate&rsquo;s profile more subtle and tailored for the requirements of the position. These reports are then matched against the skills required for the job.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> By asking candidates to respond to a questionnaire or a multiple choice test, organizations can reduce interviewing time and quickly shortlist candidates based on their hiring criteria. The only flip side is that a large number of candidates may have to be interviewed to form a pool of skills to pick from.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Industries That Use Structured Interviews</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Structured interviews</strong> are an important component of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">job aptitude tests</a></u> across different industries, including postal services, retail, and manufacturing. They are great to shortlist candidates in jobs where thousands of candidates apply.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> They also represent an important tool for jobs where the required skill and competency sets, such as communication skills, management skills, prioritisation skills and others are clearly defined. In some industries, <strong>structured interviews</strong> are divided into different levels and candidates are eliminated at each level. The final set of candidates is then interviewed and a decision is made, depending on their overall performance.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Advantages and Disadvantages</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The set of <strong>structured interview</strong> questions ensures that all candidates get an equal and fair opportunity to perform. All candidates are evaluated for the same set of skills, thus making certain that <strong>structured interviews</strong> provide a legitimate and just evaluation.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Although structured <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/job_interview" target="_self">test interviews</a></u> are a successful model of interviewing, they could potentially increase an organization&rsquo;s interviewing expense, since a large number of candidates needs to be interviewed to get substantial comparative data.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self"><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Need more information? Check our live online training courses for </strong><strong>structured interviews</strong><strong> and assessment centre tests!</strong></span></a></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div>

<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>

<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>