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>If you have already done job interviews in a special setting, it is likely that your prospective employer has used <strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars">assessment centres</a></u></strong> to evaluate your skills and determine if you are a good fit for the job. Quite simply, an <strong>assessment centre</strong> uses a series of evaluation methods to assess interviewees. These methods can include simulated job situations or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">psychometric testing</a></u>. Typically, an <strong>assessment centre</strong> tests six candidates at a time and can last anywhere from a day to three days, during which candidates participate in several stages of assessment testing.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In all cases, the evaluations are overseen by trained assessors. They observe each candidate and take notes on performance, behaviour, and skill level. These notes are then discussed and a final assessment is made, taking into account scores from other evaluation tests and personal interviews.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Advantages of Assessment Centres: This is Good For You</span></strong></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>A strong advantage of <strong>assessment centres</strong> is their ability to test a candidate based on how they could perform in their future job. This is helpful in determining candidature for jobs which are unrelated to the interviewee&rsquo;s current job. It is also a great method of providing insight into actual responsibilities and requirements of the role.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Many <strong>assessment centres</strong> also offer <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars">test preparation</a></u> services for candidates that are entering the job market and want to be ready for any type of <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test">job aptitude test</a></u> they may have to complete.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Successful Techniques: What You Should Know</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Assessment techniques and methodologies vary across organisations, with the exception of oral exercises and <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/in_tray_exercise">in-tray exercises</a></u>.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In-tray or in-basket exercises involve responding to emails, meetings, creation of organizational papers, memos, and other writing tasks. Candidates are given a hypothetical work related situation without any details about the role. In-tray exercises are one of the most successful assessment techniques used by organizations.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>In an oral exercise, a candidate&rsquo;s presentation and speaking skills are tested. A simulated situation is provided, such as presentation to the board of directors or team training. Prep time is given to organise thoughts and create material for speaking in front of an audience, which consists of assessors.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Other Assessment Centre Techniques</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Other assessment methods include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <ul> <li>Role play exercises</li> <li>Structured interviews</li> <li><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometrics">Psychometric assessment</a></u> and testing (including aptitude, numerical, and <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/verbal_reasoning_test">verbal reasoning tests</a></u>)</li> <li>Group exercises</li> </ul> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Quite a few organizations also use psychometric evaluations, followed by interviews, to determine strengths and weaknesses of candidates.&nbsp;</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Uses of Assessment Centres</strong></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Assessment centres</strong> are used in many industries, right from armed forces to banking, sales and management positions. They allow companies to test a large number of candidates in a relatively short amount of time and with a high predictive value over future job performance. When combined with computer aided testing, <strong>assessment centres</strong> help save time, and reduce the cost of manual interviewing. Computerised <strong>assessment centres</strong> are also considered accurate and unbiased, reducing conflicts about ethnicity and gender discrimination.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><span style="font-size: 16px; "><u><strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us">Questions? Need advice? Contact us for FREE tips and information!</a></strong></u></span></div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <p>&nbsp;</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><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>