Why are there so many selection methods?

Employers have to be sure they are selecting the right candidate for any given role.  To assist in the selection process, various methods have been introduced to give a broader and a more objective overview of candidate suitability.  This balances the risk against employing an unsuitable candidate.

Winning CV has summarised the three main techniques to give you a brief overview.  Further information and resources (including practice tests) can be found on the internet, in career publications and via career advisory services.  The three main techniques are tests, presentations and assessment centres.

                                                                                                            

What are Aptitude Tests?

These involve short tests assessing certain criteria against 'statistically' proven models or the 'norm'.  Comparing with the 'norm' will give the employer of how well a candidate has performed.

Why are aptitude tests used?

They are designed to test for certain skills and qualities as well as an ability to think on your feet.
Aptitude tests introduce more of an 'objective' element to candidate selection.
Enables comparison against other candiates competing for the same role.

What do aptitude tests involve?

Tests are normally conducted under examination conditions and are strictly timed.
Most tests are carried out with a pen (or pencil) and paper although computers are being used more.
For ease of marking, they a normally multiple choice and are designed to get progressively harder.
Testing for Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Diagrammatic Representation & Technological abilities

Preparation - how to prepare!

There are ways to prepare for these tests - i.e. useful internet, published & careers services, etc.
Try doing some puzzles, practice using test papers, etc.  Also, read and make sure your maths is okay.

During the test

During the test, carefully read / clarify instructions, make sure you understand the questions before choosing your answers, do not waste your time on difficult questions, eliminate options for multiple choice questions (at least one option is clearly wrong), avoid just guessing as it could mean that marks will be lost, etc.  Overall, remain focused, work quickly and try to be accurate.

                                                                                                            

What are Personality Questionnaires?

These questionnaires have been rigorously tested and trialled for their accuracy / reliability.
There are no right or wrong answers as they only aim to profile a prospective candidate.
Tend to be pen / paper based (computers can be used) with multiple choice answers.
You cannot practice or prepare for these - carefully read the instructions first.

What are Assessment Centres?

Essentially, assessment centres will involve a day of structured assessments or activities organised by the employer (or outsourced to a specialised recruitment company) for job candidates to attend.  The whole session is dedicated towards evaluating the strengths, weaknesses, skills and qualities of individuals in front of a group of assessors. 

Importance of Assessment Centres

Each assessment will have specific criteria to be tested against.  A number of diffierent activities will hope to highlight the overall capabilities and suitability of candidates towards the role.  It is hope that an outstanding candidate will emerge, thereby making the process of recruitment less risky.

Remember assessment centres are not cheap and can be difficult to arrange.  Should you be invited to attend, it means that the company is seriously interested in you as a viable candidate.

During the assessment day 

Make sure you fully participate in all the activities no matter what it is.  Everyone has to do it!
Always maintain a professional approach & a positive attitude as everything will be noticed.
Try to be yourself, although be careful what you say & how you say it (you can talk yourself out of a job).

TYPES OF ASSESSMENT

1) Report Writing

Using information or a basic heading given to make recommendations in a brief report.

2) Group tasks

Doing something with a common goal - i.e. taking decisions, strategy, presentation, etc.

3) Role plays

Participating in a group discussion by performing the role of a particular person, etc.

4) Presentations

Structuring solutions / recommendations / demonstrating knowledge regarding a particular
brief, topic or business issue (more information below).

5) Psychometic Tests

Aptitude Tests and Personality Questionnaires (more information above).

6) In-tray exercises

A test designed to assess abilities to prioritise tasks and manage a workload.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN GROUP SESSIONS

1) Giving ideas

Be forthcoming with new ideas - this will show your creative and forward-thinking side.

2) Working with the group

Allowing other group members to contribute and share ideas shows an ability to listen, co-operate and engage with others.  This is essential for effective group-working.

3) Remain foused

Make sure the group understands the tasks & its objectives.   It is essential for someone to ensure the group stick to the task, maintain / review progress & decide on next steps, etc.

4) Managing time effectively

It is important to keep track of time for each section so that the task is completed successfully. 
An ability to manage your time effectively & plan is what employers look for.

5) Be prepared to compromise

It is a group task so there has to be a group concensus at the end.  Remember it is only a group exercise so be prepared to negotiate when putting forward points.  Do not be too competitive!

                                                                                                            

Importance of presentations

Presentations are being used more as part of the recruitment process.  Presentations assess communication skills, your knowledge on certain subjects, performing in front of people and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure.

How to improve your presentation performance

There are certain ways to help improve presentation techniques.  Much of it relies on effective planning and information gathering as much as the delivery of the presentation itself.  Always ask for feedback in order to evaluate your presentation techniques, what worked, what did not work - this is important for improving performance for future presentations.  

Winning CV has introduced a useful 10-step guide to giving presentations.

1) Before the presentation

Find out about the audience, subject matter, time / location & facilities available (i.e. projectors, etc.).

2) Defining the presentation

It is important to define the overall objective or purpose of the presentation and to make sure the content clearly supports the overall goal.  The best presentations are short, simple and effective by just saying enough to get the point and supporting evidence across.

3) Structuring the presentation

There is a logical sequence and each presentation must have a clear start (i.e. aims & introduction), middle (i.e. content, clear points and supporting evidence) and end (i.e. conclusions, summaries and main findings, etc.).

4) Consider the method of delivery

Think about how to deliver your presentation.  It is important to engage with your audience and to make it more interactive.  Consider a group discussion or a brainstorming session for longer presentations or for shorter presentations periodically ask questions to engage your audience with the topic.  You can even give your audience a short quiz or activity - it is upto you.  More memorable presentations tend to involve a two-way interaction between the audience and the presenter.

5) Practice your presentation

It is important to practice your presentation.  This will help you to remember the key points, to improve define the overall flow and refine the content.  It is also important to time the presentation and practice in front of others so you can receive constructive feedback.

6) Prepare outline notes

Notes will help you to remember the structure and content of your presentation.  Visual aids like projectors or Powerpoint presentations will give you important information you can refer to.  These supporting notes should give additional confidence whilst allowing you to deliver the presentation in a spontaneous manner.

7) Dealing with nerves

It is important to be a little nervous before a presentation.  It helps you to focus and gives you the extra adrenaline required to perform effectively.  Preparation and practice is key to dealing with nerves.  Remember once you are over the beginning, you should start to relax and build confidence.  A short introduction about yourself and the purpose of the presentation should help engage with the audience.

8) Delivering the presentation

It is important to feel as natural and relaxed as possible when delivering your presentation.  This will improve your delivery and the way you act through body language.  Speak clearly and not too fast or too slow.  Adjust your volume according to the surroundings and size of venue.  Body language should be controlled, yet assured.  Maintaining eye contact and smiling always helps. Think before you speak.

9) Using visual aids

Most venues will have dedicated access to visual aids, including overhead projectors or Powerpoint presentations.  You can also choose to give out summary sheets or leaflets.  If you are going for an interview, check what is available to you to use.  It is okay to refer to the visual aids during the presentation to help with remembering the presentation and keeping to the structure and content.  If you are using slides, do not flash them up and take them down too quickly as your audience will not have a chance to read them.  It can also show that you are nervous and wanting to rush through everything.

10) Closing the presentation

It is common practice to allow questions from the audience.  This will allow your audience to clarify their understanding and to debate any interesting points raised.  Try to keep your answers brief and to the point.  Make sure that you listen to and understand the whole question before replying.

                                               


    

Beat the competition! - 10 Ways To Improve Presentation Techniques.