Job Interview Tests Interview Selection

Job Interview Tests: Job interview tasks and job interview test help - useful guide.

Job interview tests play an important role in selecting the right candidates for job roles. Job tests are frequently used in addition to the traditional job interview as a means of testing skills, knowledge and abilities of candidates against pre-defined job selection criteria. We have decided to profile the main interview selection methods such as job aptitude tests, personality tests, group assessments, role-playing and presentations. It is important to practice job selection methods. Various online resources are available to test and rate your score. Be aware and prepare!!

Professional CV (Home) >> Job Interviews >> Job Interview Tests | CV Advice | Career Articles | Job Hunting

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS: There are several job interview tasks and job interview selection methods - Overview.

INTERVIEW SELECTION METHODS | Why So Many?

Employers must be sure of selecting the right candidate for jobs. Various methods are employed to assist selection processes to give a broader and objective overview of candidate suitability. Methods are used to balance risks against employing unsuitable candidates.

Winning CV has summarised the main techniques. Further information and resources (including practice tests) can be found on the Internet, in career publications and using career advisory services. The four main methods are tests, presentations, personality questionnaires and assessment centres. A useful guide to each selection method is covered in the sections below.

1) JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Guide To Job Aptitude Tests

2) PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRES | Profiling Candidates

3) JOB ASSESSMENT CENTRES | Guide To Job Assessment Centres

4) PRESENTATION SKILLS | 10 Ways To Improve Presentation Skills

Affordable CV writing services. Great CV packages - FREE EXTRAS!! More Info

FREE Covering Letters - targeted and speculative letters (other companies charge!).
FREE CV-2-Interview Report - help with job interview preparation (focus & save time!)
FREE Career Mentoring Tips - help with future career planning (some useful advice).

1) JOB APTITUDE TESTS | Job Tests

JOB APTITUDE TESTS | What Are Job 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.

JOB APTITUDE TESTS | Why Are Job Aptitude Tests Used?

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

JOB APTITUDE TESTS | What Do Job 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 are normally multiple choice and designed to get progressively harder.
Testing for Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Diagrammatic Representation & Technological abilities

JOB APTITUDE TESTS | Preparing For Job Aptitude Tests

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.

JOB APTITUDE TESTS | 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). Also, avoid just guessing as it could mean that marks will be lost, etc. Overall, remain focused, work quickly and try to be accurate.

2) PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRES

PERSONALITY QUESTIONNAIRES | Role and Purpose

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 prospective candidates.
Tend to be pen / paper based (computers can be used) with multiple choice answers.
Practice tests are not widely available so preparation can be difficult - carefully read the instructions first.

3) JOB INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CENTRES

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | What are Assessment Centres?

Assessment Centres involve structured selection tasks or activities for job candidates to attend. These are organised by employers or can be outsourced to specialised recruitment companies. Assessors aim to evaluates the strengths, weaknesses, skills and qualities of individual candidates.

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Importance Of Assessment Centres

Each assessment has specific criteria to be assessed. A number of diffierent activities aim to test the overall capabilities and suitability of candidates towards the role. It is hoped 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.

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | 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).

Job Interview Assessments | Various Tests

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Main Types Of Job Interview Assessment

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Report Writing Tests

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

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Group Assessments | Group Tasks

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

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Role Playing | Group Discussions

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

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Job Interview Presentations

Structuring solutions / recommendations / demonstrating knowledge regarding a particular
brief, topic or business issue. See article: 10 Ways To Presentation Skills

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Job Psychometric Tests

Aptitude Tests and Personality Questionnaires (more information above).

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | In-Tray Exercises

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

JOB INTERVIEWS | Group Assessments

GROUP ASSESSMENTS | Making A Difference In Group Sessions

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Suggest Ideas

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

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | 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.

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Remain Focused

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.

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | Manage Time Effectively

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

JOB INTERVIEW TESTS | 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!

4) Ten Ways To Improve Presentation Skills

PRESENTATION SKILLS | Importance Of Presentations

Presentations are key aspects of the recruitment process.

Presentations assess communication skills, knowledge of certain subjects, performing in front of people and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure.

PRESENTATION SKILLS | 10 Ways To Improve Presentation Skills

How to present effectively is an essential business skill. Presentations rely on effective planning and information gathering as much as delivering the presentation itself. Asking for feedback helps refine presentation techniques, essential for improving future presentation performance.

Winning CV highlights 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

Defining the overall objective or purpose of the presentation ensures 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

Successful presentations will have a logical sequence:
START - Must have clear aims and introduction.
MIDDLE - Good content, making clear points and giving supporting evidence.
END - Conclusions, summaries and main findings must be clearly conveyed.

4) Consider the method of delivery

When delivering a presentation, positively engaging with the audience is important.
Making presentations more interactive, involving the audience and making it a two-way process invariably helps to capture the audiences' attention.

For longer presentations, consider a group discussion or a brainstorming session.
Shorter presentations may involve periodically asking questions to engage an audience with the topic. A short quiz or activity can also add value. More memorable presentations tend to involve a two-way interactionbetween the audience and the presenter.

5) Practice your presentation

Practice makes perfect! Practice helps to improve presentation techniques, remember key points, maintain 'flow' and refine content. Timing presentations ensures key points are properly conveyed within a designated timeframe. Practicing in front of others allows for further constructive feedback.

6) Prepare outline notes

Notes help remember the structure and content of the presentation. Visual aids like projectors or Powerpoint slideshows help remind presenters of important information, details and keep to the structure. Supporting notes give additional confidence when delivering presentations.

7) Dealing with nerves

Extra adrenaline from nerves focuses the mind to perform effectively. Preparation and practice helps alleviate nerves. Giving a short introduction about the presenter (i.e. background and expertise) as well as providing an overview of the presentation will engage the audience. People generally relax and build confidence once the presentation starts and the audience has been engaged.

8) Delivering the presentation

Delivering effective presentations relies on feeling as natural and relaxed as possible. Positive (controlled) body language, speaking clearly and maintaining a reasonable tempo will always improve delivery. Remember to adjust volume according to the surroundings and size of venue. Always maintain eye contact, feel assured and keep smiling. Think before you speak and stay positive.

9) Using visual aids

Most venues have access to visual aids like slide projectors and screens for Powerpoint presentations. If no visual aids are available there are options of using summary sheets or handouts to supplement
the presentation. Check what is available for use at the venue (work presentation or interview).

Take notes to refer to during the presentation (helps remember structure and content). It is okay referring to visual aids during presentations. If using slides, do not flash them up and take them down too quickly as the audience will not have a chance to read them. Try not to show nerves by wanting to rush through everything. Stay calm, patient and focus on the delivery.

10) Closing the presentation

It is common practice to be asked questions at the end. This clarifies understanding and can facilitate further debate. Try keeping answers brief and to the point. Always listen, clarify and understand the whole question before replying.