by Caroline Ward | Jun 11, 2015 | Assessment Centres, Career and Interview Advice, Graduate, Jobseeking
What should I expect at a Graduate Programme Assessment Centre? Assessment Centres are increasingly common and have been a part of the Graduate Programme for many years. Assessment Centres are designed to assess your competency or skills in relation to the role, your cultural fit and overall motivations or career aspirations. As part of the programme you may be asked to complete: Group Exercise Usually 5 – 6 people working together to complete a task or solve a problem. What may be assessed? Team Working Style, Communication Skills and Problem Solving Skills Presentation An individual is provided with a topic on the spot or prior to the day and asked to give a presentation to the Assessor or a group on that topic. What may be assessed? Communication Skills, Analysis and Decision Making Analysis Presentation An individual delivers a presentation based on conclusions drawn from a large volume of newly presented information or data. What may be assessed? Problem Solving Skills, Decision Making Skills and Communication Skills In-Tray Exercise Sorting through written material, prioritising and remaining calm under pressure. What may be assessed? Decision Making, Prioritisation, Resilience, Analysis Ability Assessments Online or paper based ability psychometric tests completed on the day or a date prior online. What may be assessed? Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Spatial Reasoning Top Tips Ask Lots of Questions: Ensure you understand what is required of you Get Stuck In: Suspend belief if required, be enthusiastic Take the chance to learn: About the company, the job and even yourself Be Yourself: That’s who they selected for the Assessment Centre after all! Caroline Ward HR Services Consultant Collins McNicholas Recruitment & HR Services...Read More
by Caroline Ward | Apr 21, 2015 | HR and Training, Psychometric Assessments
Here’s 5 happy reasons to use Psychometric Assessment as part of your next recruitment process! 1. Happy Candidates The recruitment process has greater transparency, fairness and it is easier to see the parallels between the assessment chosen and the potential role. Candidates may get a preview of the tasks they would be required to complete as part of their role. 2. Happy Hiring Managers Ability to observe and measure candidates completing tasks and using skills absolutely necessary for a role, even if the skills are practical or technical (e.g. fine motor skills or hand-eye co-ordination for a Lab Technician, Manufacturing Operator or Assembly role). Time spent in repeat interview processes can be spent on other priority projects. 3. Happy HR Managers Opportunity to measure ability in areas identified as key to success in the role, matching assessments to key competencies. Ensures standardisation of the recruitment process. 4. Happy Environment Preferred work style and cultural fit can be explored using Personality, Motivation or Interest Inventories. 5. The Science Bit Proven Reliability and Validity – Tests are measuring the ability or area that they say they are going to measure and are proven to be the same across test groups. For more information on psychometrics or assessment centres, please contact Caroline Ward on 090 64 78 104 or...Read More
by Caroline Ward | Mar 18, 2015 | Career and Interview Advice
With the increased use of online assessment as a first or second stage of a recruitment process, “How do I prepare for Assessment?” is a question that Collins McNicholas is often asked. What questions should I ask? As with all stages of the Recruitment Process, gain as much information as you can at the outset. This will help you to feel more relaxed when completing the assessment. Are there practice materials available? Do I need to complete anything before hand? Do I need to bring anything with me? Will there be computer based and/or practical hands-on assessments? What types of exercise will I be completing? How many people will be there? Is there a dress code? How much time should I set aside What if there’s little or no information available? Don’t worry, all candidates will be in the same situation. Find out as much information as you can but don’t become anxious if you don’t get all the answers. Detailed instructions will be provided with the assessment so just ensure you read all material provided before you begin. Some online assessments can be practiced at http://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests This may not be the same assessment as you take on the day but may help you to feel more prepared. Any other tips? If your assessment is online, ensure you are in the right frame of mind and without any interruptions or distractions before beginning If the assessment is face to face, communicate – interact with other participants and your Assessors as appropriate Read all instructions provided carefully and ensure you understand any practice questions or materials Suspend belief...Read More
