Assessment Centres
We have lost count of how many assessment centres we have attended, but we guarantee you it’s alot! Basically if you are invited to attend an assessment centre, you will join between 4 to 19 other applicants for a day-long sitting through various tests and activities. What you can expect in most cases is:
Panel Interview
You have already learnt all you need to know about interviews, so you don’t need to worry too much about this. Just know enough about the organization, the role you are applying for and WHAT YOUWANT from them, and you will be fine. In Panel Interviews you may have two or three recruiters in front of you – one will ask questions while the other writes, transferring between one another. Don’t be intimidated, we hate seeing that! Be confident, be yourself and don’t be afraid.
Testing
If you are required to do tests in this assessment centre, they will involve basic psychometric problems as mentioned above.
Group Activities
In most assessment centres we have conducted, we use group activities to see how applicants function as a team. We don’t want to see people taking control and bossing others around! But by the same means, we don’t want to see people sitting back and being too afraid to speak. Often we will give groups problems to solve, with a limited time frame to do so. Sometimes these may be group presentations, which you have to prepare and deliver while we monitor how you function. The best thing to do is go with the flow, don’t try and seize control and tell others what to do, but rather offer advice and make an input every now and then.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Friday, December 4, 2009
Different Types of Interviews
One technique that we have found to be very useful in recruitment is Testing applicants before we bring them in for an interview. This way we can weed out the slackers and fakers, and bring in a select few who we are interested in hiring. If you can pass these phases and make it into our office, there’s a good chance we are interested in you! With this guide you will be prepared even before applying, and know exactly what to expect. The two main variations we have are:
Psychometric Testing
We use this to assess your motivation, career interests and objectives, competencies, abilities and personality traits. Usually we find that if applicants meet a certain criteria – which is usually based on employees we have at the moment – they are more successful in the position!
Generally there aren’t any right or wrong answers, BUT there are better answers. These tests are normally written by psychologists who know exactly what questions to ask to probe information from you. This is the information they don’t want you to know! By having a head-start and knowing what to expect, your chances of progressing in the application improve dramatically. The types of questions you can expect are:
Behavioral Questions
These are designed to see how you react to certain situations or work environments. A question may read something along the lines of “I find working independently …. a) Boring b) Empowering c) Lonely d) Efficient”
Most employers want to hire someone who can work independently, and who doesn’t need to be monitored and watched carefully! The last thing we want is to hire someone who will be annoying and unable to complete tasks by themselves – so the best option would be either b) Empowering or d) Efficient.
Basic Comprehension
These questions are pretty straight forward and only serve to test your basic English skills. Typical questions may be “Long is to short, as big is to ….”. Pretty easy right? These are to test whether you are paying attention, and make sure you are switched on at all times.
Math Problems
If you don’t like math or have difficulties, don’t stress! Usually these math problems are a small part of your application, and serve as a formality. Again, they make up the problem-solving component of your application, and are basic at best. If you are applying for a position in HR or middle management, and you can’t solve a couple of addition problems, Don’t Stress! You will outshine the rest of the applicants in other areas!
How do I prepare?
Simple things like reading magazines, doing crosswords and basic math problems can go a long way to improve your chances in the application process. Remember that we sometimes use this to weed out applicants and make the interviewing process shorter, so Do Your Best! Once you get through this stage and move onto face-to-face interviews, you’ll be sure to stand out above the rest – just don’t get caught in this phase.
Psychometric Testing
We use this to assess your motivation, career interests and objectives, competencies, abilities and personality traits. Usually we find that if applicants meet a certain criteria – which is usually based on employees we have at the moment – they are more successful in the position!
Generally there aren’t any right or wrong answers, BUT there are better answers. These tests are normally written by psychologists who know exactly what questions to ask to probe information from you. This is the information they don’t want you to know! By having a head-start and knowing what to expect, your chances of progressing in the application improve dramatically. The types of questions you can expect are:
Behavioral Questions
These are designed to see how you react to certain situations or work environments. A question may read something along the lines of “I find working independently …. a) Boring b) Empowering c) Lonely d) Efficient”
Most employers want to hire someone who can work independently, and who doesn’t need to be monitored and watched carefully! The last thing we want is to hire someone who will be annoying and unable to complete tasks by themselves – so the best option would be either b) Empowering or d) Efficient.
Basic Comprehension
These questions are pretty straight forward and only serve to test your basic English skills. Typical questions may be “Long is to short, as big is to ….”. Pretty easy right? These are to test whether you are paying attention, and make sure you are switched on at all times.
Math Problems
If you don’t like math or have difficulties, don’t stress! Usually these math problems are a small part of your application, and serve as a formality. Again, they make up the problem-solving component of your application, and are basic at best. If you are applying for a position in HR or middle management, and you can’t solve a couple of addition problems, Don’t Stress! You will outshine the rest of the applicants in other areas!
How do I prepare?
Simple things like reading magazines, doing crosswords and basic math problems can go a long way to improve your chances in the application process. Remember that we sometimes use this to weed out applicants and make the interviewing process shorter, so Do Your Best! Once you get through this stage and move onto face-to-face interviews, you’ll be sure to stand out above the rest – just don’t get caught in this phase.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Common Interview Questions III
3. Ask Questions
Don’t forget that you are in an interview, not a police interrogation! The whole session should be a two-way learning process, for the organization to learn about you, and for you to learn more about your potential future employer! So don’t be scared to ask questions and find out more - what do you want to know? Try to avoid sensitive questions such as salary, leave etc as this should be known to you through the application process.We like hearing questions like:
What will my responsibilities include?
Where is the company heading?
Does the position have any travel opportunities?
Who will I report to, and will anyone report to me?
Is the position currently vacant?
What opportunities do you have for further training/development?
Where is the location of this?
How is performance assessed?
Are there performance related bonuses or incentive programs?
Remember, now that you’re equipped with the right skills to make a lasting impression and really shine in the job interviews, YOU DECIDE what job you want! Ask everything you want to know, and if the position doesn’t sound great to you, look elsewhere.
Soon you’ll have employers chasing YOU, and you will be taking the commanding lead in the interview process!
If you have any questions, please post them below!
Don’t forget that you are in an interview, not a police interrogation! The whole session should be a two-way learning process, for the organization to learn about you, and for you to learn more about your potential future employer! So don’t be scared to ask questions and find out more - what do you want to know? Try to avoid sensitive questions such as salary, leave etc as this should be known to you through the application process.We like hearing questions like:
What will my responsibilities include?
Where is the company heading?
Does the position have any travel opportunities?
Who will I report to, and will anyone report to me?
Is the position currently vacant?
What opportunities do you have for further training/development?
Where is the location of this?
How is performance assessed?
Are there performance related bonuses or incentive programs?
Remember, now that you’re equipped with the right skills to make a lasting impression and really shine in the job interviews, YOU DECIDE what job you want! Ask everything you want to know, and if the position doesn’t sound great to you, look elsewhere.
Soon you’ll have employers chasing YOU, and you will be taking the commanding lead in the interview process!
If you have any questions, please post them below!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Common Interview Questions II
“What are some of your weaknesses?”
Many, many people stumble on this question, because they don’t want to appear to have weaknesses – but don’t want to appear deceitful at the same time. Luckily you have an advantage knowing that this question may be asked. The best response is to choose something slightly negative, however which can be turned into a positive. Among the best responses we had was along the lines of being a ‘perfectionist’ and concentrating too hard on certain projects.
“What do you dislike about your current/previous role?”
Sometimes we use this question to probe further and expose any weaknesses you might have left out earlier, or sometimes it is to see how you react and regard your employer. If you show contempt and speak poorly of them, it is highly likely we will not employ you – as you may do the same for our company when you leave! Give a general but accommodating answer, like “Not enough room for career progress”.
“Where do you see yourself in five years time”
Possibly one of the most clich̩ interview questions, however it will probably be asked. Make sure whatever you answer is, it involves that organization in some way Рmention climbing the corporate ladder, developing your skills further and making a career within the organization. Recruiters are after long-term employees to invest in, not those who will leave after a few months.
“Do you have any questions?”
Your answer to this question must always be YES! Never leave without showing further interest in the organization. This is where your extra research will come in handy, and you can flaunt your knowledge a bit further. However don’t make the mistake some applicants have by asking silly questions just for the sake of it – such as “Do you have parking available?”, it just gives us a bad lasting impression of you.
Many, many people stumble on this question, because they don’t want to appear to have weaknesses – but don’t want to appear deceitful at the same time. Luckily you have an advantage knowing that this question may be asked. The best response is to choose something slightly negative, however which can be turned into a positive. Among the best responses we had was along the lines of being a ‘perfectionist’ and concentrating too hard on certain projects.
“What do you dislike about your current/previous role?”
Sometimes we use this question to probe further and expose any weaknesses you might have left out earlier, or sometimes it is to see how you react and regard your employer. If you show contempt and speak poorly of them, it is highly likely we will not employ you – as you may do the same for our company when you leave! Give a general but accommodating answer, like “Not enough room for career progress”.
“Where do you see yourself in five years time”
Possibly one of the most clich̩ interview questions, however it will probably be asked. Make sure whatever you answer is, it involves that organization in some way Рmention climbing the corporate ladder, developing your skills further and making a career within the organization. Recruiters are after long-term employees to invest in, not those who will leave after a few months.
“Do you have any questions?”
Your answer to this question must always be YES! Never leave without showing further interest in the organization. This is where your extra research will come in handy, and you can flaunt your knowledge a bit further. However don’t make the mistake some applicants have by asking silly questions just for the sake of it – such as “Do you have parking available?”, it just gives us a bad lasting impression of you.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Common Interview Questions
2. Know Common Questions
Truthfully, in each interview we don’t invent new questions or ways to throw applicants off their feet. As you begin to send out your attractive CV and Cover Letters and attend more and more interviews, you will see a common pattern beginning to form on questions and responses. The only times we will really throw you a curveball are when it’s obvious you know nothing about our organization, or if we think you are another time-waster. But if you follow the tips and preparation advice we have given you above, then you won’t fall into either of these categories. Below we have added some of the most commonly used questions in interviews, which we expect all applicants to be able to answer thoroughly and comprehensively:
“Tell me about yourself”
We normally use this question as an ice-breaker, to see how you think on your feet. Please don’t bore us – briefly tell us about your career, your skills and why you think you would fit into this position.
“Tell me about your ability to work under pressure”
Here you should be mentioning examples of your time management, for example in team projects or individual assignments.
Giving relevant examples works best, because we can see you have experience and will help us determine whether they fit with our organizations work ethic!
“Tell me about a time when…”
These are known as Behavioral Assessment questions, and are quite similar to the one mentioned above as they require you to provide real-life situations in your responses. In this way, the interviewer may see evidence of how you would respond to certain situations you may face in the position. So again, make it relevant, short and sweet.
“What is your greatest strength?”
This is your opportunity to talk yourself up, so make the most of it! Tell us What you do best, and How you do it best. Don’t beat around the bush, come out with it and let us know Why this would be helpful to us! The reason we called you for an interview is because WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU! So tell us!
Truthfully, in each interview we don’t invent new questions or ways to throw applicants off their feet. As you begin to send out your attractive CV and Cover Letters and attend more and more interviews, you will see a common pattern beginning to form on questions and responses. The only times we will really throw you a curveball are when it’s obvious you know nothing about our organization, or if we think you are another time-waster. But if you follow the tips and preparation advice we have given you above, then you won’t fall into either of these categories. Below we have added some of the most commonly used questions in interviews, which we expect all applicants to be able to answer thoroughly and comprehensively:
“Tell me about yourself”
We normally use this question as an ice-breaker, to see how you think on your feet. Please don’t bore us – briefly tell us about your career, your skills and why you think you would fit into this position.
“Tell me about your ability to work under pressure”
Here you should be mentioning examples of your time management, for example in team projects or individual assignments.
Giving relevant examples works best, because we can see you have experience and will help us determine whether they fit with our organizations work ethic!
“Tell me about a time when…”
These are known as Behavioral Assessment questions, and are quite similar to the one mentioned above as they require you to provide real-life situations in your responses. In this way, the interviewer may see evidence of how you would respond to certain situations you may face in the position. So again, make it relevant, short and sweet.
“What is your greatest strength?”
This is your opportunity to talk yourself up, so make the most of it! Tell us What you do best, and How you do it best. Don’t beat around the bush, come out with it and let us know Why this would be helpful to us! The reason we called you for an interview is because WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT YOU! So tell us!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Importance of Finding a Job
Employment isn't only necessary for income, but also for a sense of self-worth. Individuals who are unemployed for long-periods of time often experience depression and lack of motivation. This website will provide you with the know-how on getting the top-paying jobs, how to impress in the interview stage, and giving yourself an advantage over the other applicants.
These days too much emphasis is placed on 'get rich quick' schemes, which do nothing but line the pockets of those who write them. The real way to 'get rich' is through finding employment that not only pays well, but is enjoyable for you. Looking forward to work on a Monday is a rare thing for many workers, but not impossible.
Don't forget, with secure employment you are able to take out mortgages on a home, borrow loans from banks for hot cars you've always wanted, and set yourself up for an early retirement.
Importance of Finding a Job
These days too much emphasis is placed on 'get rich quick' schemes, which do nothing but line the pockets of those who write them. The real way to 'get rich' is through finding employment that not only pays well, but is enjoyable for you. Looking forward to work on a Monday is a rare thing for many workers, but not impossible.
Don't forget, with secure employment you are able to take out mortgages on a home, borrow loans from banks for hot cars you've always wanted, and set yourself up for an early retirement.
Importance of Finding a Job
Tongue Tied in Interviews
One of the biggest problems we have found in conducting interviews is that the participant sometimes gets tongue-tied or loses track of their thoughts. This is a bad thing, and shows not only weakness but an inability to function under pressure. Fortunately you have the ability to capitalize on the mistakes of others, with this exclusive inside information that will stop you from making the same mistakes!
1. Preparation is the Key
Could you imagine watching a game-show about American wildlife, and seeing someone enter that doesn’t know a thing about it? Wouldn’t they research before entering, or at least try find out a little about the topic? That’s the way we see people who turn up to our job interviews, and have No Idea about our organization and what we do. Once we ask a question about our organization and see they have absolutely no idea, you can be sure they won’t be called back for a second interview. In the industry we call these people ‘time-wasters’, as they are the ones who apply for hundreds of jobs daily, and turn up spouting the same useless information at each interview.
Do your preparation and read about the company before you turn up! Things we like to hear are what you know about our products or services, who we target, our markets, our direction and so on. If you can talk about goals and objectives, and how you fit into these, you’ll definitely earn bonus points. Remember to keep it relevant, don’t ramble and go off-topic, and don’t show-off your knowledge
1. Preparation is the Key
Could you imagine watching a game-show about American wildlife, and seeing someone enter that doesn’t know a thing about it? Wouldn’t they research before entering, or at least try find out a little about the topic? That’s the way we see people who turn up to our job interviews, and have No Idea about our organization and what we do. Once we ask a question about our organization and see they have absolutely no idea, you can be sure they won’t be called back for a second interview. In the industry we call these people ‘time-wasters’, as they are the ones who apply for hundreds of jobs daily, and turn up spouting the same useless information at each interview.
Do your preparation and read about the company before you turn up! Things we like to hear are what you know about our products or services, who we target, our markets, our direction and so on. If you can talk about goals and objectives, and how you fit into these, you’ll definitely earn bonus points. Remember to keep it relevant, don’t ramble and go off-topic, and don’t show-off your knowledge
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