Question...How many bumps are there on a pineapple and what is special about this
number? There is a serious mathematical answer to this question and it's an old favourite
in numerical resoning tests. Do you know the answer?
Selection tests are now common. This book tells you what they are, what they
are used for and what employers are looking for, as welll as what to expect, how to do
well in them and how to secure that job.
Familiarize yourself with the most common types of tests used and learn how to prepare
for them. Read through real-life examples and test yourself on sample tests from
recruitment agencies. Discover what they're looking for in your results and how to
constructively analyse your own performance.
Whether you're aiming at the big graduate recruiters, an internal promotion, a
mid-career job move, or even change of profession, learn how to expect the unexpected and
be prepared to outshine the competition. Don't be good, be brilliant.
- Susan Hodgson was head of the Careers Service at South Bank University
in London. She taught students job-hunting skills and trained them in interview techniques
and has always worked with a wide range of employers to ensure that she knew exactly what
they were looking for. She has worked with school leavers, university students, and
professional people seeking a change of career. Susan Hodgson has written training and
careers information material for trainers and trainees, and is the author of Brilliant
Answers to Tough Interview Questions. She currently works as a careers consultant and
freelance writer.
Contents
PART 1 - BRILLIANT SELECTION TESTS
1. Testing Times
Who is likely to face tests?
When are you likely to be tested?
Why do employers use selection tests?
2. A Testing World
Measuring mental processes
Designing appropriate tests
Different types of tests
How tests are implemented
Examples of the most common types of tests
How tests are scored
3. Preparation Counts
Intellectual preparation
Verbal tests
Numerical tests
Diagrammatic reasoning tests
Psychological preparation Commonsense preparation
4. The Big Day Before the test During the test After the test
5. So Much For Personality
Are you right for us?
Personality questionnaires
Examples of the most common types of personality tests
Emotional intelligence
How well do you know yourself?
6. Selection and Development Centres
Graduate selection centres
What employers are looking for
Management development centres
Applications for managerial jobs
7. The In-Tray, the Irate Customer and the Boss
Real problems need real solutions
Preparing for business exercises
Sample exercises
8. Talk Your Way to Success
Communication skills tests
Presentations
Presentation fundamentals
Topics for presentations
Discussions
Effective participation
9. Discrimination, Fair and Unfair
How different tests are biased
Let the employer know in advance
Culture, age and gender bias
Appropriate tests and conditions
10. Are you Write For the Job?
Graphology in recruitment
Graphology in action
11. Reflecting on Tests
Self-assessment
Using feedback
Aim to do better
Possibilities for change
PART 2 - PRACTICE MATERIAL
Verbal Tests
Logic Tests
Numerical Tests
David Singmaster's Problems
Saville and Holdsworth Tests
Work Style Questionnaire
PART 3 - SOURCES OF INFORMATION
General information
Equal opportunities information
Test practice information
Paperback, 240 pages