Situational Judgement Tests (SJT): Why and How to Prepare

Guest BloggerApplications, Assessment Centres, Final Year, First Year, Graduates, Postgraduate, Second Year

So, What is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT)? Situational Judgement Tests (or SJTs) are a popular form of assessment used by employers to assess behavioural competencies to help determine if an individual is suitable for a role. Situational Judgement Tests can either be ‘traditional’ or they can be more interactive, perhaps even in a game-based format. An increasing number of employers are using a “storyline” approach which presents a ‘day-in-the-life’ experience such as Jaguar Land Rover, many even with Verbal and Numerical type questions too. Regardless of their format, all SJTs will look for evidence of a small group of … Read More

Why and how to practise online job assessments

jimrealiAdvice, Applications, Assessment Centres, Final Year, First Year, Graduates, International Placements, International Students, Interviews, Jim Reali, On Placement, Part-Time Jobs & Volunteering, Postgraduate, Second Year, UK Placements

Do you have a dream company in mind? Both small and large organisations will require you to complete Online Job Assessments as part of their application process. These vary from ‘traditional’, though extremely common, aptitude tests to ‘modern’ styles of assessment, such as Game-Based Assessments now used by 10% of employers, and Video Interviews. As the area of online job assessments has become a staple for employers when recruiting, so too has the amount of preparation required by candidates to meet the company’s requirements. It is now essential more than ever to get familiar with the types of Assessments you … Read More

Testing, testing… (Why do employers use psychometric tests and what do I need to know?)

jimrealiAssessment Centres, Final Year, Graduates, Postgraduate, Second Year

The background So, last week I took part in a four-day online training session to become an expert in psychometric tests… Okay, perhaps ‘expert’ might be a strong word to use. It might be better to say that I’ve gained a significantly better understanding of the range of tests used and the way in which they’re helpful to employers. To be a true expert, I still have some distance to travel… However, I thought it might be really helpful to share some insights with you, so that you have a better understanding of what psychometric tests are, why employers use … Read More

5 super useful careers resources to use over the festive break

AdamAdvice, Applications, Assessment Centres, Cover Letters, CVs, Final Year, First Year, Guest Blogger, Interviews, Part-Time Jobs & Volunteering, Second Year

Graduates First If you’re not already, we recommend signing up to Graduates First over the festive break. Graduates First is an online portal that hosts a range of useful aptitude tests that you’re likely to come across during placement or graduate role recruitment processes. These include numerical, verbal and logical reasoning tests, situational judgement tests, as well as games based assessments. They also offer valuable advice on assessment centres and insights on the recruitment processes of some of the UK’s biggest graduate employers. The portal will log your performance on each test, offering helpful analytics and reports on how you … Read More

How to improve your confidence

Guest BloggerAssessment Centres, Final Year, Graduates, Graduates in Focus, Guest Blogger, Interviews

Name: Gurpreet Singh Garcha Studied at: Aston University Degree: BSc (Hons) Computer Science & Multimedia Name of the organisation where you work: Capgemini Job title: Graduate Test Consultant Confidence is largely defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from an appreciation from one’s own abilities and qualities. Confidence levels, however, can vary from person to person. Some may radiate confidence, others may struggle. But the truth is that confidence can simply be improved and developed over time. Train Yourself Some people (like myself) have certain fears in life – mine being the fear of heights. Step out your comfort zone and test your mind … Read More

Mistakes I Made: Emme Hunt

Guest BloggerApplications, Assessment Centres, Final Year, First Year, Guest Blogger, International Placements, Interviews, On Placement, Part-Time Jobs & Volunteering

During second-year I had my first ever formal interview for an industrial placement at GSK. Despite intense preparation, my lack of experience intensified the pressure I was already under. On the day of the interview I tried to remain calm and composed, however walking into the reception area I have never felt more out of place.  There were at least 30 other students all dressed in sharp suits, exuding confidence, intimidating just like a scene out of The Apprentice. The interviewers themselves were incredibly welcoming which put me at ease, although there were a few early signs that I was … Read More

Letters to myself, whilst hunting for a placement

Guest BloggerApplications, Assessment Centres, Cover Letters, CVs, Events, Guest Blogger, International Placements, Second Year, UK Placements

Dear anyone who reads this blog, Across these pages you will find the letters I wrote about my placement journey. They are short individually but long when read all at once. There are 7 in total. So, if you only have time to read the first few sentences, I really hope that you remember the following things: → Prepare for placement slowly (e.g. file one application a day to make the load manageable) → Keep a record of all the placements you applied for. Simply, place, date and “status” is great (you may need it for one of your modules … Read More

5 key questions to ask at a careers fair!

Guest BloggerApplications, Assessment Centres, Cover Letters, CVs, Events, Final Year, Graduates, Guest Blogger, Interviews, Postgraduate

If you’re heading into you final year, you’re likely to be bombarded with information about graduate jobs from the moment you return. With many application deadlines hitting before the end of the first term, it’s crucial you start thinking about your future career soon. Visiting a careers fair can be a great way to kick-start your job search for that perfect graduate role. They give you the opportunity to meet recruiters, understand what’s it like to work for a wide range of companies and find the information you need to know on the application process. The GradJobs team have been … Read More

Bounce back and be your best self

Guest BloggerApplications, Assessment Centres, CVs, Final Year, First Year, Graduates, Interviews, Part-Time Jobs & Volunteering, Second Year

When being faced with setbacks, giving up sometimes looks like the easiest option. It can be very frustrating when interviews for placements, jobs and graduate schemes are unsuccessful. When I had an unsuccessful job interview, I initially felt defeated. But I soon began to think about why I didn’t succeed in the interview. To me, this reflection was extremely valuable. The interview made me face an uncomfortable anxiety and the reflection on my unsuccessful interview allowed me to improve upon myself for future opportunities, which may be more fruitful. These moments offer such valuable experiences you can’t find elsewhere. They … Read More