1. © British Telecommunications plc Psychometric Tests and Telephone Interviews Durham University Campus Team Phil Hudson and Emma Flynn

2. © British Telecommunications plc Workshop Agenda Outline of general recruitment process Psychometric tests hints and tips –What are they? –Practice time! –Answers and your thoughts –Hits and tips –Sources for more practice! Telephone interview hints and tips –Why do employers use phone interview? –Format of phone interviews –Hits and Tips

3. © British Telecommunications plc Online application form Psychometric tests Telephone interview Technical interview (Often used for technical positions) Assessment centre Interview Application Process

4. © British Telecommunications plc Psychometric tests - What are they? Designed by psychologists and commonly used at graduate recruitment level Used to assess candidates’ abilities, personality, motivations, values & interests under standardised conditions Gain an impression of how a candidate would fare in a particular role relative to other candidates or current employees Essentially, there are 2 types: personality inventories & aptitude tests Aptitude tests are seen as the best indicator of intelligence, regardless of discipline The most common tests are numerical and verbal reasoning Timed tests…high pressure

5. © British Telecommunications plc Practice Time! See handout Time allowed: 6 minutes

6. © British Telecommunications plc Answers 1.C 2.E 3.A 4.B 5.A 6.C 1. True 2. Cannot Say 3. False 4. Cannot Say 5. False 6. True 7. True 8. Cannot Say

7. © British Telecommunications plc Your Thoughts? Challenges? Approach?

8. © British Telecommunications plc Hints & Tips 1.Know the application process 2.Preparation Instructions Expectations Environment 3.Watch your timing Don’t panic…the tests are designed so that most people don’t finish Work quickly & accurately…don’t dwell! Skip a question if you’re stuck 4.Be aware of the potential for negative marking 5.Practice, practice, practice…

9. © British Telecommunications plc Sources http://practicetests.cubiks.com/ http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html http://www.psychometric-success.com/downloads/download-practice- tests.htmhttp://www.psychometric-success.com/downloads/download-practice- tests.htm http://www.practicetests.co.uk/Launchtest.asp http://assessment.monster.co.uk/4414_en-GB_p1.asp http://www.morrisby.com/content/candidates-support/faqs/sample- morrisby-profile-questions/index.htmhttp://www.morrisby.com/content/candidates-support/faqs/sample- morrisby-profile-questions/index.htm http://www.profilingforsuccess.com/kogan-page/

10. © British Telecommunications plc Telephone Interviews…. Why employers like them Useful pre-screening exercise, focusing on key areas of your application Personal Introduction to the organisation Establishes your commitment Can highlight any potential issues early on Costs less and are more time and location flexible than an assessment centre or face-to-face interview

11. © British Telecommunications plc Format for a Telephone Interview In general: –Most employers will call you at a specified time –Interviewers will introduce themselves and talk to you about what will happen in the interview –Most telephone interviews will last for 30 – 45 minutes –Often competency based questions but occasionally also look at career motivation/work experience –Chance for you to ask questions

12. © British Telecommunications plc Telephone Interview Hints and Tips 1.Prepare your environment Make sure that you are in a quiet location where you are not likely to be disturbed Tell your flatmates/family that you are having a telephone interview and what time it is – this is to prevent them from disturbing you Ensure that you have a copy of your application form in front of you Make sure that you have a glass of water to hand It is a good idea to have a clean sheet of paper and a pen with you in order that you can jot questions or information down

13. © British Telecommunications plc Telephone Interview Hints and Tips 2. Prepare for the Interview Prior to the interview read through your application form Re-read the job advert or graduate website Research the company Practice answering questions with a friend Gather together any questions that you might want to ask the interviewer

14. © British Telecommunications plc Capability Questions Talk about specific events/examples of when you have demonstrated a particular skill that is important to the organisation Often broken down into smaller questions Think STAR: –Situation –Task –Action –Result Word or Character Limits Clear Concise answers to the question asked

15. © British Telecommunications plc Any questions?

16. © British Telecommunications plc Upcoming Events Monday 17 th November Excel at Assessment Centres 1.15-2.00Elvet Riverside Tuesday 27 th January Excel at Assessment Centres 1.15-2.00Elvet Riverside To sign up to any or all of the sessions above use the Careers Advice Service web pages: http://www.dur.ac.uk/careers-advice/forthcomingcareerevents/