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Careers: Try Before You Buy

At university I studied to be a journalist. I’m not quite sure how or why I wound up studying journalism, but I enjoyed every single minute of it. During my second year I really started pushing the work experience aspect of things – my tutors told me there’d never be a better opportunity to get under the skin of employers without actually having to work for them as a permanent employee.


I spent two years on and off completing work experience at some of the UK’s biggest newspaper titles – the best two years of my life. I’d set myself the target of getting a front page story at some point in time – that was the goal (I couldn’t really think of anything better/grander). Halfway through my second year of work experience I smashed the goal – I got a front page story. I got another one soon after (although I opted for my by-line to be removed).

After getting two front page stories I couldn’t really see anywhere else for me to go as a journalist – even though I was still on work experience. As much as I loved it, I didn’t like the near poverty in which a lot of graduate journalists lived in. It wasn’t for me. I packed my bags and left the world of journalism.

Application Process for Work Experience in Journalism

Before you start thinking about spending hours on end every day applying for hundreds of different jobs, I’m of the belief that everyone should complete work experience. The vast majority of companies will only take you on a work experience placement if you’re still in college or university. Instead of spending every night getting wasted, you should think seriously about how you’re going to find work experience opportunities during your studies. There will never be a better time.

Applying for work experience in the world of journalism doesn’t tend to follow a set procedure – it tends to be a case of plucking up the courage to email (or hound) editors and journalists to ask if there are any work experience vacancies available. Don’t go sending work experience requests to the news desk of your local paper – send them to a real person. Take a few minutes to find the email address for the editor or sub editor of the publication – Journalisted.com is a good place to start. Lots of journalists will suffix their articles with their email address too. Be warned that some publications offer work experience but there’s a long waiting list – it took me three years to get a placement at The Times (but it was well worth it!).

Application Process for Getting a Job

Getting a permanent job in the world of journalism is extremely difficult. If you built up a good portfolio of published work during your degree, you might be able to apply for any vacant reporter roles, providing you have the NCTJ qualification under your belt. If you have a sparse portfolio and you don’t have the NCTJ qualification, you’ll have to apply for graduate schemes. Most newspapers run these schemes, but places are extremely limited (ie, most top titles recruit one or two people on these schemes each year). Competition is fierce to say the least – so ideally you should have an impressive portfolio behind you. The other way into the world of journalism is to become a freelancer upon graduation – you then have the opportunity to really impress the titles you freelance for in the hope they decide to offer you a permanent staff job.

What I learnt

Before I went to university I completed work experience in a garage. I knew immediately that working in a garage was not for me. The long days and constantly being covered in oil and grime really put me off. Contrast that with journalism where I had a whale of a time. Work experience is the best possible way to “try before you buy”. Before you go all out to secure a job in your desired industry, why not complete work experience there first to ensure it’s something you actually enjoy? I know people that have spent six months or more applying for jobs in a certain industry, only to find they absolutely hate it when they do find employment.

Job application forms and interviews all take time to complete. You need to be 100% sure you’re applying for the right job in the right industry. Whilst you’re in university it’s essential that you “try before you buy” with as many careers as possible, ensuring you end up doing something you genuinely enjoy.

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About the author: Written by Adam Grunwerg, founder and editor of the graduate careers advice and jobs website Graduates.co.uk.
~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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How Do You Impress In An Interview?

The Network for the Business School World - BusinessBecause - JobTestPrep's Blog
How do you impress an interviewer? This is a question everyone asks themselves. While we could give you many tips and pieces of advice ourselves, we thought it would be to ask prominent hiring managers from top firms to tell us what they like to see in an applicant.



“Research the company to determine fit, as well as the type of post-MBA role that best suits you. Consider internship opportunities at the company between your first and second year of business school. This is a key way to garner both work experience, exposure to the company, and, if successful, the possibility of a full-time offer.”
Scott Swayne, General Mills


“The biggest [mistake] is being unprepared. There’s a lot of competition out there and there’s a lot of people who can do the same jobs, so what is that differentiator for you? Being able to describe that uniqueness and creativity is what separates you from others.”
Cindi Harper, Intel


“When our clients describe what it’s like to work with a team of A.T. Kearney Consultants, they tend to talk about the ‘people’ element. We want people who care about the work and the people they work with who show intellectual curiosity and the spirit to do well.”
Phil Morgan, A.T. Kearney


“Give us an insight into what excites you, and what your passions are. That stuff at the bottom of your resume: tell us about it, and what makes you unique.”
Russ Hagey, Bain & Company


“The biggest mistake that a candidate can make during an interview is not researching the position that they are interviewing for. At the interview stage, they should be asking specific questions about components of the program, not, “so tell me about the program.”
Chris Thomas, General Electric


“At Accenture, we look for people who can communicate effectively and work well on teams. For current MBA students, it’s important to hone in on the skills that will make you successful in your career.”
John Campagnino, Accenture


Want more advice from hiring managers, read more here.

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About the author: David-Anthony Gordon is a journalist at BusinessBecause, a professional networking and news site for the business school world. It also includes helpful information such as MBA rankings and MBA jobs and has fresh daily content.


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When to Re-take the GMAT?


When to Re-take the GMAT? - JobTestPrep's Blog
People tend to obsess over their GMAT score, but more often than you might expect, re-taking the GMAT isn't necessary. This is the case for three major reasons:

1) The GMAT is a bit less important to MBA program admissions than many realize – the GMAT is just one of many factors. For example, the personal essays are probably as important. 

 As a reminder, those factors include:

  • Undergraduate school, major, and GPA
  • GMAT score
  • Personal essays
  • Recommendations
  • Business, leadership, and community service experience
2) Most applicants don’t have unlimited time to study for the GMAT – there are always trade-offs in deciding to take the test again, including being unable to spend that time working on your aforementioned essays.

3) If you've already done a good amount of studying, especially if you’ve already worked with a private tutor or taken a good class, you have to be realistic about how much runway you have to improve your GMAT score.

Ultimately, this article will provide 5 potential reasons that you should consider re-taking the GMAT. However, to hammer home the above three points about why you may not need to, I’d like to provide a personal example.

I worked with an individual, let’s call him Frank, who had attended Northwestern University and majored in Mathematics, was promoted rapidly at our consulting firm, and scored a 760 on the GMAT. He was also a genuinely great guy and a natural leader who was also involved in a variety of community service related activities. He was not accepted into Kellogg’s MBA program at Northwestern University. I worked at the same firm and was promoted less rapidly, attended Indiana University, and scored a 710 on the GMAT. Frank, in fact, was sort of my boss. However, I was accepted at Kellogg, and Frank was not. The difference, I suggest, was clearly the essays. I somehow must have better explained why I wanted an MBA from Kellogg and what I was going to do with it in my essays, even though Frank went to a better undergraduate school, had a similar job, and scored significantly higher on the GMAT.

That said, I recognize the GMAT remains an area of intense focus and a source of significant stress for many applicants. Certainly it is important, and it’s one area where the playing field is level. No matter where you went to school or what your job is, everyone takes the same GMAT, and thus MBA schools can easily compare readiness for their MBA curriculum across applicants by using this test. Here are five reasons to re-take the GMAT:

1) If your score is not in the middle 80% of accepted applicants at your target school (s), you should consider re-taking the GMAT. For example, at Kellogg, 80% of individuals score between 660 and 760. So, if you scored a 640, you will be at a disadvantage, and should consider retaking the GMAT.

2) Your scores on timed practice tests were significantly better than your actual score. If you know you scored 700+ on all of your practice tests, but scored a 660 on the actual test, you’re still in the middle 80th percentile range, per point 1. However, there is clear evidence you can do significantly better. So, you should consider retaking the GMAT.

3) You didn't really study. Some people can perform really well on the GMAT without much studying. However, most can’t. When I sat down to study for the test, I couldn't remember the rules of triangles well enough to answer most of the trigonometry questions on the test. If you haven’t taken a class, worked with a tutor, or at least dedicated 2-4 hours a week for at least 6 weeks and taken several practice tests, you can probably do much better on the GMAT after study appropriately for it. It’s not an IQ test – you can and should prepare for it.

4) You are trying to compensate for other areas of weakness in your application. If you are an English major and have not taken a class that’s quantitative in nature since high school, you need to score well on the quantitative section of the GMAT. In that case, if you’re trying to go to a top 20 US MBA program, you should be scoring in the 80th percentile or better on the quant section.

5) If you have a really imbalanced score on the GMAT, you might consider re-taking it. Business schools are looking for well-rounded applicants who can think critically, engage with data, and communicate well. If you scored reasonably well on the GMAT by completely acing one section and struggling through the other, you might consider re-taking it. Schools may not accept your overall score at face value if your scores on each section are really imbalanced.

What are your thoughts on the GMAT? Do you have any questions about whether/when to re-take the test? Let us know.


About the author:  Mark Skoskiewicz is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL near Chicago, one of the top 10 MBA programs in the U.S. He’s also the Founder of MyGuru, a provider of in-person and online 1-1 tutoring and test prep. MyGuru maintains a GMAT blog and provides customized, GMAT tutoring. Mark can be reached at mskoskiewicz@myguruedge.com

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~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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How to Sell Yourself Effectively in an Interview

How to Sell Yourself Effectively in an Interview - JobTestPrep's BlogIt is easy to have a casual attitude towards interviews, particularly if you have attended many in the past. However, you may find this isn’t working anymore. Why?


The jobs market has changed drastically since the recession forcing recruitment to take a new form. Of course, CVs are still the backbone of any job application, but there are also ways in which to stand out amongst other candidates when it comes to your interview. First impressions count and you will get a very small window to show off what you can offer.

This is why it’s important now more than ever to learn how to ‘sell yourself’ as effectively as you can. Think of it as if you were selling a product to a customer in a store. Remember to keep in mind what you are selling, who you are selling to, and what the unique selling point is.

What are you selling?

Remember that in this situation it is yourself that is the product up for grabs. You want to highlight your strengths to maximise the conversion rate, like you would do if you were selling an item on eBay.

So, how do you make yourself look as good as possible? Firstly ensure that you have the correct qualifications needed for the position. It is true that more employers are looking for people with experience, but for many academic careers, a minimum educational level is a must. If you don’t have the formal qualifications to argue that you’re knowledgeable on a topic, why do you think you’d be good for this position? Make sure you have adequate experience to make up for this.

Alternatively, turn to the internet. There is a wealth of free information online, so although you may not have the means to attend an education establishment, it doesn’t mean you can’t advance your knowledge.

In terms of experience, get out there and get some! It’s important to bear in mind that employers will consider your past performances as an indication of your potential future accomplishments.

Phil McCabe of the Forum of Private Business lobby group has stated that the education system doesn’t produce the right level of work-ready young people.

More than one million 16-24 year olds are now unemployed in Britain and study after study has shown that employers would rather hire someone with some work experience under their belts, than a degree.

If you’re new to the jobs market, try some unpaid work experience. The fact that you have sacrificed your time and money to advance your career prospects speaks volumes to an employer. They don’t always want the finished package. They want someone who will develop and grow within a company. If this is you, state it explicitly in an interview. The employer will be impressed at your straightforward approach and willingness to progress.

What’s most important to a company is proven results. Whether you get this from a previous job or from an unpaid internship, it doesn’t matter. Better yourself, not just for the interview, but for you career in the long term.

Who are you selling to?

Make sure you research the market you are looking to enter. The majority of interviews fails due to a lack of preparation or because of nerves. Kill two birds with one stone here by over-preparing. If you are well researched, you will come across as more confident.

Also think about how you match up against their criteria? Is it a small business? If so, they may want someone who can multi-task and take on more responsibilities from the beginning.

If there is a minimum requirement for the position, then it would be necessary to make sure you pay attention. Recruiters prefer when their instructions are followed. Saying this, if you feel you have ways to make up for a lack of experience, for example, make this clear in your covering letter, and it’s worth a shot.

One way to stand out in your interview is through questions. Look through the job description and other company literature to find relevant questions you could ask.

This shows enthusiasm and confidence. If you ask about the company’s plans, it shows you are thinking about long term plans. Furthermore, asking questions in reference to their website, or business strategy, or press they have received, is evidence that you’ve done your home, and makes a fantastic first impression. You’d be amazed how many people don’t research prior to interviews. Make sure you’re not one of them.

What’s the USP?

Put yourself in the position of the interviewee. What is it that you offer that someone else can’t?They might see a large number of candidates in one day, so find a way to be memorable, whilst professional.

When discussing experience, you don’t always have to reference an employment example. Perhaps an unusual hobby of yours has given you some desirable skills for the job.

There are three Ps to think about when it comes to your USP: Performance (what have you achieved so far in your career?), Potential (what are you capable of in the future?), and Perseverance (enthusiasm can speak volumes).

Go through these prior to the interview and think of evidence where you have shown these traits. If you have any documentation or a portfolio to back it up, always bring it with you.

But most of all, relax and be yourself. Just because the situation is formal, doesn’t mean you can’t be cheerful. Most people are so nervous, showing your smiley bubbly side could be the easy solutions to stand out amongst the crowds.

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About the author: This guest post was written by Karen Asbury from The Coaching Academy, the world’s largest training organisation for coaching.

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Is Your Career the Right Kind of Equestrian Event?

Is Your Career the Right Kind of Equestrian Event?
A guide to selection processes...

The word career has a number of possible origins, one of which is the French word for horse race ‘carriere’. But if a career is a horse race, what kind of event would it be? Over the summer we have watched a range of equestrian events: cross country, show jumping, dressage, team and individual.

There are also flat races, steeplechases and point to points.

A cross country career would involve lots of twists and turns, different gradients and a series of
challenges some more unexpected than others. A dressage career would be one where perfection would matter, a slow and precise exercise after years of training and practice. It might be a career that is one of the exercise of consummate skill. A show jumper learns simple  jumps and keeps on progressing to higher and higher jumps. Horse racing is more of a career  of tactic, at what point in  the race do you go flat out? Where do you position the horse on the  course? How well will your horse respond to the ground conditions? Breeding and training are the foundations of a good racer.

Going over the jumps in a steeplechase adds an extra challenge, and unlike show jumping it does not matter if you knock the fences down!

Careers are not really horse races, but there are some things to be learnt by considering the
parallels. And in another respect we would do well to remember the similarity.

When it comes to applying for jobs and going through a selection process you could do worse than think of it as an equestrian event; but more of a three-day event than a dressage or show jumping.

You need the right breeding, i.e. background of education, skills and aptitudes; and then you need the preparation and practice. Just as a jockey or rider walks the course and tests the ground, you need to familiarise yourself with the territory and plan out how you are going to win the race - because in selection there is only one winner. It is a first past the post event.

And because it is a first past the post event it is not a cumulative event. In show jumping you
accumulate (faults) points as you progress around the course, you can knock the first fence down and still end up with the best score and take the gold. In recruitment/selection if you fail at the first hurdle then you fail. If your CV is not spot-on, then you are out of the race. And what you put in your CV may count for little once you get into the interview; it is your performance in that interview that carries your forward to the assessment centre. The assessment centre is a three day event in its own right and less of a race and more of a show jumping event. And if you are successful you can progress to the Grand National equivalent of a final interview.

One of the lessons we have learned from the fantastic sporting summer is that every athlete needs their trainer or coach. If you want to excel at any sport or in any selection event, get yourself a coach. Someone who understands what it takes, who will give you great feedback, who will correct your faults and give you all the encouragement and confidence building you need.

So remember, applying for a job is a steeplechase, get round the course and get past the post first... and do it better with a coach!
About the author: This is Mary Hopes second blog article. She is a careers coach, for more information about Mary you can visit her website.

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~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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How to Dress for an Interview


Dress for success for your interview - JobTestPrep's Blog
Interviews are one of the most daunting processes you can experience. Whether it be a group or individual interview, it can be difficult to keep your nerves under control when all eyes are on you. With this in mind, it is important that you look your best as first impressions are everything.

What should I wear?

Dress smartly and comfortably. If you attend the interview in clothes that don't fit or are too casual, the interviewer will think you're not serious about the job role. As you enter the room, offer your hand to the assessor and shake firmly. This touch of confidence combined with your well-dressed appearance should create the impact needed to positively influence the employer’s initial thoughts about you.

Clothing for Men

  • Men should opt for a dark coloured matching 2-piece suit. Dark blue or grey suits are generally the preferred option as black can seem too sharp and severe. Slim-fit suits look good but generally, as long as your suit is well-pressed, square at the shoulders, long enough in the arm and leg length and not too loose or too tight you will present a solid prepared and smart image. You don't have to spend too much on a suit but if you have to wear it for work, it will be convenient to invest in one that fits correctly so you can use it for a few years.
  • Choose a long sleeved, light coloured shirt to match your suit. Make sure the colour you choose compliments well; white and light blue are the safest options. The collar should be buttoned at the top to help emphasise your professionalism.
  • To complete the look, wear a matching suit tie and ensure the tip reaches the belt buckle. Avoid loud colours, characters and patterns; this can give an informal appearance. A Windsor knot is the most traditional way to secure the tie so to save time, make sure you know how to fix one correctly before the day of your interview arrives.
Polished Shoes - Be ready for your interview! - JobTestPrep's Blog
  • Shoes should be polished and dark; socks and belt should match in colour. 
  • Keep accessories to a minimum and wear non-perfumed cologne. Any visible body piercings should be removed and tattoos covered. You don't want to distract the attention away from the main focus which is your suitability for the role!
  • For a more casual style interview, opt for chinos, shirt or polo with a jumper or cardigan. Stay away from jeans and trainers as they look too relaxed for the purpose of your meeting.

Clothing for Women

  • Avoid tight-fitting attire. Dark coloured trousers or a knee length skirt will help you look professional and smart. Alternatively, a plain suit dress will also be appropriate. With both combinations, make sure they are accompanied with a blazer that corresponds with the outfit. 
    Pale coloured blouse - Be prepared for success for interview - JobTestPrep's Blog
  • Stay sensible with a pale coloured blouse to match your suit trousers or skirt. Ensure that the neckline is not low; the employer may view you as unprofessional.
  • For footwear, stick to pumps or shoes with a low heel. Heels can help you with your posture and make you look smart and classy.
  • Keep jewellery and make-up to a minimum. Heavy make-up can make you look cheap and this isn't what you want to be remembered for.
  • For a business casual style interview, day dresses and maxi dresses are appropriate but combine them with a smart blazer to keep your outfit well-dressed and suitable for the interview.

Conclusion

Preparation is key so check your employer’s website to see if there are any clues to the company dress code and if in doubt, it’s better to go too smart than too casual. You will not be judged if you turn up too smart but they will be less than impressed if you turn up in a tracksuit and trainers. Most importantly remember to smile! It shows you are a confident, sociable person with a positive attitude towards working for their company.

For more interview preparation tips and example questions, check out our interview pages.

About the author: This is an article by India Cash, a music graduate from Leeds who works on behalf of ASOS who are retailers of suits, maxi-dresses and footwear.

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~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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5 Things Every Future MBA Student Should Know

5 Things Every Future MBA Student Should Know - JobTestPrep's BlogFor many aspiring MBA students, the application process can be grueling. Planning for success is imperative in the business world, and the same approach proves true for business students who wish to obtain a post-graduate degree.

1. Get Involved

Students and recent graduates who hope to earn an MBA should make networking a top priority. Recommendations are required as part of the admissions process; and a good relationship with industry leaders, professors and employers can grab the attention of the admissions department. Internships, entry-level jobs and volunteer programs are all excellent ways to meet mentors. Students should work to develop and maintain these relationships to secure a positive and thorough recommendation. It is never too early, or too late, to begin networking. However, it is a general rule that the longer the relationship, the stronger the recommendation.

2. Start Early

As future business leaders, prospective MBA students should be familiar with time management and planning. Undergraduate students who plan to apply for graduate programs are encouraged to begin researching graduate programs a year in advance. Many students find it helpful to compile a short list of schools that suit both their financial and professional needs. Some students will need to take supplemental classes such as accounting or finance in order to enter a graduate program with the necessary prerequisites.

3. Study

In addition to ongoing coursework, students who are preparing for an MBA will need to begin studying for the GMAT a year in advance. The GMAT is a standardized test used by business schools as a measurement of how suited a student is for graduate management programs. There are four parts of the test: quantitative, verbal, integrated and analytical. Students can obtain various books and study materials for this test, and are strongly encouraged to participate in prep courses and practice tests.

3. Evaluate Strengths

A single talent or skill cannot guarantee acceptance into an MBA program. Admissions panels consider a wide range of factors when choosing candidates, which means certain attributes may be overlooked and others may be scrutinized. During the application process, it is imperative for students to provide evidence of their strengths by citing accomplishments and achievements. It is also, however, important to be prepared to answer for any poor grades or a lack of community involvement.

5. Practice communications skills

Students will be required to submit essays during the admissions process. These essays often require students to share meaningful information in an extremely concise manner. Also, students will most likely be invited to an interview during the last stages of admission. In order to convey confidence, students will need to practice responses and positive communication techniques through both speech and body language.


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About the author: Samantha Gray is a freelance writer for www.bachelorsdegreeonline.com She volunteers as a tutor for a literacy organization, driving her passion for all things education and learning. Questions and comments may be sent to samanthagray024@gmail.com
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UKCAT 2012 Tips - My Experience

UKCAT 2012 Tips from JobTestPrep's BlogYou may be thinking of applying to study Medicine at university, or already have. After deciding on your subjects, organising work experience and completing your summer exams; one of the many other things you will have to consider is the UKCAT, an aptitude test specifically designed for medicine and dentistry applicants. 

«  As a student about to start my first year at medical school, I thought I’d offer those of you sitting the UKCAT 2012 tips based on my own experiences. »

At the beginning of year 12 when I knew I would be applying for Medicine the following
year, I was given a bunch of old UKCAT books by a friend a few years older. Reading
through the introductions and general information can be really helpful just to familiarise yourself with the layout for the test and how universities use the score.

Therefore by the time my summer exams were over in June I was already ‘prepared’
for starting to do some official UKCAT practice and trying out some questions, I found
it very important to calculate the time limits for each individual section so that you are
able to gauge how long to spend per question. For example, in the verbal reasoning
section, you have 22 minutes to complete 44 items, this works out at half a minute per
question.

Verbal Reasoning

During the three weeks leading up to my test I continued with the books and would redo
some of the earlier sections under timed conditions. In the verbal reasoning, I found the
most effective way was to scan briefly over the text before looking back at the question
and skimming to find the key words, which would lead you to the most relevant section.
It is really important to read the question and the surrounding text very carefully as
sometimes the word choice can be quite tricky to understand. Sticking to your first
instincts and being decisive proved to be quite good for me as I found if I over-thought a
question, I would often answer it incorrectly.

⇒ Learn more about Verbal Reasoning.

Quantitative Reasoning

I had continued with mathematics during sixth-form so was still familiar with the calculations
required on the quantitative reasoning section. You need to be ready for anything in
this section and try to approach every question logically. This was my most challenging
section when timed as I never managed to finish it successfully. So my adopted tactic
was to aim for greater accuracy in the questions I did manage to complete. If I struggled
with the presentation or layout of a question from the early onset, I would select an
answer randomly and then flag it. This leaves you more time to really make an effort at
the questions that you find easiest to answer. Everyone will have different strengths so
use that to your advantage.

⇒ Learn more about this subsection of the UKCAT.

Abstract Reasoning

The abstract reasoning section was the one that I was most worried about initially,
because one set of shapes will have about 4-5 questions attached to it. The key to this
section I found was running through all the different ‘patterns’ quickly in order to
somehow link up the apparently random shapes. Orientation, number of sides/corners,
size, colour and many other characteristics play a huge part in figuring out the ‘key.’
Once you have worked this out, it is relatively easy to answer the surrounding questions,
so I would spend most of my time looking at the given shapes. Again it is a skill in itself
to urge yourself to move on when you have spent too much time, especially as this
section has a lot of questions.

⇒ Learn how to pass your UKCAT Abstract Reasoning test.

Decision Analysis

I found this section the easiest in practice as it was not very pressured for time and was
not too difficult. However during the exam I didn’t do as well as anticipated here and so
it is really important to maintain concentration, particularly as this is the last section.
Try not to dwell on other parts and focus on the task at hand. This will give you a really
strong finish to your exam!

Leading up to the test I found lots of free online links and mock tests which are really good to familiarise yourself with the electronic layout of the test. I would recommend ‘saving’ the UKCAT website’s mock test to the last few days before your real exam. So here is a final summary of my UKCAT 2012 tips for succeeding at the UKCAT:
  • Prepare early - read up in books or the internet about the UKCAT a few months before
  • Book your test early to get a date that fits your timetable
  • Buy one or two good practice books (I would recommend the 600 UKCAT questions book as the most similar in difficulty to the real exam)
  • Don’t leave practice to the last minute, a little every day goes a long way!
  • Calculate rough time limits for each question so you know how long to spend on them
  • Play to your strengths and have a guess at questions which would take too long to work out
  • Don’t think about other sections during the test
  • Make use of all the internet resources
  • Stay calm and have a good night’s rest the day before
Last of all, I wish those of you embarking on university application this year good luck!
Note from the editor: Do you have a psychometric test experience you would like to share? Or would you like to hear about someone’s experiences with a specific test if so contact us, or leave a comment below.

Do you have any other tips to add?

Other articles you may be interested in:

***
 About the author: Y W Smart took the UKCAT in July 2011, and achieved her offer to study undergraduate medicine at a UK university in September 2012. She writes a blog documenting her experiences as a first-year medical student and can be contacted at this mail.
~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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Ten Job Interview Tips

Job interview tips - JobtestPrep's Blog
These ten job interview tips on how to successfully pass an interview are from the Executive Recruiter’s point of view.

 From how to dress, to how to follow-up on an interview, these tips cover the major bases:
  1. Dress up for the event - show you know the form, honour your interviewers by looking smart.
  2. Dress right down to your shoes. Accessories matter - clean shoes, no tattoos, less jewellery.
  3. Know where you are going (literally) and get there on time – nothing winds a busy person up more than someone who wastes their time.
  4. Know who you are going to see and find out as much about the organisation and their challenges as you can.
  5. Know the answers. OK you can’t know all the questions but you can anticipate some of them. Have really good answers ready for those predictable ones. 
  6. Be likeable - shake hands, smile, look them in the eye, be pleased to be in their company. Not gushing, but you need to come over as someone they would want to have around.
  7. Be clear - to sound confident you have to speak clearly, open your mouth, open your lungs, breathe deeply and annunciate. Pause before you answer and structure what you want to say.
  8. Be slow - nervous people will talk really quickly, you need to speak slowly and clearly.
  9. Be still, be really careful to sit up and keep your chin up, it affects your ability to speak up and makes you appear more confident but don’t fidget. Video yourself on your phone in a practice session; eliminate any silly mannerisms. And no flirty gestures.
  10. Say thank you and do the hand shake, smile, eye contact at the end. If you can, do the follow up email saying how much you enjoyed meeting them, want to work with them, etc.
These ten job interview tips form the introduction to Mary Hope’s CD "Turbo Charge Interview Confidence Booster" available in the UK at Mary Hope Career Success.


About the author: Mary Hope is a careers coach with experience as a psychometric tester and executive headhunter. Her website Mary Hope Career Success can help you achieve what you want in your career whether it is immediate success in a recruitment process, or a more strategic approach to career management.


~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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Financial Recruitment and Psychometric Tests

Financial recruitment and psychometric testsWhat are finance recruiters testing when they ask you to take psychometric tests?

Companies in the finance sector, especially investment banks, are infamous for making extensive use of numerical, verbal and psychometric tests as part of their recruiting process. However, there are many aims to the tests used in financial recruitment and psychometric tests are not only used to test your mathematical ability. Here is the real purpose of those tests:

« Those tests are an easy "first cut" evaluation of general intelligence »

Clearly, the banks do not have the resources to interview every candidate that applies for a graduate job. An easy and inexpensive way to make a first cut in the applicant pool is to give what is basically an IQ test and select the best performers. While a high IQ doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a great employee, an above average IQ is often a prerequisite for most jobs in finance that typically require strong numerical abilities.

Tests show your ability to work well under time pressure and in a competitive environment

Many applicants are very smart but can unfortunately crumble in the face of competition and pressure. The ability to think fast is a skill that is critical and that is also measured in those tests. This is particularly important for banks because finance is a fast-paced industry where many decisions need to be taken under time pressure.

Basic business and common sense is also tested

Many of the questions in the verbal or numerical tests will be related to economics or current affairs. Therefore, the tests will also measure your basic understanding of the business world and business jargon.

Psychometric tests aim to see how well rounded you are

Psychometric tests are really about evaluating your interpersonal skills: will you be able to handle conflicts, work well in teams, get along with your peers, are you a well balanced individual (i.e. not a work alcoholic or bookworm, for example), etc.

Motivation, Hard-work and Preparation skills

Finally, recruiters expect applicants to come well prepared. They know that a wide range of resources are available at the school career centres and on the Internet, therefore they believe that there is no excuse to come unprepared and get poor scores in tests. If someone is motivated enough they will make sure they practice.

Employers want to test many skills in financial recruitment and psychometric tests are a good way of assessing both abilities and motivations.


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About the author: AskIvy.net is run by a team of bankers, private equity and venture capital professionals that provide quality advice to students and junior professionals that want to make a career in the competitive fields of Investment Banking, Private Equity and Venture Capital in Europe.



~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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Investment Banking Interview

How to do your research, what to do when there are holes in the job spec' and what to ask the interviewer.

Preparing for interview with Tim Thomas and JobTestPrepIn speaking with candidates, the most frequent questions I get asked involve investment banking interview technique and the best strategy to take when speaking with interviewers.

Interviews and interview technique is a very wide topic and the advice I give depends on a number of things such as the type of interview which is being conducted or may be at which stage the candidate is in the interview process – is he just about to embark on the first round or is he nearing the final stages.

If you’re not working with a headhunter to a find a role and don’t have the benefit of his advice and have secured an interview through your own initiative then your performance here boils down to essentially how well you have prepared for it.

Research

The quality and strength of your preparation is determined by your willingness to engage in research. There are three areas to which you should focus your energy when doing this; researching the company which is hiring; researching the position you’re interviewing for and lastly, your background and experience and how it applies to the job.

« Your objective is to be as informed and as well researched as possible about your potential employer. »

If there’s news or information about the company and it’s in the public domain then you should know about it. When it comes to researching companies there are plenty of avenues you can use whether through the internet and in particular Google or Linkedin or if it’s a smaller organisation perhaps referring to the local newspaper, either online or offline will give you any background on the firm.

Always, always, make sure you look at the company’s own website; here you will find general information as well as press releases. Starting at this point you will be able to identify any relevant news stories which you can use to develop and widen your research through Google.
Moving on from researching the company, let’s look research into the position itself. While it may seem an obvious thing to do, it’s important to be clear in your mind what the job you’re applying for involves and understanding what will be expected of you. Once you have this you can fine tune your “sales pitch” to the interviewer. While the pitch you use during an interview is a subject in itself, keep in mind that it will be heavily based on the research you have undertaken beforehand.

Investigate the role

Can you find similar positions at competitor's advertised elsewhere perhaps on Monster, efinancialnews or on Gerard Knight Recruitment. Does this position mention a requirement for a skill or software knowledge which is not shown in the job specification for the role you’re targeting? Do you have this experience? During the interview you can ask why it was not included. It could simply be an oversight by the person who wrote the job spec’ or it could be that particular area of responsibility is dealt with by a separate team within the company. 

If you have the experience, asking the interviewer why it wasn’t included is a win/win for you because if it’s an oversight you’ll give yourself the opportunity to add colour to your CV and show yourself to have a bit of experience that your fellow interviewees might not have. If the reason it wasn’t included was because that responsibility is dealt with by a separate team then at least by asking the question you are demonstrating an awareness of the various approaches or the differing software platforms used amongst the industry’s competitors. This shows a good overall knowledge of the industry you’re in which will only add value to your candidacy.

Your effectiveness in handling the last point I identified is as much down to the quality of your research into the position as it is in understanding your own skills and the value placed on them by your potential employer. You need to really understand what it is about your CV and application that can set yourself apart from your fellow candidates/competitors. Identify your top three or five skills or bits of experience – not in the general sense but what are the skills your potential employer would be most interested in. Remember, what one employer values in you might well be different to another. This takes time and effort and requires you to gel your research into the job with your own CV or application. Your effort here will be rewarded in a better interview performance.

Play to your strengths

Finally, if you’ve done your homework and are prepared to think on your feet you can ask the interviewer himself what it was about your CV or application that prompted them to ask you in for an interview. Even if you know or can guess why it is, asking this direct question will give you a chance to temporarily move the spotlight away from you and allow you to play a neat trick with the interviewer. He of course will identify two or three points they liked about you which is effectively giving you on a plate, the chance to elaborate on skills which you’ve just been told are the bits they like most in you. Don’t miss this great chance to push your advantage here and add colour and detail to these skills.


It goes without saying that there are no guarantees when it comes to an investment banking interview. The intangibles like the rapport between you and the interviewer can have a large influence and I write about this on my own website but at least with your research you'll going a long way to moving yourself from the long list to the short list of candidates for the job.

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About the author: Tim Thomas, has been a headhunter within the investment banking and financial services industries for over 10 years. He focuses on risk and counterparty risk hires and also offers an interview preparation and careers consultancy service to all candidates from all industries. He can be contacted via his mail address or his Facebook page.



~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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A Warm Welcome to our Blog


Welcome - JobTestPrep's BlogWelcome to the new, official, JobTestPrep (JTP) blog. You may have already visited out website or Facebook page, bought one of our packages, or taken one of our free online tests.

On our blog we wanted to show you our lighter side and of course, offer plenty of extra advice and direction for job seekers and test takers. We also hope you experience psychometric tests differently after hearing from our experts.

The JTP team is made up of organisational and clinical psychologists, test-writers, researchers and test-trainers, who all share the same passion for preparing you for your psychometric tests, interviews or assessment centres and can all offer different perspectives.

In our blog, we’ll share our experiences, advice and updates about psychometric testing, drawing from our experiences spanning over 20 years in the field. We’ll also let you know what we are working on and what new material you can expect to see in the next few weeks so you can be up-to-date with what employers are using.

From time to time we plan on inviting experts from related industries to blog about what they deem most relevant to helping you in the recruitment process. On each guest blog, you will have the opportunity to communicate with the author in the comments section.

Of course, we want to hear your comments on psychometric testing, what assessment centres you have coming up, your experiences and what you think is interesting. We welcome you to add feedback, questions and comments. If there is a topic you would like to see on our blog or someone you want to hear from send us a line through our comments section or contact form.

We hope you’ll enjoy our new community designed to pique your curiosity about psychometric test training and recruitment. If you’re interested RSS feeds are available for all posts.

For additional information about JTP, visit our website or like us on Facebook.

Thanks for visiting our blog!


~ JobTestPrep Team ~
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