Some of the companies, more particularly the multinationals, will use assessment centres and sometimes psychometric testing to assist them in making their recruitment decisions. Usually, these are after the first telephone interview and will be held during the second interview stage normally on site in the Middle East.
Assessment Centres
The assessment centres normally run over a 2 or 3 day period and may consist of a selection of the following:
- A presentation,
- An informal/social event,
- An individual exercise, often an in-tray exercise,
- A role play;
- A group exercise, and
- A panel interview.
Preparation and Performance
In terms of preparing for these assessment centres, keep in mind the selection criteria specified in the job advertisement, job description or during your initial interview. Every test, exercise, and interview will be matching you against these criteria.
Remember, the following aspects during your assessment:
- The assessment will be of your individual performance and not how well you perform at the expense of other candidates.
- It is about how you think and behave and not about what you know.
- Be yourself (at your best).
- Don’t try to present yourself in a way that is not genuine.
- Not everyone will excel at all exercises. You have a number of opportunities to demonstrate your skills and suitability.
- Try and talk to the other short listed candidates as establishing a rapport with others can help in group exercises.
Psychometric Testing
These tests literally ‘measure your mind’ and are usually tailored to the specific requirements of a role.
There are two types of psychometric test:-
- Aptitude/ability tests - taken under timed conditions
- Personality questionnaires - used to see whether you would fit into the role and company culture.
They are either completed with pen/pencil and paper or are computer based. Normally you will have an opportunity to meet with the Administrator or Psychologist and to obtain feedback on your tests before you return to your home country.
Tips
- Brush up on your basic arithmetic skills - make sure you can work out fractions and percentages without a calculator.
- Try and find out what kind of traits will be measured by the psychometric tests beforehand. For instance: numeracy, verbal reasoning, mechanical reasoning etc.
- Use some of the relevant on line tests to prepare (see suggestions below).
- During the test, read instructions carefully.
- Work as quickly as you can.
- Move on from questions you are finding difficult to complete.
Websites
Tests and Exercises
