Slide 1

Graham Keating Careers Consultant Agenda Psychometric Testing Whats involved How to prepare a CV from Scratch Interview Skills Networking Slide 2 Graham Keating Psychometrician Psychometric Testing Slide 3 Dictionary: Psychometrics (n) The branch of psychology that deals with the design, administration, and interpretation of quantitative tests for the measurement of psychological variables such as intelligence, aptitude, and personality traits. Slide 4 2 + 2 = ? Numeracy tests are useless; they test nothing. (Manchester student) Slide 5 AGR Survey 92% of employers considered psychometric testing to be a useful or very useful aid to the recruitment process. (Association of Graduate Recruiters survey) Slide 6 Psychometric Tests used in Recruitment 1. Ability or Aptitude Tests Verbal Numerical Logical 2. Personality or Interest Inventories Slide 7 Why do employers use tests? To identify key abilities or personalities To support other selection tools Slide 8 Selection Tools Tests are usually part of the selection process together with: application forms and CVs interviews group exercises presentations Slide 9 Selection Methods - Advantages Application Forms... good for checking facts, demonstrating written communication skills Interviews... good for oral communication skills, quickness of thought, personality Psychometric Tests... good for measuring candidates abilities/personality against objective criteria (and other candidates) Slide 10 Selection Methods Disadvantages Application Forms.... measures ability to fill in form - not to do the job Interviews... intensely subjective, they might not like the look of you Psychometric Tests no good for seeing how an individual works with others Slide 11 Characteristics of Tests Ability or Aptitude Tests Under exam conditions Usually timed Right and wrong answers Unusual to finish all questions Results compared with norm group Slide 12 Specimen questions Slide 13 Complete the following sentence with the appropriate pair of words below Answer - A, B, C, D or E (Time allowed 20 seconds) Early...of hearing loss is ...by the fact that the other senses are able to compensate for moderate amounts of loss, so that people frequently do not know that their hearing is imperfect. A. discovery & indicated B. development & prevented C. detection & complicated D. treatment & facilitated E. incidence & corrected Slide 14 Answer - C Next specimen question Slide 15 Which number, below, is one quarter of the distance from 5.1 to 5.3 (Time allowed 40 seconds) A 5.125 B 5.15 C 5.2 D 5.25 E None of the above Slide 16 Answer - B Next specimen question Slide 17 The driving time for a 100 mile trip from Townsville to Cityville was two and a half hours. The return trip was made by the same route but at an average speed that was 50% faster. What was the total amount of driving time for the entire round trip? (Time allowed 1 minute) A 3hrs 45 minutes B 4hrs 10 minutes C 4hrs 16 minutes D 4hrs 45 minutes E 6hrs 15 minutes Slide 18 Answer B 1 st trip 100 miles in 2 hours 30 minutes = 40mph 2 nd trip 50% faster = 60mph 100 miles at 60 mph = 1 hours = 1 hour 40 minutes 2 hours 30 minutes + 1 hour 40 minutes = 4hours 10 minutes Next specimen question Slide 19 In the example given below, you will find a logical sequence of five boxes. Your task is to decide which of the boxes in the bottom row completes this sequence. To give your answer, select one of the boxes marked A to E. (Time allowed 30 seconds) ) [+ ) [ + +) [ + ) [ ) [+ ABCDE ( [ + ) [ ) [ + +( [ Slide 20 Answer - D Next specimen question Slide 21 In the example given below, you will find a logical sequence of five boxes. Your task is to decide which of the boxes in the bottom row completes this sequence. To give your answer, select one of the boxes marked A to E. (Time allowed 30 seconds) ABCDE Slide 22 Answer - B How did you do? Slide 23 Characteristics of Tests Personality or Interest Inventories Not usually timed No right and wrong answers Contain internal checks for inconsistent answers Results in the form of a profile should be shared with candidate Slide 24 Personality or Interest Inventories Example question Mark the statement most (M) like you and the one least (L) like you a) I dont feel that time is wasted on planning b) I feel uneasy in the company of unconventional people c) If Im annoyed with someone I dont show it Slide 25 Personality or Interest Inventories Example question Pick the statement that best describes you from each pair a) I try very hard b) I put everything in its place a) I want to be exciting b) I want to be successful a) I like to try new things b) Id rather not work on my own Slide 26 How to prepare Practise as much as possible Become familiar with test conditions Brush up basic maths - percentages, ratios, etc Use reference books in the Careers Service Use examples and practice tests on SHL & others websites http://www.manchester.ac.uk/careers/ applicationsinterviewsandpsychometrictests/psychometrictests/ Profiling for Success On-line tests licensed for Manchester students; free of charge. Slide 27 CVs and Covering Letters The purpose of the CV is............to get an interview Slide 28 The Market It is very competitive An organisation might receive up to 100 applications per vacancy Typically, only about 10% to 15% gain an interview You dont get a second chance Slide 29 C.V. Facts or the myth of the perfect C.V. C.V.s should be _ pages long C.V.s should be in chronological order C.V.s should include referees names and addresses C.V.s should include - date of birth nationality sex marital status C.V.s take days to write and minutes to read Slide 30 Types of CV Standard Skills based Academic Slide 31 Task no: 1 - Self Assessment What have you got to offer ? Education Work Experience Activities and Interests Slide 32 Task no: 1 - Self Assessment What have you got to offer ? Education Seminars Presentations Work Experience Camp America Waiter, local restaurant Activities and Interests Secretary - Badminton club Travel Slide 33 Task no: 1 - Self Assessment What have you got to offer ? Education Seminars - presentation skills, working in a team, influencing others Work Experience Camp America - taking responsibility, patience, tact, sensitivity, creativity, leadership Activities and Interests Secretary, organising, persuading, Badminton club- motivating, numeracy Slide 34 Three advanced suggestions Use strong words Quantify Stress personal involvement Slide 35 Use strong words Words like: created, started, managed, designed, devised... NOT My project was a study of local theatres BUT I organised an extensive survey of student use of local theatres. I arranged interviews with students, analysed the results and presented the information to my tutor Slide 36 And Quantify I organised an extensive survey of student use of local theatres, involving over 1000 questionnaires. I arranged interviews with 80 students, analysed the results using Microsoft Excel and presented the information to my tutor Slide 37 Stress personal involvement and results NOT We organised a charity fund raising event BUT I was responsible for the publicity for a fund raising event which involved negotiating advertising with local companies and arranging posters on campus. We managed to raise 1000 for charity and over 800 students attended. Slide 38 Task no: 2 - What does the employer want ? Employers recruit against specific criteria These are usually set out in brochures or on their websites All require appropriate personal qualities It is not enough to claim certain skills, you must provide the evidence Slide 39 Key Skills Requested By Graduate Recruiters Business focus, Drive and resilience, Task management, Career motivation, Leadership, Building relationships, Problem Solving, Making an Impact Communication, Teamwork and collaboration, Adaptability, Creative problem solving, Drive to achieve, Customer focus, Trustworthiness, Taking ownership, Passion for Business Customer focus, Achieving, Influencing, Thinking, Collaboration & Teamwork, Team Leadership, Self Management, Confidence, Commercial Awareness Problem solving, Achieving results, Communicating and influencing, Leadership, Drive and motivation, Building relationships Analytical Ability, Problem-solving skills, Communication skills, Interpersonal skills, Generic business awareness KPMG - The Co-operative - HSBC - Cancer Research UK - IBM Slide 40 Key Skills Requested By Graduate Recruiters. IBM Communication, Teamwork and collaboration. Adaptability, Creative problem solving, Drive to achieve, Customer focus, Trustworthiness, Taking ownership, Passion for Business The Co-operative Customer focus, Achieving, Influencing, Thinking, Collaboration & Teamwork Team Leadership, Self Management, Confidence, Commercial Awareness KPMG Business focus, Drive and resilience, Task management, Career motivation, Leadership, Building relationships, Problem Solving, Making an Impact Cancer Research UK Problem solving, Achieving results Leadership. Drive and motivation, Communicating & influencing, Building relationships HSBC Analytical ability, problem-solving skills, communication and interpersonal skills and some generic business awareness. Slide 41 Core skills employers look for Communication skills Organising ability Problem-solving Working in a team Drive and initiative Taking responsibility Working under pressure Slide 42 Core skills employers look for Analytical skills Creativity Leadership Motivating others Planning Numeracy Slide 43 When to use a C.V. When you are asked to ! When they say apply in writing For speculative applications When networking Slide 44 Covering letters This is your trailer to the main feature One page, A4, quality paper Should include two major themes: - Why you want the job (and organisation) - Why you are suitable Slide 45 Covering letters Write to a named individual, if possible Tell employer what you are applying for (and where you saw it advertised) Be positive Emphasise your USPs, dont simply copy CV End letter with spirit of expectation Slide 46 CVs SPELL CHECKER A WARNING I like my new spell checker. It came with my PC. It plainly marques four my revue, Mistakes I can not sea. Ive run these verses threw it, Im sure your please two no. Its letter perfect in its weigh, My checker tolled me sew. Slide 47 Previous applications I enjoy practicing marital arts At secondary school I was a prefix In my spare time I enjoy hiding my horse I loathe filling in applications so much that Ill give you details at the interview Special skills: Thyping Thank you for your consideration. Hope to hear from you shorty I have worked in the pubic sector Hi I want 2 get a job with U Slide 48 Previous applications I am someone who knows my own destiny, but I have no definite long term plans I am a conscious individual I have excellent memory skills, good analytical skills, excellent memory skills Reason for leaving last job. They insisted that all employees get to work by 8.45 every morning. I could not work under those conditions. Problems faced: I had no support so I compiled a letter to the client using trial and error. Influencing people: Recently my flatmates came to ask about whether the heating should be on and for how long. Slide 49 Previous applications Being a Virgoan, my sense of assertiveness and resilience has prompted me to continue with my ambition to be a solicitor in a major city law firm. I am also a seventh generation descendant of a Chinese princess and a Sulawesian warrior, which makes me both an amiable and energetic person Slide 50 INTERVIEWS 50 Slide 51 YOU SHOULD KNOW 50% of those interviewed are rejected at the first round, so First impressions count! 51 Slide 52 INTERVIEW CONCERNS How should I dress Arrival / greeting Taking items into the interview How should I sit To gesture or not to gesture Difficult questions - (later) 52 Slide 53 YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION I travelled down to London for an important interview. The train was a little late so I just had enough time to get to the building and rush in. The interview seemed to go well and I felt confident until I visited the washroom on the way out. I had been reading the newspaper on the train and in my nervous sweaty state the newsprint must have rubbed off onto my hands It was now all over my face! Chemistry Graduate 53 Slide 54 YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION - (CONTINUED) One of my colleagues once found her interviewee asleep in the foyer. Getting enough sleep may be an important part of interview preparation, but this was taking it too far! On top of that the candidate demonstrated a sleepy laid back attitude throughout the interview, which didnt go down very well either. Geraldine Lyons - Mars 54 Slide 55 WHAT AN INTERVIEW IS.. A conversation with a purpose Adult Two way Science no, emotional yes 55 Slide 56 WHAT AN INTERVIEW ISNT A scheme to humiliate you An interrogation Perfect 56 Slide 57 DIFFERENT TYPES OF INTERVIEW One to one Panel Sequential Telephone Conventional chronological Behavioural Situational Combination of all of the above 57 Slide 58 STRUCTURED INTERVIEWS Behavioural: Describe a time when youve gone the extra mile in your dealings with another person Situational: You have just arrived at a clients office, only to discover you have left all of your notes back at the office what would you do? Slide 59 DIFFICULT QUESTIONS Before the interview consider the following:- Personality The job The company/ competition Your achievements and skills / work experience Your strengths Your weaknesses Your questions Slide 60 WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT Know what the employer wants Usually easy to identify Brochures, ads, presentations, company website. Do your homework many applicants dont Emphasis on Attitude as well as Aptitude Being clever is not enough Employers look for characteristics which define you as somebody they want Slide 61 THE PATH TO SUCCESS Know yourself What can you offer an employer? Give a rounded view: Education / Work Experience/Activities & Interests Assess critical incidents and identify what you have learned, the skills you developed Focus on knowledge, skills, abilities and RESULTS Have specific examples in mind: EVIDENCE Slide 62 WORK EXPERIENCE One candidate, when asked what she found challenging about her previous work experience, said that working in a fast food restaurant had taught her to work with stupid people with stupid problems. I did not really feel she had the patience to deal with the average lay client Sally Marsden Pannone & Partners - Solicitors Slide 63 THE COMPETITION I was being interviewed for a job on the Daily Express. I rashly claimed that the paper was unlike the Sun, because only morons work for the Sun. At which point one interviewer turned to the other and said; its been almost a year since we worked there hasnt it? English Graduate Slide 64 WHATS THE QUESTION? Interviewer: Who would you most like to have dinner with; either living or dead. Applicant: Preferably someone living. Slide 65 SUMMARY Prepare for success Practice with a friend Dont underestimate the importance of first impressions Dont panic They would like to give you the job Leave a good impression Be positive, enthusiastic, natural, honest, happy Slide 66 The Networking Game.. Finding out about jobs & careers Slide 67 Who is in the know ? a look at the job market Adverts Agencies / Headhunters Contacts Internal moves & promotions 64% 22% 8% 6% Slide 68 Creative Job Research What is Networking? A way of asking for help Information & advice A key way to find jobs or leads for jobs People do it all the time Getting a decent plumber / builder Getting help with an IT problem Slide 69 Networking Most people want to help... Most people like to be asked for their advice.. a sign of recognition One good turn deserves another...you may be in a position to help them your views / comments etc Slide 70 Creative Information Hunting Networking leads to success.... Its all about being proactive Contact organisations you are interested in and arrange to speak to them or meet with employers who visit campus and pick their brains Try it. It works. It takes time to succeed.....but once set up this skill can be developed and serve you well for years Slide 71 Networking: Good things to ask How did you get into this occupation? What attracted you to this occupation? What is the progression of jobs from entry level to more senior positions? What is a typical day like for you? What skills, abilities and attitude do you need to be successful in this occupation? What changes do you see in this field in the next few years? How does your organisation tend to recruit? Do they ever take people for voluntary projects? Slide 72 Everyone has Contacts Friends / relatives / neighbours Other students Tutors Work colleagues Employers - recruitment events, presentations, insight courses, mentoring programmes, careers consultants! But I dont know anyone... Slide 73 What the Careers Service offers Guidance appointments Advice on CVs & applications Talks Insight courses Careers Fairs Mock Interviews Practice psychometric tests Mentoring Blogs facebook Resource centre Graduate directories and take away information Vacancy service and lots more.. Slide 74 Slide 75 Careers Resource Centre Crawford House Entrance on Booth Street East (opposite the Aquatics Centre) Appointments Phone : 0161 275 2829 www.manchester.ac.uk/careers Slide 76 THANKS FOR LISTENING! GOOD LUCK FOR THE FUTURE!