Thursday, August 14th, 2008
We’ve updated the Psychometric Testing section with some new examples, and some new tips!
Remember - the key to getting better at these kind of tests is practice, not just for getting answers right, but also for working out what methods allow you to work better under pressure!
Our top tip for Literacy Testing is to write out the letters of the alphabet along the top of the first page of the answer booklet. You’ll be able to see which letter is in which position when asked, meaning you can work quickly and accurately!
Try it now - what is the 11th letter of the alphabet?
Now write out the letters and try it again!
This kind of question tests your abilities in numeracy and literacy, but it also it testing your ability to work under pressure!
If you have any good examples of your own, tips or experiences of Psychometric and Apitude Testing then please send them in!
Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
The ‘Credit Crunch’ seems to have got a lot of press recently, coupled with bad news in the job market as a lot of jobs are lost, or in the case of contractors cut severely.
What can you do to ensure that you don’t end up out of work now, or in the future? These tactics sound a little harsh, but you need to ensure your job before thinking about anything else.
Specialize
If you’re the expert in a particular area, you’re a more important employee than a genarlist. Not that general skills are bad by any means, but being the only one who can carry out a certain role, gurantees you’ll be the only one doing it - regardless of the job market.
This will also enhance your chances of a new job, as you’ll be an asset not just a labour cost.
Have a ‘Plan B’
Make sure you’ve got more than just your core skills, either be skilled in another area - or have a wider range of skills than other around you. This means you’re likely to be ahead of the pack when it comes to being employed, and more likely to be staying if times get tough. It’s all about “more bang for your buck”…or your employers buck in this case!
Having other skills means you open more doors for yourself, and will give you more oppurtunities now and in the future.
So what can I do to get more?
- Never say no to training, even if it means more work - and is outside of your core area.
- Proactively train, in your core area - to specialise, and outside of it. A few hours week outside of work, is a small sacrifice to make!
- Look skills others don’t have, that give you “one step ahead” - if your workplace needs a First Aider, get a First Aid certificate, if your workplace need a Health and Safety representative, get the skills you need. You’ll be the one staying!