SHL assessments

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Discussion

Lastinclass

Original Poster:

511 posts

181 months

Friday 29th October 2010
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Anyone here got experience of the SHL verbal, numerical and inductive reasoning tests and the best way to preparefor these?

I've been doing brain training on the DS and done the practice tests on the SHL direct website but just looking for any other tips before I attempt them.

Not quite sure why I'm so nervous about the tests guess the job at the end of them is fairly important to me..

JensenA

5,671 posts

231 months

Friday 29th October 2010
quotequote all
Don't panic. Just read them slowly and carefully, as though you are a Solicitor looking for a get out clause to help a client.

Lardydah

332 posts

206 months

Friday 29th October 2010
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For the numerical ones have lots of paper and a calculator at hand, and don't just go straight into it writing down numbers all over the page. IIRC a lot of the numerical ones need you to work out the same calculation on 4-5 different rows of a table, and state which answer is greatest/lowest/etc. So make you write everything down methodically on the paper, labelling etc. If you jump in you might just end up with a page full of numbers with no reference.

For verbal reasoning make sure you don't second guess yourself based on previous questions, I did one recently where answer after answer seemed to be the "You can't say" option, and towards the end I was wondering If I was doing it wrong. Turned out I actually scored very well. I'm not sure how the questions are chosen for each test, but it didn't seem to me like there was a quota for each option.

I guess the best advice is to just relax though....


T5R+

1,225 posts

210 months

Saturday 30th October 2010
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Relax, read thoroughly and answer the question asked.

If option to practice, usually 3-5 samples at start prior to official test, ensure that you do them.

Take a watch, calculator, pencil/pen, rubber,etc

My understanding is that there exist a whole range depending on level of role. Also, people tell me that some are designed not to be finished within the timeframe?

Having said all of this, sat many interactive ones over the last 15 years and failed most. However, because I "sailed" the rest of the assessment centre(s) ended up sitting the paper copy and "passing". No logic why I fail PC-based ones and pass the paper copy equivalent.

Some organisations reject candidates prior to assessment centre/2nd-interview based on interactive tests - which just seems wrong and contrary to SHL guidelines........one of the reasons that I drink Coca-Cola and snack on Seabrook crisps, as opposed to, Pepsi and Walkers wink

Best of luck. Just wait until the 300 question personality profile questionnaire hits you! spin

Lastinclass

Original Poster:

511 posts

181 months

Saturday 30th October 2010
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice all,

I sat them yesterday morning. Did a good number of practise sessions online then took half hour break for a cuppa and then sat them all one after the other.
I spoke to the recruiter yesterday afternoon and they have confirmed I have made it to the practical assessment centre in 2 weeks time.
I scored well in verbal and numerical reasoning but not so great on intuitive reasoning. Pretty much as I expected, I've always been poor at seeing patterns in shapes for some reason.
I scored highly on the competency test for knowledge of the subject matter involved in the role so feeling like I'm in with a reasonable shout at it.

JensenA

5,671 posts

231 months

Saturday 30th October 2010
quotequote all
Well done mate - Pleased for you smile