Interested in your thoughts or advice...

Interested in your thoughts or advice...

Author
Discussion

craigjm

17,909 posts

199 months

Tuesday 23rd July 2013
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BenRichards89 said:
Perhaps psychometric was the wrong word that I used? These tests had distinct correct/incorrect answers. My last attempt I ran out of time on the last section. I certainly didn't intend to "play" them, merely get the right answer in the time allowed, which by the end I failed to do as I couldn't get my head around what was being asked quick enough.

If I recall the tests were Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, and Diagrammatical Reasoning.

The only reason it grated on me was because I knew I was more than capable of the job I was applying for, having already had a year's experience of doing the same job elsewhere, and infact on some occasions, working on their site, on their projects!

Controversial thought perhaps but I felt the tests were not relevant to the position I was applying for and done me a disservice, but they have got to trim down X000's of Graduates to something more accommodating I guess.

Ironically, a friend of mine works there on the Grad Scheme as a Designer, and never even took the tests.

Edited by BenRichards89 on Tuesday 23 July 01:40
OK they are not psychometric tests they are ability tests. Psychometric tests measure your personality, work type etc which you can't fail. Ability tests are designed to measure your maths and english for example (numerical and verbal reasoning) and although you get a score the score doesn't pass or fail you. The score is compared to a "norm group" of people in the industry and you are measured as upper quartile, lower quartile etc. no decent company would boot you out of a recruitment process on these alone and many recruit people who fail because they exceed elsewhere.

You can practice them though and this would be my advice to you. They are more and more common so get some practice in. Do some googling to find free tests

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Thursday 15th August 2013
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Hi Guys, I thought it would be courteous to update what's happening at the moment.

Obviously thanks for all the advice, it is appreciated.

I've completely revamped both of my portfolios, and made a few alterations to my CV. It's all modular depending on what I'm gearing it towards, but I have left my degree and my time as a concept model maker on there.

I have applied for jobs at two formula one teams, which would be a dream if I got! I am also making as much use of as many of the contacts I have as I can. I am chasing up a couple of prospective contracts at OEMs. I've also had correspondence over the last week with some designers at JLR, about opportunities there.

This is on top of basic job appilcations, and other speculative applications.

Although I really don't want to do it, I have my interview for JSA tomorrow. I don't intend to be on it for long.

I am determined to have something lined up at least by the end of this month.

Cheers smile

Fer

7,707 posts

279 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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Good luck, OP.

mr_spock

3,340 posts

214 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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How about making small items for dolls' houses? Plenty of routes to the small producer craft area - sites like "not on the high street" etc. Check out the crafting mags in the supermarkets. I'll bet you come up with something!

Slurms

1,252 posts

203 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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Do a masters.

Get yourself something part-time and do a masters to top up your degree, especially if you want roles with companies who won't consider you without it.

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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Slurms said:
Do a masters.

Get yourself something part-time and do a masters to top up your degree, especially if you want roles with companies who won't consider you without it.
I have emailed my old university for more details about an MA course, although I think costs may be prohibitive.

mu0n

2,348 posts

132 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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BenRichards89 said:
I have emailed my old university for more details about an MA course, although I think costs may be prohibitive.
Good luck. I just read through your model thread, and although not a fan of the design (it reminded me of the newer MG they actually released), it looked like you put a lot of work into it and must take some talent to even do those drawings, let alone make them 'come to life'. So I thought the 2:2 was a little harsh, but as you say, design is objective.

Working for an F1 team would be amazing, I really hope that comes off for you!

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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mu0n said:
Good luck. I just read through your model thread, and although not a fan of the design (it reminded me of the newer MG they actually released), it looked like you put a lot of work into it and must take some talent to even do those drawings, let alone make them 'come to life'. So I thought the 2:2 was a little harsh, but as you say, design is objective.

Working for an F1 team would be amazing, I really hope that comes off for you!
Thanks, I really hope so too.

The design was already signed off for modelling before the MG6 was released, so although your not a fan (which I understand) at least it looks like an MG to you, which works for me!

supraboy

285 posts

183 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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Can i ask what the car show is at humber bridge in August? has it already gone?

I live in Hull and havent heard of anything but would want to go if its not passed already.

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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supraboy said:
Can i ask what the car show is at humber bridge in August? has it already gone?

I live in Hull and havent heard of anything but would want to go if its not passed already.
It was last weekend.

supraboy

285 posts

183 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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Damn. What was it?

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Friday 16th August 2013
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BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Friday 16th August 2013
quotequote all
The university has got back to me, and it appears they offer a scholarship for people living in Wales. So it could be a bit more viable than I first thought.

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Wednesday 21st August 2013
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Well, I don't think I got the F1 job, the application closing date has been extended by an extra week :/

On the plus side one of the designers at Jaguar phoned me yesterday, and I'm now waiting for another member of staff to get in touch, so things are progressing, if a little slowly.

awooga

358 posts

133 months

Wednesday 21st August 2013
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Keep your chin up. Keep chasing other avenues - what if? etc. Don't bank on getting ANY job until you see the contract and you're far better being in a position to turn down a job because of another offer than staking all your hopes on one that falls through.

Also, start thinking about how you explain your time off since your last job - what have you done / achieved / enjoyed? These are difficult times - you don't necessarily have to have been in work to impress, but sitting on your arse on a playstation (how it could be considered!) obviously won't work.

AceOfHearts

5,818 posts

190 months

Thursday 22nd August 2013
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Anything happening at TVR yet?

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Thursday 26th September 2013
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So, I thought I'd give you guys an update.

I signed on at the end of August, so since then I've been continuing on my job hunt.

This morning I was phoned by a company I had an interview with 2 days ago. I've got the job. It's nothing amazing, but it's a nice job for minimum wage, and it beats going to the Job Centre.

However, practically the minute I put the phone down, I got an email from one of the managers at a car manufacturer, offering me an interview for a Clay Modelling role - pretty much my dream job. I've been talking to these guys for a while through two of their chief designers, so it's nice to see it come to something, but I'm a bit stuck now!!

Gargamel

14,958 posts

260 months

Thursday 26th September 2013
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BenRichards89 said:
So, I thought I'd give you guys an update.

I signed on at the end of August, so since then I've been continuing on my job hunt.

This morning I was phoned by a company I had an interview with 2 days ago. I've got the job. It's nothing amazing, but it's a nice job for minimum wage, and it beats going to the Job Centre.

However, practically the minute I put the phone down, I got an email from one of the managers at a car manufacturer, offering me an interview for a Clay Modelling role - pretty much my dream job. I've been talking to these guys for a while through two of their chief designers, so it's nice to see it come to something, but I'm a bit stuck now!!
Feels like an easy decision

Minimum wage in a low progress role

or

Your dream job ?

Not a tough one I'd have thought.

randlemarcus

13,507 posts

230 months

Thursday 26th September 2013
quotequote all
BenRichards89 said:
So, I thought I'd give you guys an update.

I signed on at the end of August, so since then I've been continuing on my job hunt.

This morning I was phoned by a company I had an interview with 2 days ago. I've got the job. It's nothing amazing, but it's a nice job for minimum wage, and it beats going to the Job Centre.

However, practically the minute I put the phone down, I got an email from one of the managers at a car manufacturer, offering me an interview for a Clay Modelling role - pretty much my dream job. I've been talking to these guys for a while through two of their chief designers, so it's nice to see it come to something, but I'm a bit stuck now!!
Hardly stuck. Get yourself to the interview, by hook or by crook. Obviously try not to actively lie to the current job, but it's not your dream job, so go for it.

BenRichards89

Original Poster:

661 posts

134 months

Thursday 26th September 2013
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I know perhaps stuck is the wrong word.

I'm supposed to start the job on the 2nd, but I obviously need to find a day for this interview.

I just don't want to start taking days off as soon as I start a job as it doesn't look good, but maybe I'm just too soft!