I use statcounter on this blog which tells me many of you are searching for help on the numerical tests and competency based interview questions. So to help you I have compiled a list of places you can find practice tests. I have also compiled a list of questions both from my experience and others that i know. I hope this helps.
Online Tests - Numerical Reasoning
SHL - This is the official SHL site, most banks use these guys for their testing. They provide practice test, But please be aware, the practice tests are much easier than the real thing for some reason!Nonetheless, its a great way to familiarise yourself with the questions.
efinancialcareers - I have used these guys personally and the tests they provide are brilliant! A simple registeration is needed.
More Practice Tests - This site offers some questions too, not that high tech though! Also the questions are more mathematical and no "reasoning" involved.
Different types of tests - This site has the usual numerical reasoning tests it also has other tests which you may be given at an assessment centre such as Numerical, verbal, abstract, competency and personality tests. For some reason HSBC loves to use the personality tests t see i you would fit into the company and then they give you the numerical and verbal reasoning tests. A bit backwards if you ask me!
Interviews - Examples of Competency based questions
Competency based interviews have under lying themes when you are asked questions. Most questions that you will get asked will have at the base level these questions:
"Why do you want to work for XYZ company?"
"What makes you suitable for this role?"
In essence, interviewers are trying to answer these questions. They do this by directly asking you the above! Or they ask the following questions or both the above and below:
"What interests you about the job?"
"Tell us a time you have worked in a team?"
"What wasa your role?"
"Tell us a time when you had to plan a project"?
"What did you do to ensure that it was successful"?
"Tell us a time when you used your imagination/creativity?"
I hope the above has helped. If you have any questions, i.e. how to answer such questions please comment and i will try to help you answer them. I shouldn't really since some of you could be my competition!
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Online Tests and Interviews
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15 comments:
Any key phrases you should say that these guys like to hear, or any general tips you could offer when answering these questions??
I have an interview comin up in 3 weeks!
Well a few things things you should defiantly do before any competency based interview, whether it’s face to face or on the phone is:
1) Write down examples of times you have demonstrated certain skills, so when it comes to those "give us an example of when...." - then you will be more than prepared.
2) Make sure you know the role you are applying for and what you like about it - I say this because I was rejected from Morgan Stanley a while back I asked for feedback and they told me that it seemed I just applied to them because they were a bank that paid well, and I didn’t show an interest - well they were right.
3) Make sure you have a few questions that you can ask that will demonstrate your interest for the company and the role. Also its best to remember the questions rather than write them down – I had a bad experience about that at Accenture. Brings bad memories when I think about it!!!
Some words they would like to hear is team player, enthusiastic...basically what is written in the job description!
I hope the above helps; also can I ask what role and what company you have applied for and where are studying?
thanks dude. I study at Notts Trent and am predicted a first in Economics. Obviously, the uni I attend limits my opportunities in the job market so I applied at some smaller places, where I am awaiting replies and also banks such as LloydsTSB and HBOS etc.
Someone at my uni recommended a company called Factset (http://www.factset.com/) where I applied for the Consultant position and have an interview there on the 29th.
I have to do a numeracy test and they also say they will test candidates interest in the financial markets.
What will the latter entail exactly and do you have any additional sites for numeracy tests as well as the ones on your site??
and just your general thoughts....
thanks dude. I study at Notts Trent and am predicted a first in Economics. Obviously, the uni I attend limits my opportunities in the job market so I applied at some smaller places, where I am awaiting replies and also banks such as LloydsTSB and HBOS etc.
Someone at my uni recommended a company called Factset (http://www.factset.com/) where I applied for the Consultant position and have an interview there on the 29th.
I have to do a numeracy test and they also say they will test candidates interest in the financial markets.
What will the latter entail exactly and do you have any additional sites for numeracy tests as well as the ones on your site??
and just your general thoughts....
Financial markets - yep, good old questions that see if you know what your talking about and to see if you are really interested in the financial services as an industry.
Well this is your chance to convey that you have an interest in this field - well your degree is the biggest factor. IF they question your interest in this field, just point out your degree!
To take this further, make sure you are aware of whats going in the markets today. Also use google news and check out any news related to the company you are applying for.
Also read the FT reguarly and the economist etc, just to build you awareness of the financial markets....to really impress maybe remeber a few key numbers.
I am afraid the good numerical sites are quite limited but i managed to find a few more good ones:
http://students.efinancialcareers.co.uk/numerical_test.htm
(sponsered by merrill lynch)
http://www.3smartcubes.com/pages/tests/numericalreasoning/numericalreasoning_instructions.asp
(focuses on number series - this is what HSBC use)
I have heard of factset, they seem to be similar to bloomberg.
Lucky you mentioned you applied to consultancy, and i found a video you may be interested in, since its a test they do at consultancies, but not always, watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQUcoun99Vk
These sort of questions are also asked in IBs, its really simple although the question appears to be absurd.
Hope the above helps.
Any idea how tough the numeracy test would be in a place like Factset? I mean would it be more of a number series type or table-related questions and percentages etc??
That is very hard to say but from my guess, considering what Factset do i wouldnt be suprised if it is not the number series but more to do with tables, percentages etc.
However, since they seem to be a specialised company they could write up their own set of questions. A friend of mine found this was the case for KPMG - he told me it was harder than any SHL test.
Don't let me scare you to death!
I would suggest you prepare for both just to be safe if you have time.
Please let me know how it goes. Also continue to ask any questons and i will try to answer them.
If this doesn't work out for me would you recommend a Masters degree? It's not my preference, but if my job search continues to stall and if tis Factset opportunity doesn't work out it may be something I have to consider.
That is a tough question and only you can make the decision but don’t put too much weighting on my thoughts, but consider them.
Will you be interested to do masters? Will you have the drive to do it? Costs vary - but you need to take it into consideration. Also its 1 year - a big drain on time although it’s worthwhile at the end.
I am not sure also how they value a master’s degree. I assume it’s very valuable.
Also, maybe consider what other options that you can take if you don’t get a summer internship:
-->There is nothing they love better than relevant work experience. If you don’t get onto any summer internships maybe try to find some work, even if it’s a temping one in the summer - this will probably actualy be quite hard to do, but this is something you can do.
I probably gave you something to think about and made your decision harder – but when you are more informed it will mean you will make a better decision. Also speak to your careers advisor at uni: It is surprising how little they are used – but there is nothing better than asking for someone’s opinion that is well read. This is a big decision gather all the facts that you can from all sources!!
I hope the above helps.
they also test candidate’s interest in the financial markets
what kind of things do you reckon they will ask on this?
Well the topics they can ask on is so broad that it is difficult to predict what they can ask. It will be, however, something related to the company it self. I dont think it will be random financial markets questions. But if you have a general awareness of the company, its history and its current situation then you should be fine.
Any idea of the kinds of questions I could ask them, in order to show my enthusiasm??
Sorry about the million questions! I just want this to go smoothly!
No problem :)
Well you can ask the following:
1) Example prjects previous interns have done
2) Where any of those projects successfully to the extent you have kept them or developed them further
Both the above show enthusiasm and the motivation to succeed and to do something astounding!
I'm applying for a full-time job though, not an internship
ok i see.
I think those questions still apply but adapt it to a full time role. So just ask about current projects that full timers are doing now or have done in the past.
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