Aptitude Testing and Recruitment

ADAPTATION AND INDEPENDENTLY WORKING ON YOUR OWN WILL HAVE TO BE YOUR STRENGTHS ....

Aptitude Tests are structured assessments that aim to evaluate candidates for recruitment and for assessment purposes on existing employees’ talents and skills.

Different types of aptitude tests can assess a series of core skills, comprehension, and technical knowledge.

Some critical success areas in employment and training that are assessed at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC) include:

■ Sequential and Analytical Thinking

■ Abstract Reasoning

■ Emotional Intelligence

■ Work and Management Styles

■ Personality Types/Factors

■ Verbal/Numerical/Spatial Reasoning

An increasing number of employers in Fiji are now using Aptitude Testing to assess the specific capabilities of potential employees.

It is seen as an effective method of screening to identify highcaliber candidates. The design of an aptitude test, particularly in specialised roles such as innovation, management and technology-related positions need careful thought and consideration.

The tests are used to assess candidates in terms of their skills, knowledge, ability, and personality, and overall competencies. Aptitude tests have been proven to be a very accurate way of predicting the potential contribution of a candidate, and the likelihood of them achieving success within the organisation.

Sometimes, it can be difficult from an interview alone to assess the candidate’s skills, so an aptitude test provides the employer with a greater insight into their capabilities.

Since October 2020, NTPC’s Department of Executive Management, which handles the nationwide needs of all industries through the Occupational Assessment unit, has seen an exponential increase in the number of Aptitude Tests required.

Since then, hawse have conducted approximately 20,000 individual tests with varying difficulty levels for multiple positions in several companies around Fiji. These figures keep increasing as the section receives more requests.

This means that there is a paradigm shift in how employers are handling their recruitment processes post-COVID-19.

It also shows that employers are more concerned about the quality and competency of individuals that are considered for recruitment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed so many aspects of life, including the way employers manage their recruitment processes. Understandably, job search etiquette has shifted radically as a result.

Whether one is looking for their next position or is about to have an online interview, we have compiled some tips to help you get an edge in the new normal recruitment process.

What to Say and What Not To

A great talking point could be considering how you are dealing with COVID-19 and determining whether it is negative or positive in nature.

You also need to outline additional skills related to that, which could help your future employer.

You can also mention how you can help solve your potential employer’s problems future problems.

In this day and age, the ability to forecast in any business is a formidable strength. You can also mention whether you are fully erudite when it comes to Zoom, since in the new normal it is the most prevalent way to communicate and run meetings.

Your LinkedIn profile, CV and cover letters need to be updated regularly to highlight ways with which you are keeping up with the pandemic and impacting your industry.

How to Engage Interviewers

With the growing number of online interviews conducted in comparison to the traditional face-toface method, candidates need to understand that they are going to have to try harder to establish an engaging connection with interviewers.

Rule 101 - Look straight into the camera and not to the sides. You should prepare questions and model answers beforehand. During the interview, you should genuinely try to enjoy yourself, albeit in a professional manner.

Looking at themselves on their computer screen while interviewing is one of the common mistakes that interviewees make. It gives a distracted impression, and that is not something that will work in your favour at the end of an interview.

Consider putting a sticky note over the part of the screen that shows your face. Try to train yourself beforehand to look directly into the camera attentively, as you would during the interview.

Chucking distractions

Distractions such as constant ringing of mobile phone, doorbells, TV or Radios can cause a disruption to your train of thought during an interview. You need to mute or disable these until the interview is over.

Most importantly, you need to designate a room in your home and let family members and kids know in advance that it is off limits during your interview period. Appearance

Online recruitment may be more popular now but the traditional scoring matrix during interviews seems to remain intact.

As such, the first item on the list is still prevalently Professional Appearance. You need to ensure that you are well groomed and appear professional.

To get the best results, you need to find the space in your home with optimal lighting. This will ensure that the interviewers have a clear view of your facial expressions.

Ideally, natural lighting is the best and positioning yourself in front of a window so that you are clear in the video is recommended. Most importantly, don’t forget to smile.

Technology Check

The worse thing that can happen when you are going through a great interview is if your battery dies, network drops or your headset gives up. You need to make sure that your device is charged, there is enough internet data and your audio/visual systems are all working well.

It is also recommended to read up on the platform being used for the interview so that you don’t fidget with the interface during the interview. When you do log in, ensure that the handle or username is not tacky but professional.

The same applies for your profile picture, which needs to be professional. If you are required to do presentations, then you can always do test runs with friends and see how it pans out.

One great advantage of online interviews is that you can record them if the Host allows, and this can be a great asset to you in the future. You can view it and determine the areas where you need to improve.

On-Site Interview

If you are attending an interview on-site, you should ensure that you have an appropriate mask on. The HR Recruiter will get the impression and understand that you care about keeping them safe as well as yourself.

The common plus points remain eye contact, posture, and body language - and they will always be important indicators in the interview process.

Ensure that you pay attention to these during the interview from start to end.

First Day

If you are hired, congratulations. However, you need to understand that first days are no longer the same and you need to be prepared.

It will not be like any other new first day you have had in your career.

Where you would enter and meet people and shake hands before, you will not see a meet and greet session happening or even a tour in some office spaces.

Adaptation and independently working on your own will have to be your strengths, as there will be less people around to help you out with issues that may arise.

Being in a Digital mode will be the new way of getting through the day, communicating and getting to know the people around you and your clients/customers.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and Do not In Any wAy rEflECt or rEprEsEnt the position of the Fiji National University.