Posted By Brian McMahon Mike I think you might mean Psychometric testing, unless they're testing your muscles! Quantitative measurements tend to be standard these days as part of an interview process. Recruiters use psychometric tests to establish the fit between the candidate and the organisation in relation to aptitude, skills and personality. Try the following link:- http://www.psychometrics.co.uk/ Brian

Posted By Lorna I can offer nothing contructive, but I do want to wish you the best of luck.....and would be really interested to hear what was involved (once you've recovered)

Posted By David A Jones In my experience these are usually fairly straightforward - you are given a number of statements and you pick the ones that most and least describe you in the working environment etc. There are no right and wrong answers. Some of the 'questions' are similar and have been designed to ensure you are not trying to 'fix' the output. Again, in my experience, the outcome from these is fairly accurate if you have been totally honest with your answers and will assist in determining whether your 'style' fits with that of the company - remember this is only one tool as aprt of the selection process. Other test I've come across test your verbal and numerical reasoning as well as your ability for lateral thought - again these should not be particularly daunting as they are not difficult if you ensure you have read what is being asked correctly.

Posted By Keith32 I think these tests have a value in the higher risk industries. However, I believe there is quite alot of opinion that contradicts there usefulness in general industry - for instance unless the person checking your answer has sufficient training in interpreting the results they may well draw the wrong conclusions from your answers. On the whole I am rather sceptical about such tests, they seem to be used to make HR Departments/Managers to feel important and to be seen to be employing pseudo-science in their recruitment justifications. At the end of the day, if you are asked to attend for an interview you can probably do the job - its just whether your face fits the interviewing persons/panel perception of how/what a safety manager should should be like. If your perception of risk is different from that of the interviewer, you won't get the job.

Posted By Dave Wilson Done a few of these in my time and there is no way of getting answers as ther are none. Thes are used to ascertain personality traits and apptitude, as well as social and managerial skills which the 'eployer' is looking for. Do the test and if you personality profile matcehs or comes close to the personality profile which they are looking for then you have passed stage three and will usually be invited for interview. Remember just because people have good 'qualification' they may be a crap manager or people person and find it difficult to interact, its another tool they can use to get the right 'type' of person as you have passed the CV test!! Congratulations mate turn up dont worry fill in the boxes and see what happens! Sent cv in cv wasnt binned like cv shortish list good personality profile get short list interview when can you start, happy days

Posted By Mike Miller Thanks folks! I have enjoyed all your answers and advice. The job is for a LA so i'm not surprised that you have to do a psyco??? test thingy, 10 minute presentation on OCC stress, 250 word submission on asbestos and if you get through all that you get an interview? Strange world is'nt it! Many of your comments were strangely true and interconected but I cannot tell you why until after the interview/marathon. You will have to tune in again when all will be revealed. Its all about the selection process and the fact that I have never known LA's to get the recruitment process right yet. I should know after 14 previous years as an LA surveyor and union activist. I will keep you informed as we go Also I have just had an interview and an offer as a site manager for a cracking salary and a new motor and 5k more than the one I am preparing an interview for. I am asking myself why am I bothering? Seems that since achieving diploma and MIOSH I am more attractive in my old profession given the opportunities I have had. Sorry if I am rambling a bit but in the construction industry they want me for my health and safety experience but in the health and safety field they keep telling me that I have no experience. Confused! so am I! THank once again, must chat soon MIke