Manufacturing Industry Psychometric Tests, Assessment Day & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

Employment in the Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing as an industry encompasses a wide range of subcategories. When speaking of manufacture which is the process of creating a product from raw material, you could be speaking of creating car parts, the weaving of textiles, making plastics, food products, and more. Technological advances in automation and robotics, have caused huge changes in the manufacturing industry, which allow for more efficient production, and the ability to produce a larger quantity of goods.  Large scale manufacturing allows the mass production of commonly used goods, which can keep prices down and make things more widely available for the mass market. There are many opportunities in manufacturing, there is still a need for people on assembly lines since there are some things that robotics have not yet perfected. Internships and vacation scheme placements are available for those interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry, and graduate scheme positions are available for those looking for an entry-level corporate position. There are positions open to people from several educational and job experience backgrounds. Careers that are available in the manufacturing industry include:

• Process engineers
• Manufacturing engineers
• Electronics technicians
• Production workers
• Human resources
• Customer service
• Sales

What Is the Hiring Process in the Manufacturing Industry?

Applications

Applications can be found on the manufacturing companies’ websites. Job openings are listed by job category or location. Along with the application you will need to submit your CV and cover letter. The application itself will ask for personal information and detail about your work history. Some companies compare your application to a profile called a PACE Framework. They use this to judge your performance, ambition, competitiveness, and energy. Even companies that do not use this framework may compare your application to a list of qualifications they have compiled. Make sure all your relevant experience is listed, and your cover letter is eye-catching, yet professional so it grabs the attention of the hiring team.

Manufacturing Companies Psychometric Tests

The assessment tests are another tool used by companies to narrow the field of job-seekers to the best candidates. Every position has different requirements, so the content of the tests may be different, some tests may be more difficult depending on the role, and more emphasis may be placed on the results of some tests over others. Tests you may find yourself sitting for often include:

• Personality Questionnaire – This is a psychometric test used to develop a profile of your personality. Many positions have a preferred profile developed for certain roles. Your personality profile will be measured against their preferred profile to see how well it compares.
• Numerical Reasoning Exam– This is a timed multiple-choice test that is used to measure your ability to interpret numerical data sets. You will be given graphs and charts to evaluate within the given time.
• Verbal Reasoning Test – To ensure that candidates have a firm grasp of the English language and can follow written directions verbal reasoning tests are given. These consist of several short paragraphs which you must read, followed by a series of questions about the information contained in the passages. This test is in a multiple-choice format and is timed.
• Abstract Reasoning Test – This test is given to determine if the test taker is capable of using logic to solve non-numerical, and non-word information. For this test, you are given a few sequences and must determine how to complete the pattern.
• Error Checking Test – This is a timed test given to help measure your attention to detail. You will be given sentences or paragraphs to read and must find all the errors.
• SAM Test – If you are going into assembly line or hourly production work, you may be given this test. It consists of several sections meant to evaluate you in the areas of, mechanical reasoning, multi-tasking, work ethic, leadership, problem-solving, responsibility, and teamwork. This test has both a multiple-choice and an interactive component.

Interviews

The interview process will vary based not only on position but on the employer. Assembly line and production jobs may not have to go through as many interviews as those applying for management or graduate positions. You may initially have a phone screening that lasts around 15 minutes. This is used to verify your personal information and clarify any questions they may have about the information on your application. Some manufacturers start with a competency-based telephone interview. This interview will last between 30-45 minutes and focus on the technical qualifications you need for the job. You may be asked about relevant work experience. If the recruiter is impressed with your telephone interview, you may be invited to an assessment center where you will have your face to face interview.

Assessment Day

Assessment days are generally held for those going into management or graduate scheme positions. They are an opportunity to see how well you can perform vital roles, by having the applicants participate in a number of group and individual exercises. Assessors will be watching throughout the day and taking notes. You will be rated on the skills you demonstrate and your professionalism. The details of the assessment day will vary by company, but many of the exercises are similar. Common assessment day exercises include:

• Group Activity – This can be anything from a group evaluation of a case study to a contest between groups to build something in a particular amount of time. This will help show how each job candidate works on a team and interacts with others. Assessors will be careful to note who listens to feedback from their group, who contributes ideas while incorporating the ideas of others, and who is able to establish a rapport with their group.
• Presentation – This may be another part of the group activity or something assigned to individuals ahead of time. You will be asked to look over a brief and put together a presentation of your thoughts and conclusions. You will be evaluated on how well you present your ideas and your ability to develop a plan of action. You may be allowed to use slides or other visual aids for this presentation.
• Interview – You will have your final interview on the assessment day. This interview may be either one on one with the recruiter or a panel interview with several members of the team you applied to work for. It will have some competency, as well as some behavioral questions, and will go in-depth about your reasons for wanting to work for that particular company, as well as your plans for your career. Some questions you may be asked include:
  • What do you bring to the company that no one else does?
  • Have you ever failed at a task you were assigned? How did you handle it? What would you do differently if given another chance?
  • Why does our company appeal to you?
  • Do you consider yourself an innovator?
  • How can you convince people to follow your lead?

How to Prepare for Manufacturing Industry Assessments?

The online tests may seem to be the most intimidating part of job-seeking. They determine how far you will go in the hiring process. Online assessment tests are so commonly used to help narrow the field of job candidates, that studying for them needs to become part of the normal job-seeking routine. Start by learning as much as you can about the company, their core values, and what they value in their employees. This gives you an idea of the type of personality they are looking for. If you have technical skills that are relevant, that you have not used in a while, study to sharpen those skills. There are online resources if you find that your numerical skills are a little rusty, and doing crosswords, and logic puzzles are great ways to enhance your reading comprehension and reasoning skills.

The environment in which you take the tests will also play a role in your success. If you are not required to take them at a testing center, you may be sent a link to take them at home. Set yourself up in a place where you can concentrate, you want to be able to give all your attention to the tests. Set aside a reasonable amount of time so you do not have to rush to complete them. Carefully read the directions before beginning to answer so you can be certain you understand what you are supposed to be doing. A little planning, and some careful preparation, will help you get through the assessment tests and all the way to the job offer.

The Leading Manufacturing Companies in the World: