NICS aptitude test - what to wear?

smirfett

I'm going to assessment centre tomorrow, have never been to anything like this before. Would be grateful for any advice. Really nervous and not familiar with nics competancies, through trying to learn quickly.

thriftyminx13

smirfett wrote: »

I'm going to assessment centre tomorrow, have never been to anything like this before. Would be grateful for any advice. Really nervous and not familiar with nics competancies, through trying to learn quickly.

Don't worry, I was there yesterday and everyone is in the same boat.
Just take a big breath and you'll be fine, just listen to the instructions and if you're not sure...ask, I had to a couple of times.

Wear a watch for the time.

The competencies were sent out with the pack information. Just answer as normal though and take a common sense approach. I wasn't finished till after half four so if you are in the later group be prepared to wait.

smirfett

Thanks thriftymix13, it doesn't seem to have been too traumatic for you. I can only do my best. Think i'm trying to prepare too much. Probably better to just see how it goes on the day and as you said try and take a common sense approach.

jenny-wren

It would be a hell of a lot fairer if it weren't for that daft thing called a line manager's assessment.

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Golden_Anemone

NAR wrote: »

I would agree that this used to be the case but think that the competence based interview, which is currently used, is much fairer (though not perfect!).

The current system introduced for the last round of boards is Terrible - more unfair than ever!
The way it works is you are asked a lead question relating to each competency. In the past there would be follow up questions asked by the panel to ensure you had the chance to cover all areas of the competency being tested. Now they ask the lead question and 8 identical follow-on questions to every candidate regardless of their example - 45 questions in 45 minutes for the DP board. All this tests is who can learn the competencies word for word and "create" an example that ticks the most boxes. Even the chair of my panel on the DP boards said this - she said she knew that some candidates were lying but there was no way she could challenge them. She also said the panels have all said this to Personnel who aren't interested in fairness to the candidates - just protecting themselves from challenges.

I was successful in the graduate competition where they tested a range of skills, not just interviewing skills, though I had struggled to gain promotion in the interview-only system from the AO grade. I will continue to struggle at boards as long as they rely solely on interview.

Rant over - good luck Thriftyminx - hope you don't have to wait too long.

cooki2222

i thought i messed up my eo2 interview cus i noticed one of the panel had put down poor example on my booklet, but thankfully i passed it and now just have to wait on a post

Not bad for 2 1/2 years in the civil service going from AA-AO and now EOII

thriftyminx13

No, no word yet. Anyone else? Not sure how long it'll be.

cheqmate06

Is this the recent direct entry EOII that letters went out to in April? If so you do can contact HR connect and ask them to provide feedback as well as a Merit Scoring. They're number should be on the letter .

smirfett

I haven't heard anything back yet following the assessment centre either, hope that doesn't mean its bad news. Does anyone know if anyone else has heard yet.

weeclick

I used to work for the HR Connect (NICS HR Dept) up until the end of 08 - Likely hood is you wont find out your results for weeks and weeks and weeks. You usually find they have tests running for a few weeks, then they have 2nd tests groups which are rare but can happen. Once ALL tests have been completed then some poor people have to mark all the papers and get a merit list in order (best result to lowest result) before they can even begin issuing letters for interview or letters of regret.

You also find that many jobs can see thousands (literally!!) of applicants turn up for aptitude tests.

Only thing I can say is be patient as soon as they can let you know your results youll be the first to find out - also its rare that they will tell you your results over the phone, infact it NEVER happens so just sit tight for your letter.

But most importantly dont be worrying just because its been ages - thats normal for results in there

Best of luck!