DWP Recruiting Again - 2012

[Deleted User]

Thank you. It's still saying 'test in progress' and I'm not getting through to the helpline. I did pretty badly in the test so I don't think I'm through. I got almost 100% in the verbal and numerical reasoning but really poorly on the action planning part (where you have to rank the different options). Is there some kind of pattern or formula to that part? I can't believe how badly I've done and am pretty upset that that will invalidate my entire application.

tsimehC

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thank you. It's still saying 'test in progress' and I'm not getting through to the helpline. I did pretty badly in the test so I don't think I'm through. I got almost 100% in the verbal and numerical reasoning but really poorly on the action planning part (where you have to rank the different options). Is there some kind of pattern or formula to that part? I can't believe how badly I've done and am pretty upset that that will invalidate my entire application.

The HR team is probably on an extended break (up to home-time). I don't think you should worry too much about the test in that sense, I did well enough in the numeracy thing like you but the decision stuff I was always going to struggle, still got a reasonable score (probably not enough, idk..that's up to HR to decide).

redsky1977

Deleted_User wrote: »

Just completed the online test. Found it a bit hard as I've never done anything like that before but I am most concerned about the parts where you have to rank the different options as I don't think I've done very well and have no idea what they were looking for there. However, my main concern is that I've applied for 2 districts and the test has only registered on one of my applications. I clicked into the other application to see if the test had registered for that one too but it took me into the test again, as if I have to complete it all over again! Now when I go to my details, it says 'test in progress'. Do I have to complete the test a second time? I am currently phoning the helpline but it keeps cutting me off. Arg!

My understanding is that you shouldn't have to complete the test twice, but I ended up with the same problem as you. In the end I did the test again, in 15mins, and ended up with a slightly better score! Frustrating, but I didn't want to miss out.

redsky1977

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thank you. It's still saying 'test in progress' and I'm not getting through to the helpline. I did pretty badly in the test so I don't think I'm through. I got almost 100% in the verbal and numerical reasoning but really poorly on the action planning part (where you have to rank the different options). Is there some kind of pattern or formula to that part? I can't believe how badly I've done and am pretty upset that that will invalidate my entire application.

When you complete the ranking section - NEVER put the middle option [0]. You need to show that you can make a decision. Putting 0 lost me marks on previous applications. Hope this helps

[Deleted User]

redsky1977 wrote: »

When you complete the ranking section - NEVER put the middle option [0]. You need to show that you can make a decision. Putting 0 lost me marks on previous applications. Hope this helps

Thank you. I really struggled with the ranking section, it really let me down and I fear that I will not be offered an interview because of this. I don't understand where I went wrong or how it is marked (which may give me better insight into how I can structure or adhere my answers). Does anyone know of any resources that may give information about this particular part of the test?

redsky1977

Loobysaver wrote: »

It is quite overwhelming when you start it as there is a lot of information/text to absorb. The questions are quite straightforward but it is just the sheer amount of text you need to read on the computer screen. Personally I would have found it easier to do on paper so I could highlight info etc.

I really would have prefered paper too - I guess it's just easier and quicker to mark electronically.

redsky1977

Deleted_User wrote: »

Thank you. I really struggled with the ranking section, it really let me down and I fear that I will not be offered an interview because of this. I don't understand where I went wrong or how it is marked (which may give me better insight into how I can structure or adhere my answers). Does anyone know of any resources that may give information about this particular part of the test?

The application pack says:

Practice tests

You may find it helpful to access the internet using the following search criteria:

*Verbal and numeric reasoning tests
*Situational judgement test

As sites differ in what they offer you will need to decide for yourself which to access – we cannot endorse specific sites

There are many [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]free sites [/FONT][/FONT]on line offering practice sessions if you have not had to undertake these types of tests before. Be warned however, that [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]not all sites are free [/FONT][/FONT]so you will need to be selective. Some are time based and will give you your score at the end, so will be reflective of the actual tests.

There are also numerous books available either to purchase or from local libraries that would help with practicing.
Haven't searched myself but might be worth a try.

davidmcdavidson

I currently work for DWP as an AO (one grade below EO) and have been waiting for this progression opportunity for years. So, ive spent the first week since these jobs come up working on my competencies, then ive done the online test, which I thought I did alright in, 19/24 and 219/336, 61%ile. Then I look on here and notice people with marginally better scores than I up in the 90%+! Oh dear people Not happy that it may focus on the online test more than my really ace competencies

Also, ive been sent my working locations form but it's for a completely different region I didn't apply to and I haven't been able to get through to the recruitment line, been trying constantly for two hours now!

drwho2011

davidmcdavidson wrote: »

Not happy that it may focus on the online test more than my really ace competencies

The % is a comparison against others who took the test.

Perhaps it is a % against those scores in the current exercise and thus people who took test early but got the majority of the questions right would end up with scores of 90-99%

Take the test later and the reliance becomes on raw scores as opposed to percentile?

Just my musings though............

[Deleted User]

davidmcdavidson wrote: »

I currently work for DWP as an AO (one grade below EO) and have been waiting for this progression opportunity for years. So, ive spent the first week since these jobs come up working on my competencies, then ive done the online test, which I thought I did alright in, 19/24 and 219/336, 61%ile. Then I look on here and notice people with marginally better scores than I up in the 90%+! Oh dear people Not happy that it may focus on the online test more than my really ace competencies

Also, ive been sent my working locations form but it's for a completely different region I didn't apply to and I haven't been able to get through to the recruitment line, been trying constantly for two hours now!

I agree completely. My scores are almost identical to yours and I am really upset considering I spent the best part of three days writing my competencies. I take it I've failed...I have also been on the phone to DWP since around 3pm and have been unable to get through. I phoned my local Job Centre for advice (mainly because I forgot to state that I m dyslexic on my initial form) but they weren't much help. Don't really know what to do now.