All the airlines are making candidates do these exact tests or something similar... EK, BA... even ex-TREs on their 4th logbook. I guess the computer tests and group ex are far cheaper than hiring a sim if thats not part of the process?
So the result is that recruitment becomes based on who attended the trainning course, and not who is likely to be a better employee.
I know of people who have each spent in excess of £10,000 preparing for the BA assessment day(s). Interview technique practice, verbal testing, 747 sim hire, etc. Maybe they would have got the job anyway, but I guess it provided them peace of mind.
The jet2 interview is very enjoyable and professional. They really want to get to know you as a person. By comparison I found the BA interviews very staged and artificial.