Airline Psychometric Tests
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I'm no expert, but from my experiences they tend to run these tests to give them some sort of 'scientific' evidence for use at interview. Let me explain;
If for instance your profile results said you were (relatively) weak in a particular area, that would be something that might warrant further inspection during interview. Lets say you appeared to lack ambition. They may ask you at interview where you see yourself in a few years time, asking about what you want to achieve, areas you may see yourself progressing into etc. This may allay their fears or confirm them!
I had just such a scenario, which I was told about after I had been given the job. My results said I lacked ambition, but put into context once I had been questioned at interview it was clear there was good reason for this; I had been under threat of redundancy for nearly 12 months after 9/11, loaned out for the summer with no leave entitlement, a baby on the way with suspected birth defects (turned out fine), big mortgage, wife, two other kids ..............etc etc. On debrief the HR Director said it wasn't really surprising that my long term career goals weren't at the forefront when I answered the profile questions!
So you see the profile is just another tool to try to get to the 'real' you, just like a Maths or English test, a spatial reasoning test, even a sim ride. Usually a profile is not taken in isolation and used to chop a candidate, whereas the other 'paper' type exams may be. It's a cost thing. It's relatively cheap to run a days testing in a classroom for thirty applicants and to run Maths/ English/ Spacial Reasoning type tests and to possibly sit the profile and group type tests too. The expensive part is the interview (time consuming as you can't really do a group interview!) and sim assessment (for obvious reasons!), so airlines will tend to use the cheaper tests to see which candidates meet a certain base level before offering the more expensive tests to those successful at stage one.
Regards
PP
ESTJ
If for instance your profile results said you were (relatively) weak in a particular area, that would be something that might warrant further inspection during interview. Lets say you appeared to lack ambition. They may ask you at interview where you see yourself in a few years time, asking about what you want to achieve, areas you may see yourself progressing into etc. This may allay their fears or confirm them!
I had just such a scenario, which I was told about after I had been given the job. My results said I lacked ambition, but put into context once I had been questioned at interview it was clear there was good reason for this; I had been under threat of redundancy for nearly 12 months after 9/11, loaned out for the summer with no leave entitlement, a baby on the way with suspected birth defects (turned out fine), big mortgage, wife, two other kids ..............etc etc. On debrief the HR Director said it wasn't really surprising that my long term career goals weren't at the forefront when I answered the profile questions!
So you see the profile is just another tool to try to get to the 'real' you, just like a Maths or English test, a spatial reasoning test, even a sim ride. Usually a profile is not taken in isolation and used to chop a candidate, whereas the other 'paper' type exams may be. It's a cost thing. It's relatively cheap to run a days testing in a classroom for thirty applicants and to run Maths/ English/ Spacial Reasoning type tests and to possibly sit the profile and group type tests too. The expensive part is the interview (time consuming as you can't really do a group interview!) and sim assessment (for obvious reasons!), so airlines will tend to use the cheaper tests to see which candidates meet a certain base level before offering the more expensive tests to those successful at stage one.
Regards
PP
ESTJ
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Thanks for that Pete, seems entirely reasonable if you ask me - that is so long as I get the job, otherwise utterly unreasonable 
Most important thing is that we can see whats expected more than anything.
BTW, try this (http://eugrad.jpmorgan.com/content/c...ontent_132.htm). I found it friggin' hard doing it cold. See how you get on. I needed to use IE as it does not seem to be Netscape compatible.
HWD
(ESTJ, ISTJ and occasional ENTJ)
Most important thing is that we can see whats expected more than anything.
BTW, try this (http://eugrad.jpmorgan.com/content/c...ontent_132.htm). I found it friggin' hard doing it cold. See how you get on. I needed to use IE as it does not seem to be Netscape compatible.
HWD
(ESTJ, ISTJ and occasional ENTJ)
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If you want to do a practice trick cyclist test and find out what your personality is like, rather than what you think it is try this. I didn't think 60 questions could do it but I was amazed - be honest - don't try to look at what they might be after - there are reverse questions in the larger tests to make sure you are not trying to sway it
*ROTFL*
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Jam 123
In response to your question ENFJ = Extraversion/Intuition/Feeling/Judging.
The crystal ball says "Warm, empathetic, responsive and responsible. Highly attuned to emotions, needs and motivations of others. Find potential in everyone, want to help others fulfill their potential. May act as catalysts for individual and group growth. Loyal, responsive to praise and criticism. Sociable, facilitate others in a group, and provide inspiring leadership."
Don't have the professions type list based on these traits but would agree with Pilot Pete sentiments. At first pass, the ones that do conjur a picture would include social worker.
And for what it's worth, I am an ESTJ, an unemployed ex-Pat pilot living in the USA (where it is a totally different ball game - even PP would be surprised to know what I have discovered here), with a number of ICAO ATPLs and three Boeing type ratings but no job and no interview in almost 15 months of trying everything - and I mean everything. Interestingly, some of my earlier adversities mirror PP's but unlike him, I live in another country where all kinds of other things come into play.
Having got my UK CAA ATPL and had two previous airline jobs based in the UK, one thing I have observed over the years are the basic DIFFERENCES between two similar but very different cultures - US & EU/UK. In most of my experiences between the two, the Europeans are much more friendly and willing to talk to you (probably a numbers game) and generally are more conducive to assist you. They will tell you outright if they are hiring and what you need to do to get an interview. In the US, the norm is to get NO response at all even if you have been bugging them for months. Most will openly post "no walk-ins, no phone calls, no faxes - apply on line" or "only those that meet the above requiremnts and are current and typed need apply". HR's only raison d'etre is to screen candidates out - not to encourage them. The biggest problem by far is getting to an interview. Just because you are qualified and experienced and meet all their requirements does not mean you're going to be viewed favorably. Rather, if you know and have at least 3 or 4 strong recommendations from current pilots with that airline, that may be enough to tip the scales. I am something of an expert in CVs and cover letters, having spent considerable time and energy (as well as professional advice similar to PP) revamping and customizing them many times. In my case, it still did not make a difference and since they do not respond, one just keeps spinning wheels.
Unfortunately, coming back to the UK is not an option for me even though I did just that 6 years ago and was very successful. As the saying goes only in America.......
Good luck to everyone in what is probably the toughest career out there. You also need plenty of luck which of course, cannot be taught!
ex-757driver
The crystal ball says "Warm, empathetic, responsive and responsible. Highly attuned to emotions, needs and motivations of others. Find potential in everyone, want to help others fulfill their potential. May act as catalysts for individual and group growth. Loyal, responsive to praise and criticism. Sociable, facilitate others in a group, and provide inspiring leadership."
Don't have the professions type list based on these traits but would agree with Pilot Pete sentiments. At first pass, the ones that do conjur a picture would include social worker.
And for what it's worth, I am an ESTJ, an unemployed ex-Pat pilot living in the USA (where it is a totally different ball game - even PP would be surprised to know what I have discovered here), with a number of ICAO ATPLs and three Boeing type ratings but no job and no interview in almost 15 months of trying everything - and I mean everything. Interestingly, some of my earlier adversities mirror PP's but unlike him, I live in another country where all kinds of other things come into play.
Having got my UK CAA ATPL and had two previous airline jobs based in the UK, one thing I have observed over the years are the basic DIFFERENCES between two similar but very different cultures - US & EU/UK. In most of my experiences between the two, the Europeans are much more friendly and willing to talk to you (probably a numbers game) and generally are more conducive to assist you. They will tell you outright if they are hiring and what you need to do to get an interview. In the US, the norm is to get NO response at all even if you have been bugging them for months. Most will openly post "no walk-ins, no phone calls, no faxes - apply on line" or "only those that meet the above requiremnts and are current and typed need apply". HR's only raison d'etre is to screen candidates out - not to encourage them. The biggest problem by far is getting to an interview. Just because you are qualified and experienced and meet all their requirements does not mean you're going to be viewed favorably. Rather, if you know and have at least 3 or 4 strong recommendations from current pilots with that airline, that may be enough to tip the scales. I am something of an expert in CVs and cover letters, having spent considerable time and energy (as well as professional advice similar to PP) revamping and customizing them many times. In my case, it still did not make a difference and since they do not respond, one just keeps spinning wheels.
Unfortunately, coming back to the UK is not an option for me even though I did just that 6 years ago and was very successful. As the saying goes only in America.......
Good luck to everyone in what is probably the toughest career out there. You also need plenty of luck which of course, cannot be taught!
ex-757driver
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Airline Psychometric Tests
Hello All,
Does anyone out there know of any good book that can be helpful in preparing for Airline Psychometric Tests. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
h1tman47
Does anyone out there know of any good book that can be helpful in preparing for Airline Psychometric Tests. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
h1tman47
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Hi There
Kogan Publishers provide a wide range of books for psychometric and aptitude test although these are not specifically designed for 'airlines', though I have used them and find them extremely helpful.
The topics they cover include mathematical and verbal reasoning, aptitude tests, psychometric tests etc...
Have a look at the link below:
http://www.kogan-page.co.uk/careersandtesting.aspx
In particular I recommend the 'How to pass Technical Tests'.
Cheers,
Danny.
Kogan Publishers provide a wide range of books for psychometric and aptitude test although these are not specifically designed for 'airlines', though I have used them and find them extremely helpful.
The topics they cover include mathematical and verbal reasoning, aptitude tests, psychometric tests etc...
Have a look at the link below:
http://www.kogan-page.co.uk/careersandtesting.aspx
In particular I recommend the 'How to pass Technical Tests'.
Cheers,
Danny.
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Sorry,
Forgot to mention in the left hand corner of tha page you will find 'Subject Areas', click on 'Testing' and it will give you some further reading to look at.
Hope it comes of some help.
Cheers,
Danny
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profiling
Would any of these cover the entry-level psychological profiling- used even for ground positions?
I've been screened out a couple of times by what seemed like really inane surveys.
Then again, maybe they know somthing I don't.
I've been screened out a couple of times by what seemed like really inane surveys.
Then again, maybe they know somthing I don't.
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Ground Testing
h1tman47,
These books unfortunatley wont help with 'psychological profiling', this is altogether a different kettle of fish.
There has often been an argument that it is possible to prepare for these tests by answering the questions to give a profile that will most likely match the position available. However the tests are designed in such a way that applicants 'bending the truth' will be caught out.
My personal views are that these tests and questions involved in them can only be answered truthfully!
Best of luck,
dannyc
These books unfortunatley wont help with 'psychological profiling', this is altogether a different kettle of fish.
There has often been an argument that it is possible to prepare for these tests by answering the questions to give a profile that will most likely match the position available. However the tests are designed in such a way that applicants 'bending the truth' will be caught out.
My personal views are that these tests and questions involved in them can only be answered truthfully!
Best of luck,
dannyc
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Hitman
Try this one as well. Its the same style as the BA interview aptitude tests.
http://www.shavick.com/psycotest.htm
There was quite a good link on the Cathay interview as well
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=153728
Also try the SHL website were you can do soem practice tests online and get feedback.
http://www.shldirect.com/shldirect-h...HLDirect-1.asp
Good luck and the best advice is to relax.
Try this one as well. Its the same style as the BA interview aptitude tests.
http://www.shavick.com/psycotest.htm
There was quite a good link on the Cathay interview as well
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=153728
Also try the SHL website were you can do soem practice tests online and get feedback.
http://www.shldirect.com/shldirect-h...HLDirect-1.asp
Good luck and the best advice is to relax.
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profiling
I know, the people who make a career out of hiring must know a few things I don't- just wish that instead of just telling me what I am not qualified for that somone would give me a clue as to what I should be doing....
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Could try www.amazon.co.uk , good psychometric testing and aptitude books on there.
Thats a good book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239
or this one "Aviation Psychology: Practice and Research"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239
Thats a good book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239
or this one "Aviation Psychology: Practice and Research"
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...lance&n=266239
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Don't forget what the point of these "marvellous" tests are - they there are to make money for the w
ers who write them and to make the slime in Human Remains feel as they have done their job properly because they have done something which sounds very clever and was expensive to administer (these tests cost a fortune). When you do the test you don't have time to think about the answers and they are too many checks to test the answers you have previously given. Just pitch up and do it - I've only heard of one person failing and he eventually became a captain for a well known LCC. You can send me the cash you would have spent on the book (and I'll spend it on beer).
PM
ers who write them and to make the slime in Human Remains feel as they have done their job properly because they have done something which sounds very clever and was expensive to administer (these tests cost a fortune). When you do the test you don't have time to think about the answers and they are too many checks to test the answers you have previously given. Just pitch up and do it - I've only heard of one person failing and he eventually became a captain for a well known LCC. You can send me the cash you would have spent on the book (and I'll spend it on beer).PM
Last edited by Piltdown Man; 28th Jul 2006 at 01:46.
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psychometric testing
Hi all,
Will be attending a pilot selection scheme soon and would like to gain some extra knowledge on psychometric testing (what its all about, sample questions etc......)
Any feedback will be well appreciated
Many thanks in advance.
tasleon
Will be attending a pilot selection scheme soon and would like to gain some extra knowledge on psychometric testing (what its all about, sample questions etc......)
Any feedback will be well appreciated
Many thanks in advance.
tasleon
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psychometric testing
Just remember the profile is looking for a stable extrovert.Think about your answers,they want you to work as a team player,have a bit of personality,and be level headed.simple if you think about it.
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These tests can easily be manipulated - I've done it on two occasions, one for a job as an Enterprise Consultant and the next as a Lecturer. You just have to remain consistant with your answers. They are designed to try and catch you out, but bear in mind the marks are coughed up by a computer, not someone that actually knows you.
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Psychometric Testing - Summary for All Airlines
I thought it would be helpful if we could have a comprehensive summary of all of the aptitude/psychometric tests that are used by different airlines and/or sponsorship programs.
So feel free to add what you know I will kick it off with.
BA - psychomotor - pilapt
- psychometric - SHL verbal and maths. Maths is not the data
interpt style used by other airlines. The maths is not like this link http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/...ent/QTests.pdf this would be the kind of maths used on the Jet2 selection test.
CTC/Wings - psychomotor - pilapt
maths - 15 questions / 15 minutes raw data(no calculator)
Cathay Cadets - In terms of IQ tests there is a matrix test where you
are given eight symbols in a matrix and have to chose
the final symbol. Also a maths test of thirty questions
- similar to BA??
Jet2: SHL verbal and numerical reasoning . Numerical is data interpretation al la Qantas , but not the BA maths
Flybe : Pilapt plus a maths and physics test
Cityjet: Abstract , Numerical , Spatial and Mechanical
Air Atlantique: Numerical and Verbal(SHL ??)
BA Connect : ??
Excel / Thomas Cook(Oxford Program)pilapt plus a maths and also a physics test/around GCSE level)
So feel free to add what you know I will kick it off with.
BA - psychomotor - pilapt
- psychometric - SHL verbal and maths. Maths is not the data
interpt style used by other airlines. The maths is not like this link http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/...ent/QTests.pdf this would be the kind of maths used on the Jet2 selection test.
CTC/Wings - psychomotor - pilapt
maths - 15 questions / 15 minutes raw data(no calculator)
Cathay Cadets - In terms of IQ tests there is a matrix test where you
are given eight symbols in a matrix and have to chose
the final symbol. Also a maths test of thirty questions
- similar to BA??
Jet2: SHL verbal and numerical reasoning . Numerical is data interpretation al la Qantas , but not the BA maths
Flybe : Pilapt plus a maths and physics test
Cityjet: Abstract , Numerical , Spatial and Mechanical
Air Atlantique: Numerical and Verbal(SHL ??)
BA Connect : ??
Excel / Thomas Cook(Oxford Program)pilapt plus a maths and also a physics test/around GCSE level)
Last edited by Marloo; 15th Oct 2006 at 05:04. Reason: Update information
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The Excel/Thomas Cook testing is exactly the same as the Oxford Aviation testing called COMPASS. COMPASS comprises of 6 tests with one being 24 maths questions in 20 minutes. There is also a seperate Technical test which is 15 multiple choice physics questions with no time limit. Then to finish off you do a pyschometric personality profile.
Each COMPASS test is out of 7 and so your total score is out of 42. I dont know what the pass mark for Oxford is but for the Excel scheme it was around 33 although I heard they were looking for 36+. For the technical testing I believe for Oxford it's 10/15 but again I think Excel were looking for 12+
Hope that helps
Each COMPASS test is out of 7 and so your total score is out of 42. I dont know what the pass mark for Oxford is but for the Excel scheme it was around 33 although I heard they were looking for 36+. For the technical testing I believe for Oxford it's 10/15 but again I think Excel were looking for 12+
Hope that helps