To ask for advice on doing well at the Civil Service biometric tests (judgement test)?

[ComingUpTrumps]

Hi all,

Sorry this is a very boring AIBU but does anyone have any advice on the Civil Service biometric tests (specifically the judgement test) used in job applications?

I’m applying for a role that asks candidates to ask the judgement test, and need to have taken the test by this coming Monday.

I’ve done the practice test several times, but often do badly at the ‘Situation and Beahviours’ section (the first section), where it gives you statements (e.g. ‘I step in whenever anyone in my team needs help’ or ‘People have told me I have good judgement’, and you have to decide how far you agree or disagree with how that statement describes you).

I’d be grateful for any tips - thank you!

OP, you have repeatedly asked for advice on how to pass various stages of civil service job applications. I would (gently) suggest that perhaps you may not be best suited to the role.

Agree, if you're doing badly at the behaviours section you're not going to fit in well there. Sorry but I'd look elsewhere

The judgment test is a separate skill set thing to asking for guidance on general job applications for the Civil Service.

Seriously, if you can't pass the test, you're not a good fit for the job. You don't need to study harder for it, that's not the point.

Reread the job spec to see what they want and then answer as you on a good day at work there, not as an idealised version of you or the version you think they want. These sort of test have the ability to spot people who are faking and trying to pick positive answers. You may well do better when you are just being you. Good luck.

I realise they’re not tests that can be studied for to pass but I think it’s useful to be prepared for them and to do practice questions and have guidance on the test if it’s available. I posted to find out if anyone could offer advice on what’s being looked for in the tests as they’re not completely straightforward tests and there is an element of challenge and skill to them.

Thanks Sceptimum!

The point of the test is that you answer truthfully and not how you think you should answer. It's generally looking for people whose instincts are to act in the best interests of the team and be a good leader. (Hint, that doesn't necessarily mean just helping people whenever they need it).

The whole point of moving to the system is to find the right people rather than using something that can be taught like competencies

Google the CS Behaviours.

And don’t worry, lots of people swot up and practise for these tests.

A lot of the behaviour is learnt. It takes a while to start thinking like a civil servant, and you can learn it. There’s a reason why there is buckets of training available on the soft skills, especially in the CS.

Ps there used to be a question about whether it was very appropriate/ appropriate/Inappropriate/ very inappropriate to sack a workman who’d thrown a Hammer at his manager. Manager had mocked his speech impediment.

It’s a good question. You might think ‘hell yes! You can’t throw hammers at people!’

But really, you’d never sack someone immediately. You’d consult HR, you’d request an investigation (rather than relying on he said/she said). I think I said ‘somewhat Inappropriate’ and I tend to score highly on these.

Giving you this example not to give you an answer but to advise on how you might want to approach the questions.

Thanks Jager I do appreciate that - and thanks Beans!