Graduate Applications


 

News 18th of March 2010 - PATS representatives have attended 10 of the major 2010 careers fairs - we have spoken to all employer representatives regarding what aptitude/pscyhometric testing regimes they will be using during 2010. Around 90% of employers will be using aptitude tests during their selection process - with the latest knowledge regarding the particular "brand" of aptitude test that each employer will use our training programs will be particularly effective this year. 

 

 

JOB MARKET REVIEW

If you have been reading the papers or watching the news on TV over last year, you would know the global financial crisis in 2009 hit the graduate recruitment market badly.

Based on the reports from Graduate Career Australian, 78% recruiters have either stopped or reduced their graduate intakes since 2009. The situation is even worse for international students. Only 21% recruiters are considering hiring international graduates.

 

 

 

JOB HUNTING STRATEGY

There are a couple of things you can do to push things happen. First, do not panic. There are still many big companies that conduct 2011 graduate programs. We have listed links and closing dates of all 2011 Graduate Programs as follow.

Besides, we lists all Recent Graduate Vacancies collected from all major Australian newspapers every week for your convenience. It is also advisable to attend Career Fairs to get detailed information about your target graduate jobs.

Second, be well-prepared and never give up. As a company specialized in aptitude tests training, we certainly understand the frustration one has when failing aptitude tests. You have worked very hard to get the degree - now comes the time to take the next step - don't let a selection/aptitude test stop you getting the dream job.

Our company has a distinguished record of achievement in assisting people gain strong passes in a variety of aptitude tests. Why not take a minute to read our Testimonials and let us do the hard work for you.

 

 

 

APTITUDE TESTS OVERVIEW

 

Aptitude tests are used as a mandatory component of  the selection process for graduate recruitment in both the private and government sectors. A typical graduate recruitment aptitude test includes:

Major Australian test providers include:

These tests are different from the type of tests that are undertaken at an undergraduate and graduate level. People with a non - mathematical undergraduate degree normally need considerable assistance to prepare for numerical aptitude tests. 

In our view, specialist preparation is necessary. Our training programs have also been highly beneficial for those who do not have English as their first language.
 

  

 

 

SELECTION PROCESS

As illustrated in the flow diagrams below, the typical graduate selection process is multi-stage with aptitude testing being the initial step. At the conclusion of the recruitment process candidates will be ranked according to their overall score - typically your aptitude test score will constitute 30 to 40% of your overall score. Therefore, the higher your aptitude test score, the greater your training and employment opportunities.

The flow diagram below shows how the greatest "cull" of applicants happens in the aptitude/psychometric testing stage. Once you have passed testing the odds of a successful outcome are significantly increased.

 

 

It is important to note that candidates are given one attempt at each particular test battery, as all companies you apply to will have access to your test results.

The following two flow diagrams also display the dynamic nature of graduate employment recruitment. The corporate sector is continually processing applicants, placing candidates identified as being suitable in hold pool.

 

 

 

These diagrams show how candidate A is initially in the hold pool - with a possibility of employment. However candidate A is displaced by candidates entering the pool with higher scores.

 

 

KEY FACTORS

If you anticipate that you are going to be involved in this type of recruitment process, we suggest that you undertake the PATS course as soon as possible. This will ensure that you have adequate time afterwards to fully work through the practice materials and revise your skills.

Some other factors to consider are:

 

 

 

WHY PATS

The program is conducted at our Melbourne CBD office on a one client - one instructor basis and is a two day format. The course covers in detail the range of tests that are used for graduate and professional recruitment in Australia and New Zealand.

All of our clients from 2008 and 2009 were successful in gaining employment in companies at, or close to the top, of their preference list. Other features of the program include:

It is typical for candidates who have completed the PATS course to see their score improve by 30 to 40%  - thereby placing them at the upper end of the candidate pool. Together with free interview coaching and resume review, the course will significantly increase individual test scores.

 

  

 

COURSE DETAILS

 

We are more than happy to answer your questions through Contact Us, but we would request that you firstly read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Please go to Contact Us if you have more questions.

 

 

Testimonials  

Michael O'Bryan

Employer: Major Australian University

Position: Head of Graduate Centre

 

Prior to recently returning to the private sector I spent 8 years as Head of Graduate employment at one of Australia's largest and most prestigious universities. I have spent the last 25 years employed in the human resources, recruitment and industrial psychology areas. I would endorse and recommend the PATS training courses to any final year university student. One of the reasons for this endorsement are the significant number of students at my former University who told me that they believed the training increased their aptitude test scores by between 20 to 40%. I have also sat in on some of the training courses and can attest to their very high standard. I have moved back to one of the countries larger recruitment firms where I am a director and it is now common for recruiters to advise employment applicants to do the PATS course to boost their aptitude test performance.

 

John Taylor

Employer: Major Australian Resource Company

Position: Senior Financial Analyst

 

"I completed a number of the PATS online and also attended three days of courses in Melbourne. The online practice tests were great preparation for me for Testgrid and Onetest aptitude tests which I found myself almost always having to sit for senior Government and also private sector jobs as I completed my full time MBA. I simply had not seen these types of questions before and initially didn't understand the logic or have any method to tackle the problems. After completing the online practice tests I believe my test scores easily by at least 40% and more likely 50%. The program I attended in Melbourne was great preparation for the never ending SHL ability or psychometric tests that I was faced with during the job hunt.

I know that many others in my graduating MBA class used the services and found them invaluable.  I attended a leading MBA program in Australia and the staff in fact recommended we complete these practice tests. We were able to gain high standard passes put the tests behind us - and move onto the interviews."

 

Amanda Lee

Employer: Major Investment Bank 

Position: Graduate Credit Risk Analyst

 

"The PATS program assisted me dramatically in preparing for my ACER and SHL aptitude tests. The course is well-structured and suits my own needs based on my strength and weakness. Those materials that I found online at other web sites just could not be compared with the PATS course which covered all aspects of the aptitude tests very thoroughly. I highly recommended people who are eager to succeed to do the program."

 

 

 

© PATS 2009