Why we use assessment in the recruitment process?Cristal is a global organization committed to bringing in and developing the best talent from around the world to achieve ongoing success. In order to do this, Cristal uses robust and objective assessments measuring both our organizational values and examining the specific skills and behaviors required across the different levels and roles within Cristal.

Cristal has partnered with global HR consulting and psychometric assessment firm, CEB (formerly SHL) to develop and deliver these assessments to support the identification of talent across all levels – from executive leadership positions to frontline, entry-level roles.

www.cristal.com

How does assessment add additional value?Here at Cristal, we’ve undertaken a huge amount of work to ensure we have a clear picture of what ‘successful’ looks like in our organization. Our team responsible for using assessment to support hiring decisions are fully trained in interpreting the results, supporting a robust process to ensure we are truly aligning the right people to the right roles.

Not only do we use assessment to support great people decisions, we also ensure you are given an experience that supports you in your ongoing career development. Without doubt, undertaking the assessments provides a challenging experience, but following this you will be provided with the opportunity to receive an overview of your results. We have found that regardless of the outcome of the recruitment process, this feedback has been critical in providing the self-insight and development guidance to support you in your future success.

When is assessment used in the process?Assessment is used early in the recruitment process either directly before or after first interview. We provide plenty of notice of when this will happen. All of the tests are completed on-line so can be taken at a time that suits you, and in the comfort of your own home.

It is important to remember that you must complete the assessments independently without assistance. Cristal reserves the right to complete validation testing with candidates and our policy includes random verification testing at the times of on-site interviews.

What assessments are used in the process?Depending on the level and role, you may be asked to complete personality and/or motivation questionnaires as well as ability tests. Tests are carefully selected based on the role requirements, competencies and level.

Ability tests are used to gain insight into how you perform on reasoning tasks, such as numerical or verbal reasoning. Questions are usually presented in a multiple-choice format and you will be able to select the language in which you wish to take the tests. Ability tests typically last between 15 and 25 minutes per test. The best strategy for the tests is to work as quickly and accurately as you can, making sure you read through the instructions carefully and complete all practice questions first.

Personality questionnaires focus on assessing behavior. You will be asked to describe your preference in communicating and interacting with others and your typical working style by rating how well a number of statements apply to you. Personality questionnaires do not have a time limit but they can usually be completed in 30-45 minutes.

Information for our Candidates on Selection AssessmentsAs a part of the application process at Cristal and in addition to interviews, you will be required to participate in some assessments. To assist you in this process we have prepared the following information to help you understand why we use assessments and what you can expect.

The types of assessments administered for different positions may include:

Executive/Managerial – Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ), Executive or Management Scenarios, Verbal, Numerical and Inductive Reasoning assessments.

Professional - OPQ, Verbal, Numerical and Inductive Reasoning assessments.

Professional Engineering - OPQ, Verbal, Numerical, Inductive and Mechanical Reasoning assessments.

Trades/Operators – OPQ/Work Styles Questionnaire (WSQ), Verbal, Inductive and Mechanical Reasoning and Calculation and Checking skills.

An overview of these assessments is provided on the next page and more information along with an opportunity to complete practice tests is available on CEB’s website http://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests/

About the testsAbility tests The suite of ability tests are all timed with varying levels of difficulty depending on the role.

Verbal reasoning testVerbal reasoning is required for analysis and interpretation of written and oral information; preparation of written documents; preparing and delivery of presentations. The Verbal Reasoning Test measures the ability to evaluate the logic of various kinds of arguments, and emphasizes understanding, using and evaluating verbal information rather than language usage, spelling or grammar.

Numerical reasoning testNumerical reasoning is required for analysis and interpretation of numerical data; budgets; costs; margins; trends and statistical analysis. The Numerical Reasoning Test measures the ability to make correct decisions or inferences from numerical data.

Inductive reasoning testThe Inductive Reasoning Test measures the ability to recognize, understand and use the patterns that underlie the presented information. This is critical to a variety of tasks and competencies such as learning, analyzing new or undefined problems as well as innovation and creativity. The test requires you to work out the rules underlying sequences of information.

Checking testClerical checking is required for monitoring of visual displays; checking the accuracy of data; locating the data entry errors; reviewing files; records & other documents to obtain information to respond to requests. The Checking test is designed to measure your ability to compare information quickly and accurately.

Calculation testCalculation is required to calculate and check figures for correct entry; mathematical accuracy; issue receipts; refunds; credits or change to customers; quote prices; credit terms & specifications. The Calculation test is designed to measure your ability to add, subtract, divide and multiply numbers quickly and accurately.

Reading comprehension testThis ability is very important wherever candidates will be expected to read, understand and follow instructions, or use written materials in the practical completion of their job. The task involves reading a passage of text, and answering a short written question. The Reading Comprehension test measures your ability to read and understand written materials and is useful for assessment at a range of job levels.

Mechanical comprehension testMechanical comprehension is required in roles such as engineering, production and other jobs involving the understanding of how machines operate. The Mechanical Comprehension test measures the ability to understand basic mechanical principles and their application to devices such as pulleys, levers, gears and simple structures.

Management/Executive Scenarios

Scenarios assess managerial judgement at executive, management and graduate levels. It assesses an individual’s ability to evaluate “real” high-level, challenging managerial situations and decide on appropriate and effective ways of handling them. It assesses an individual’s ability to weigh up new challenging situations and to identify or make sound judgements in dealing with these situations. It is not timed, but usually takes approximately 40 minutes to complete.

Personality Questionnaires Occupational Personality Questionnaire

The Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ) is designed to provide information on individual styles and behavioral preferences at work across a range of Managerial and Professional Roles. It is not timed, but usually takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.

Work Styles Questionnaire

The Work Styles Questionnaire (WSQ) is designed to predict key aspects of job performance, by assessing key personality characteristics across a range of manufacturing and production roles. It is not timed, but usually takes approximately 25 minutes to complete.

How do I access the assessment?Once your Cristal HR representative has advised you of the requirement to complete the assessment you will be sent a link. This will take you back into Cristal Careers. You will log in using the user name and password you set up when you applied on line. You will then be taken straight to the assessments.

Should you experience technical difficulty with logging into Cristal Careers or completing your assessments please contact your Cristal HR Representative.

How can I prepare for assessments?Take the time to visit the website http://www.shldirect.com/en/practice-tests/ prior to the assessment to undertake a few practice tests so you are familiar and comfortable with how the online assessment system works. When you complete the assessments ensure you have adequate time set aside and can work undisturbed. You will have multiple assessments to take. They don’t need to be undertaken in one sitting so feel free to spread these across a couple of sittings. When you log back into the system it will take you straight to the next assessment.

We want you to be in a position to perform at your best so hopefully this information has helped prepare you for the assessments.

www.cristal.com