Doing your best in the selection process for the Graduate Development Programme

Linsey ChrismanGraduate Outreach Manager, HM Treasury

The selection process timeline

Online application form

Situational Judgement Test

Numerical and Verbal Reasoning

Tests

Assessment Centres

19 September – 10am 11 November 2016

• Eligibility questions• Basic personal

information• Higher education

history• 2 questions: one

about why you want the job, and one scenario based

Part of the application form – 19 September – 11 November

• Tests ability to prioritise and make decisions, and your understanding of the role and organisation

18 November – 27 November 2016

• Tests ability to understand and use numerical and written information

• Email will give you a link and a deadline

9 January – 9 February 2017

• You’ll know whether you have been invited before the Christmas and New Year holidays

• Assessment centres will include:

– Panel interview– Presentation – Written exercise

Application form questions – what we’re looking for

3

Understanding of what HM

Treasury does

Understanding of the role

Clear and concise writing

style

Give equal time to each

part of question

Give examples as evidence in

motivation question

Situational Judgement TestDeveloped

specifically for us and the role

Read HM Treasury values on website

Read Civil Service competencies (Level 3)

Read my blog post

4

Numerical reasoning test

Don’t panic – maths is generally at GCSE level

• Time limit is the biggest challenge for most • Do practice tests, via your careers service or

online (search SHL tests)• Revise any problem areas using GCSE

revision books• Practise key mathematical operations such as

finding a percentage or a ratio

Verbal reasoning test

• Take practice tests to become familiar with the types of question asked

• Your university careers service or public library will have books you can use to improve your understanding of the tests and question types

• Read the questions carefully as the wording used is important

Numerical and verbal reasoning testsTest strategy

• Ensure you don’t spend too long on any one question – skip if you don’t think you can answer

• Make sure you answer all the questions you can answer confidently

• If you can eliminate 2 answers you should guess

The basics

• You can choose when and where to take the tests so plan ahead

• Ensure you choose a time and place you’ll be able to focus

• Check your internet connection before you start

What happens next?

• Assessment centre invitations will be sent before the holidays

• You can select a date• Assessment centres last half

a day and take place in Westminster

• You’ll receive more information on what to expect when booked in

• You’ll know the outcome within 2 weeks

• Unsuccessful candidates are able to apply again in future years