Symmetric DevelopmentPrepared by Engin Obucic and Sarah Lobegeiger

God wants men to have well-balanced minds and symmetrical characters.

All the faculties should be called into use that they may be properly developed and that men and women may have well-balanced minds.

A resolute purpose, persistent industry, and careful economy of time will enable men to acquire knowledge and mental discipline which will qualify them for almost any position of influence and usefulness.

Ellen White

Professional Requirements

IQ/Cognitive tests

Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs

The graduates we are looking for are:

• talented, highly motivated and committed to the goals of the department;

• good communicators; • strategic thinkers and practical problem-solvers; • team players; • flexible, adaptable and resourceful; and • sensitive to, and appreciative of, difference and

diversity.

Following are the processes for applying.

Stage 1: Application

Applications for the Graduate Trainee Program should be submitted through our on-line application system. Applications are accepted in March and April each year.

Stage 2: Written Test

The written test comprises an essay question and a cognitive abilities test. The written test is designed to help us assess your written skills, analytical and problem-solving abilities and your general knowledge of foreign affairs and trade issues. The cognitive abilities test enables us to assess your ability to read, understand and analyse written and numerical information, to make logical deductions and to deal effectively with others. Further details about the written test will be provided to short-listed applicants. Following the test, around 100 applicants are invited to attend an interview.

Stage 3: Interviews

Interviews and other selection exercises (psychometric testing and group exercises) take place in Canberra, in July and August.  The psychometric test is not a clinical tool, but is designed to help us assess your suitability for the job. 

If you are short-listed to the interview stage of the selection process, you will need to complete and submit the department's security clearance forms. 

Stage 4: Offers

Offers of employment are made in September.  Successful candidates who accept this offer will then be required to undertake medical and security clearances in September-December.  They will start work in the department the following February.

Examples

Verbal Reasoning

EXAMPLE 1

Cardiovascular disease is so prevalent that virtually all businesses are likely to have employees who suffer from, or may develop, this condition. Research shows that between 50-80% of all people who suffer a heart attack are able to return to work. However, this may not be possible if they have previously been involved in heavy physical work. In such cases, it may be possible to move the employee to lighter duties, with appropriate retraining where necessary. Similarly, high-pressure, stressful work, even where it does not involve physical activity, should also be avoided. Human Resources managers should be aware of the implications of job roles for employees with a cardiac condition.

A) Physical or stressful work may bring on a heart attack.

B) The majority of people who have suffered a heart attack can later return to work.

C) Heart disease may affect employees in any type of business.

D) Heart disease can affect people of any age.

TRUEFALSEINSUFFICIENT INFORMATION

A) FALSE This does not follow logically from the information given, which does not imply that such work causes heart disease only that it should be avoided after a heart attack.

B) TRUE The text states that over half of heart attack victims can later return to work.

C) TRUE This follows logically from the opening statement that virtually all businesses are likely to have employees who suffer from or may develop, this condition.

D) INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION The passage makes no reference to the age of heart patients and therefore we cannot say

if the statement is true.

EXAMPLE 2

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.

"Teacher,” he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: "

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

A) The teacher in the law is a wealthy man.

B) The Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the same side

C) The victim is the neighbor to the Samaritan.

D) The Samaritan is the neighbor to the victim.

A) INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION

B) FALSEC) FALSED) TRUE

Abstract/Spatial Reasoning

complete the sequence: answer__

complete the sequence: answer__

complete the sequence: answer__

Complete the sequence: answer__complete the sequence: answer__

Recommended Readings:

“Mind, Character and Personality” Vols. 1 and 2www.whiteestate.com

Verbal and Abstract Reasoningwww.kent.ac.uk/careers/tests/verbaltest.htm

Symmetric Development