Psychological Testing

The last few months, I have been quietly applying and undergoing testing to become a Firefighter. I have completed the initial entry beep test, online assessments, supervised testing and the physical test. Last week I had a state panel interview, and was notified literally an hour after the interview that the panel was satisfied I was able to progress to the psychological testing stage (the final 'active' stage of the process). Right at the pointy end of the process now.

The testing has 2x parts. The first part is a series of online psychopathology tests. Today, I sat 2/3 tests (because I haven't received the last link yet). The tests are fairly exhaustive and pretty repetitive. I answered over 500 questions (and apparently the 3rd test is just as long).

The second part is a 3hr face to face with a Psychologist in Brisbane. Mine is in a fortnight. I think the online testing outcomes will be used to match with the Psychologists results to determine job suitability. Hopefully, the results come back as 'normal' and 'suitable'! Perhaps they will show that I'm not a narcissistic, misogynist, bigoted pr!ck that some people seem to think I am!

Anyway, the way we think and act may be presented more clearer is we did invest some time to see where we are on the psychology spectrum. There are a plethora of tests on the internet to get started if you want to explore where you sit in society. I'm not talking the nasty silly game type tests - proper developed tests designed for aptitude etc.

The most widely known 'personality' test (personality softens the 'psycho' aspect) is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test: The Myers & Briggs Foundation - Take the MBTI® Instrument

To keep the integrity of the Firefighter tests, I wont post those online, but would like to know if anyone else has done these types of aptitude testing for work positions, and how they progressed to those positions. Would anyone like to share any tests they have done that are readily available online?

pinkboy

 

Good going, I'm sure you'll have done fine. In all the time I've known you, you've been very rational, balanced, focused and ambitious. I'm sure this is what they (and most employers) are looking for.

I did one online one that gives categorized types, it called me an INTJ

 

Yes, completed all that testing. Never did get the results - not sure I really want to know the outcome but it was a long time ago so would be interesting to see what the changes are given I am still in the same job!

Good luck, with the rest of the process, sounds like you've nailed it

 

Did them when applying for grad roles out of uni. 3hr test. It apparently gets compared with everyone who has ever sat the test, those at your level, those in the group you are going to. Apparently the organisation was the hardest to get into.

For other organisations it was full assessment days with group activities etc to demonstrate what you do in group situations as well as a role play with someone from HR and a senior management person...

In hindsight it was over the top to have full day assessments.

All the best

 

I think by the time you get to the pointy end of the selection process - you've already been selected.
In my experience these tests are to find reasons NOT to hire.

 

I once did some psychometric testing but the computer caught fire

 

Whilst I would like to think that is completely true, I have slight doubt. According to people on another prominent (cough cough) forum, there have been instances where people pass, but never get selected for the final medical/referee checks/offer of employment. Operational needs maybe a factor.

I do like your thinking though, and will continue to feel positive even after a long afternoon today!

pinkboy

 

I have done a few of these although not recently. One important thing to remember is that your answers need to be consistent, that's why it's so repetitive, similar questions are asked in a different way. If your answers contradict each other it could be interpreted that your are not answering the questions honestly.
If you have made it this far then you should fine.

 

Some psychometrics have a social desirability bias score built in based upon norms and therefore false/inconsistent responses on key items can raise flags. Just answer honestly

 

In the first few days of an MBA course the school give us the Myers Briggs test, it was great fun as the whole cohort did it together and compared results. I think it is quite accurate, my result fits the profile of a typical accountant ( introvert, risk adverse, analytical, boring, well not the boring part . ), and I happened to have an degree in accounting.
There is lawyer girl who had almost the same profile except she is mix of introvert and extrovert, we became best friends.

 

Been consistent is one of the big things from what I understand. I have only done one for employment and got the position, I just answered honestly. People trying to"beat" the test didn't seem to do well. Maybe they were trying to hide something, I don't know.

Anyway I question the use of these tests and their validity. I remember reading some research about certain ones (can't recall which) were developed for HR departments so they could demonstrate a measureable, scientific and consistent method along with justifying their existence and the need for them. Seemed that the later was achieved but the process and value was questionable.

 

Dear Pinkboy,
I am so glad to hear how you are following your dream!
Keep posting, and keep applying!
It took me years to get into the curse I wanted!

 

Witch doctor? Wizardry? Coven leader? Receptionist (the &itch on the switch)?

 

Good on ya @pinkboy it takes a special person to want to join the firies and polish those fireman's poles

I'm going to take a stab at your motivations to join and it's a personal challenge and exciting job plus giving back to the community ..... Also great roster to continue with other endeavours, reliable pay slip for servicing and pull chicks haha until you pack on the kilos on night shift

You'd be a perfect candidate for a firey. I have a couple of mates and it took a few applications to get in due to the number of applicants. Even getting a transfer is almost impossible. One mate missed out going interstate by having to apply with the punters (couldn't transfer) and missed out by 0.5 marks to get through.
Also with your back ground they'll know you're not signing up for a cushy job for life, the compo and redundancies are huge. An older fiery i know was saying it won't be long till they set limits of service or contact arrangements as to many guys get worn out and break as they get older.

Good on you! Great job and I'm sure you'll push your limits and inspire the other boys and girls

 

EXPECTO PATRONIS

 

Pretty much as above. Plus I'm too ugly for the calendar!

pinkboy

 

Forgot to add good luck!

I know a number of water fairies and they all love what they do.

 

I don't think you will have a problem with the face to face Psychologist ,they would already know who will be sitting in the room a long time before you walk in their door
and how to test someones robustness and if they can see something that would make you break under extreme pressure..Just be honest they would look for people like you
and your skills good luck..

 

Thanks. Same as before, my brother and bookkeeper will do the day to day stuff which they have done longterm anyway.

Even with current repeat business, the business is well sustainable without a huge input from me anyway. To expand, it needs motivation to sell our services - not my greatest skill. Perhaps my brother will do that with the incentives Im creating. He has already built a good rapport with our clients now...he has worked for me for 9+ years.

Plus, Ill be hoping to be posted close by if I get a job offer, so Ill still want to be around and will still be involved. And worst case, Im always only a text/call/email away.

Im not in yet, so lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet. Any more takers for the Myers-Briggs test or any other tests?

pinkboy