BAT Assessment Tests, Games & Interviews. 2024/25 Practice Guide.

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SUMMARY

Are you applying to BAT 2024/25 internships or graduate programs? Are you exploring a professional job opportunity at BAT? This comprehensive guide is for you.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at BAT across the globe, including the UK and the US.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessment tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process.

Should you practice assessments to prepare for the BAT recruitment process? Many large employers leverage gamified assessments in their recruitment processes (Institute of Student Employers, 2018). A few of these major companies include Unilever, HSBC and RBS.

IN A NUTSHELL

How do you prepare for BAT assessment tests and get the job?

1. Complete your BAT Online Application
   • Fill in your BAT application online
   • Match your application to the BAT leadership capabilities
   • Use their language/keywords from the job post in your resume
   • Tailor the information you provide with the role’s competency needs
2. Prepare for the BAT Online Tests

Understand the BAT Pymetrics game assessments. Learn what they measure, what you need to do, and how long they take. Practice with us today with games similar to those used by BAT.

3. Record Mock Video Interviews of yourself

Prepare for your BAT interview rounds by running mock interviews and answering typical interview questions for the role you are applying for. For BAT interview practice, use the following:

• a smartphone to record yourself
• Zoom or
• Our reliable video interview platform

Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

4. Prepare for the BAT Assessment Centre Exercises

BAT makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment centre to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice for a variety of exercises including;

• Role-play exercises
• Group exercises
• Final Interview

Continue reading to get answers to the following critical questions:

1. What is the BAT recruitment process? 
2. What are the BAT Pymetrics games?
3. How to answer BAT interview questions?
4. What is the BAT assessment centre?
5. What are BAT graduate programs?

Looking to prepare for your BAT assessments? Simply click on the table below to practice games and interviews relevant to the BAT recruitment process!

The BAT recruitment process has several stages which we break down under the following:

Contents

1. Who is BAT?
2. BAT Online Application
3. BAT Online Tests
4. BAT Interview Rounds
5. BAT Assessment Centre
6. BAT Graduate Programs
7. BAT Assessment Tests FAQs

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

Who is BAT?

British American Tobacco, commonly called BAT, is a British multinational manufacturing company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, tobacco and other nicotine products. Established in 1902, the company is headquartered in London, England.

BAT has operations in approximately 180 countries with several cigarette brands and employs 52,000+ people. Due to the availability of several employment opportunities and competition for roles, BAT screens thousands of applications every year to find the best hire.

Discover the various areas that applicants apply to at BAT below.

Business Areas in BAT

What roles can I apply to in BAT?

BAT operates in several key business areas of the Tobacco industry, each offering various roles and functions. Some of these business areas are:

These are just a few examples of the business areas you could apply to at BAT.

So how do you apply to BAT jobs in these areas? Find out more as we cover the entire BAT recruitment process, starting with the online application. 

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BAT Online Application

How to apply for BAT jobs?

The first stage of the BAT recruitment process is the BAT online application. As a first step, you will need to visit BAT’s official careers website, browse through the current vacancies, and click apply when you find your desired position.

While filling out the online application, you will be required to provide information that covers the following areas:

• Personal information 
• Education and qualifications 
• Contact information 
• Resume Upload
• Additional information, e.g. need for sponsorship, etc.

What are BAT Leadership Capabilities?

BAT has five core values that make up its leadership capabilities and expects all its employees to uphold them. The BAT leadership capabilities are:

1. Bold – Dream big with innovative ideas. Make tough decisions quickly and proudly, and stand accountable for them. Be resilient and fearless to compete.

2. Fast – Speed matters. Set clear direction and move fast. Keep it simple. Focus on outcomes. Learn quickly and share learnings.

3. Empowered – Set the context for teams and trust their expertise. Commit collectively. Collaborate and hold each other accountable to deliver.

4. Diverse – Value different perspectives. Build on others’ ideas, knowledge and experiences. Be open-minded and recognise unconscious bias.

5. Responsible – Ensure the best quality products for consumers, the best place to work for people, and the best results for shareholders. Act with integrity.

BAT will ask you to complete some pre-screening activities, such as the BAT Pymetrics Games, based on the position you apply for. 

Read on to find out what these pre-screening activities are and what they are used for!

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BAT Online Tests 

What are the BAT Online Assessments?

The BAT online tests are online gamified tests provided by Pymetrics and are designed to assess your cognitive, social and behavioural traits. BAT uses the algorithms behind these games to see if you have some of the core traits they look for in the organisation.

How long are the BAT game assessments?

Each of the BAT game assessments takes about 2-3 minutes to complete and it takes about 30 minutes to complete the whole process.

What does the BAT Pymetrics test assess?

The BAT games measure various attributes including:

• Memory
• Emotional Intelligence
• Learning ability
• Attention-to-detail
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Empathy

Below, we highlight key tips that can be crucial to help you pass your upcoming BAT game assessments.

HOW TO PASS THE BAT ONLINE GAME ASSESSMENTS

8 Top Tips to Pass the BAT Online Game Assessments

1. Research BAT and the role you are applying to. This will help you understand the competencies and values that BAT are looking for.

2. Understand what each game is about and the competencies they measure. This helps you know what to do and the actions to take while playing.

3. Practice with game-based assessments that are similar to the BAT Pymetrics games to become more familiar with these types of tests and improve your chances for better results.

4. Find the right time and place to play the games. Taking the BAT game-based assessments in a distraction-free place will help you maintain focus.

5. Ensure that you have a stable and reliable internet connection before you start the assessments. Use the browser and hardware (e.g. laptop, mobile, etc.) as recommended by BAT and Pymetrics.

6. Read the instructions for each of the games carefully. Do not assume you know how it works because you are a pro in mainstream games.

7. Work on managing your time effectively during the assessments and maintaining focus throughout. Practice techniques to help improve your concentration and attention span during the game.

8. Remember to play with truthfulness and sincerity. The BAT Pymetrics games collect behavioural data to evaluate your fit for a role. Your authentic responses help determine your suitability.

If you are successful in the BAT online tests, BAT may invite you for a screening interview. Read all about this BAT screening interview in the next section!

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BAT Interview Rounds

What are the BAT interview rounds?

The BAT interview rounds include a screening and a face-to-face interview. These interviews are used to get to know you better and assess some behavioural competencies. The screening interview may happen over the phone or virtually through Microsoft Teams.

HOW TO PASS THE BAT INTERVIEW ROUNDS

Top 6 Tips to Pass the BAT Interview Rounds

1. Research the position you applied for and BAT beforehand. This will help you determine the required competencies and standard behaviours for the role.

2. Understand the BAT leadership capabilities. This helps you to tailor your answers to reflect BAT’s ethics and work culture.

3. Use the STAR+R technique to answer competency questions. This helps you provide specific examples of your experiences and achievements.

4. Dress Professionally. Research BAT’s culture to uncover the ideal dress code. Wear smart casual attire to showcase your professionalism. 

5. Leverage your experience when giving your answers. Your answers to competency and behavioural questions are more effective when they are backed up with evidence.

6. Practice with common BAT interview questions. You can record practice sessions to review your answers and assess your communication and body language skills.

BAT Screening Interview Questions

Some BAT screening interview questions that are commonly used include:

• Tell me about a difficult situation you had to handle and what was the result.
• Can you describe an experience when you had to work on a team?
• What is your strategy for working under pressure/in a challenging environment?
• How do you work in a group?
• How would you market product X in this current financial environment?

We give an example answer to one of these BAT screening interview questions below and a tip on how to answer them.

TELL ME ABOUT A DIFFICULT SITUATION YOU HAD TO HANDLE AND WHAT WAS THE RESULT

Good Answer:

• Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at XYZ Company, we encountered a challenging situation during the implementation phase of a critical project. The client had unexpectedly changed their requirements, leading to a tight deadline and potential delays.

• Task: My task was to navigate through the changes, ensure the team stayed on track, and deliver the project within the revised timeline while maintaining the quality standards set by the company.

• Action: I promptly convened an emergency project team meeting, reevaluating our plan and assigning tasks based on individual strengths. I established transparent communication with the client to address concerns and clarify expectations. To prevent future issues, I implemented a stronger change management process, including regular check-ins, clear documentation, and team meetings for alignment.

• Result: Our team successfully delivered the project within the revised timeline. The client was satisfied with the project and provided positive feedback.

• Reflection: This experience taught me the significance of adaptability and communication during challenging situations. It also highlighted the need for a proactive approach to change management to ensure project success in dynamic environments.

Watch our brief video below for tips on effectively answering your BAT competency-based interview questions using the STAR+R technique.

If you are successful with the BAT screening interview, BAT may invite you to participate in an assessment centre where you will be required to participate in a few exercises.

Read on to learn what these BAT assessment centre exercises are!

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BAT Assessment Centre

What is the BAT assessment centre?

The BAT assessment centre is the final stage of the BAT recruitment process. It typically involves a combination of activities designed to evaluate the various skills and competencies of selected candidates to determine the best fit for the position.

In the BAT assessment centre, you will be required to complete some or all the following exercises:

1. Role-play Exercise
2. Group Exercise
3. Final Interview

Read on to understand what each of these tasks entails, what they assess, and tips on how to pass them.

1. BAT Role-play Exercise

What is the BAT role-play exercise?

In the BAT role-play exercise, you will be asked to simulate a real-life work situation. You will be assigned a specific role and then paired with an assessor, who plays a client, colleague, or supervisor.

What does the BAT role-play exercise measure?

The role-play exercise assesses several aspects of your capabilities including your communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, professionalism, and customer-friendly skills.

6 Top Tips to Pass the BAT Role-play Exercise

1. Remember the BAT leadership capabilities: This exercise will also assess if you truly understand and embody BAT leadership capabilities for you to be a good fit in the organization.

2. Prepare and Understand the Scenario: Familiarise yourself with the role-play scenario and the objectives. This allows you to tailor your approach to the context.

3. Active Listening and Empathy: Pay close attention to the partner’s cues and actively listen to their statements or questions. This shows that you can understand others’ perspectives, an important trait in collaborative environments.

4. Effective Communication: Communicate your thoughts, ideas, and responses during the role-play exercise. Use language appropriate to the context, avoiding confusion and ambiguity.

5. Gather and Analyze Information: Ask relevant questions to gather necessary information and understand the situation better. This helps you make informed decisions and solve problems effectively.

6. Customer Focus and Professionalism: If the role-play involves a customer or client interaction, prioritise their needs and demonstrate excellent customer service skills as BAT values this.

You may also be assessed as a group in the BAT assessment centre. Read on below to find out more about this exercise!

2. BAT Group Exercise

What is the BAT group exercise?

The BAT group exercise will involve you and other selected candidates paired together to work on a given task to complete. This exercise is often used to assess your interpersonal skills.

What does the BAT group exercise measure?

The specific group exercises may vary but they will typically do the same thing; assess your ability to work in a team as BAT seeks those who are open to collaboration and can build on others’ input/ideas.

6 Top Tips to Pass the BAT Group Exercise

1. Practice Prioritisation: When faced with multiple tasks or decisions during the BAT group discussion, practice prioritising based on importance and impact. This helps ensure that critical aspects are addressed first.

2. Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what other participants are saying. Actively listening to your team members’ ideas and perspectives is essential for effective collaboration and valued at BAT.

3. Contribute Constructively: Offer your input and ideas when appropriate. Be constructive in your contributions and support your statements with reasoning or evidence. Being open and reasonable is a set standard for BAT employees.

4. Balance Leadership: If the exercise allows for leadership roles, consider taking on a leadership role or assisting the leader. However, also be willing to follow and support the team’s chosen direction.

5. Stay Calm and Positive: Maintain a calm and positive demeanour throughout this BAT exercise, even if challenges arise. Positivity and composure can contribute to a more productive team dynamic.

6. Respect Differences: Respect diverse viewpoints and approaches within the group. Differing perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and valuing people is one of BAT’s ethics.

Watch our video below to learn more about what to expect in your BAT group exercise!

3. BAT Final Interview

What is the BAT final interview?

The BAT final interview is used by BAT to get to know you better and for you to get to know them. The interview covers a range of topics but also often references BAT’s leadership capabilities.

The BAT final interview is also a great chance for you to find out whether the company and role are a good fit for you and your career ambitions.

EXAMPLE BAT FINAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Some BAT interview questions you could be asked at this final stage include:

• Why do you want to work for BAT?
• Tell me the benefits you can bring to our organization.
• What was the most exciting part of your previous work?
• What do you expect from the company?
• What are the negatives and positives of working with you?
• Talk about your strengths and weaknesses.

HOW TO ANSWER BAT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS?

Top 6 Tips to Pass the Final BAT Interview

Consider the following 6 tips to answer questions during your final BAT face-to-face interview.

1. Practice beforehand. Always practice your answers before your interview. practice your answers in front of a mirror or with friends until your flow and delivery are impeccable.

2. Tailor your answers to the BAT leadership capabilities. Demonstrate how you align with the company’s ethics and culture.

3. Leverage your experience when giving your answers. Your answers are more effective when they are backed up with evidence. Consider using the STAR+R method to structure your answers.

4. Keep your answers simple. Overall, the recruiters are just trying to get to know you better, regarding your skills and behaviours, and assess how well you would fit in at BAT.

5. Demonstrate good body language as your tone, responsiveness, and attitude are being taken into consideration by your BAT assessor too.

6. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the role, the team, and BAT as a whole. This demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement in the position.

Below are some questions you might consider asking in your BAT face-to-face interview:

1. What are some of the role’s challenges?
2. How do you measure success and what are your expectations for the first 6-12 months?
3. What do you enjoy about your job?
4. Are there opportunities for professional development?
5. Is there anything about my resume that concerns you?

Discover 5 more important questions you could ask in your BAT face-to-face interview with our short video below:

And….that’s a wrap on the BAT recruitment process! If you are successful in the process, BAT’s team will contact you with their decision.

While you’re here…

Don’t miss the captivating range of entry roles and graduate programs that await you at BAT.

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BAT Graduate Programs

What are BAT graduate programs?

BAT provides career opportunities for graduates and students, offering them a supportive beginning through proper guidance, valuable experience, and mentorship.

BAT opportunities available for graduates and students can be split into two different categories;

1. Graduate Program
2. Internships

1. BAT Graduate Programs

What are the BAT graduate programs?

The BAT graduate programs allow recent graduates to experience the learning, pace and rewards that come from working in a competitive business. These programs will have you contributing ideas in a real job and develop your potential through world-class training.

The BAT graduate programs offer openings in several business areas such as marketing, finance, operations, research & development, human resources, etc.

BAT Graduate Programs Eligibility Criteria 

1. Education: A recent graduate with at least a Bachelor’s degree in a course similar to the business area you are applying to.

2. Experience: The professional experience requirements may vary depending on the role. Some roles may ask for professional experience as an equivalent to a degree in the same field e.g. Management Trainee.

3. Duration: This varies depending on the role/opportunity. Some BAT graduate programs last between 18 – 24 months.

4. Locations: BAT operating countries including the UK and the US.

5. Applications: BAT graduate roles are made available on the company’s careers website as required in their various global offices. The graduate positions are typically opened a few months before the program starts.

2. BAT Internships

What are the BAT internships?

The BAT internships are open for talented, intuitive minds to help keep the company at the cutting edge. BAT interns become key contributors to the business and are rewarded with exciting, fast-paced career growth.

BAT recruits over 600 interns annually across all its business areas in over 50 locations.

BAT Internships Eligibility Criteria

1. Education: The academic requirements may vary depending on the role. Some BAT internships take only students or only graduates and some take both.

2. Experience: This may also vary depending on the role. Some may prefer a former internship experience and others may require no specific professional experience.

3. Duration: Between 6 to 12 months or more.

4. Locations: BAT operating countries including the UK, the US, and France

5. Applications: BAT internships are made available on the company’s careers website as required in their various locations. The internship applications open a few months before the program starts.

With that, we’ve covered all you’ll need to know about the BAT recruitment process, BAT Pymetrics games, and programs you could potentially apply to.

But wait!

Before you start your BAT application and game assessments, explore our FAQ section below for more answers about the BAT hiring process.

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BAT Assessment Tests FAQs