The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at GCHQ.
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If you are aiming to apply to GCHQ or have a GCHQ assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.Not sure if you should practice to prepare for GCHQ assessments? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.
A recent study (Bradley et al, 2019) found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers.
In a nutshell:
How to prepare for the GCHQ assessment process and tests to get the job?
GCHQ uses a variety of aptitude assessment tests. These include:
You may get rejected already after these aptitude tests; these tests sift out 50-80% candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.
You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.
Prepare for your two interviews by running mock interviews answering typical interview questions. For GCHQ interview practice, use:
Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (Hirevue, Pymetrics, Sonru). Always record your answers and watch them to develop your interview technique, timekeeping and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.
Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
Complete and submit your personality questionnaire. Ensure you answer each question honestly. Practice with our Work Personality Questionnaire (WPQ) to prepare for your personality questionnaire.
Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:
Looking into assessments with GCHQ, simply use your fingertips or click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!
If you decide to apply for GCHQ, you can practice online aptitude tests with us to improve your results and get scores above their threshold.
1. Online Application and Security Questionnaire
You will need to complete an online application form, and submit a CV along with a cover letter. A security questionnaire will also need to be submitted along with your application. Due to the nature of GCHQ, you should expect to be asked to disclose highly sensitive information.
2. Sift Tests
If your initial application was successful, you will need to complete a sift test. This is a short self-assessment questionnaire designed to assess your suitability for the role. Depending on the role that you have applied for, you may also be asked to complete the preference sift test – a longer personality test that will focus more on your working style and preferences for the GCHQ.
For some roles, no additional testing is required.
3. Numerical Reasoning Test
You will be asked to complete a standard numerical reasoning test.
4. Verbal Reasoning Test
You will be asked to complete a standard verbal reasoning test.
5.Interviews
If you successfully pass the online tests the next stage is an interview. Many roles will require you to attend two interviews. The first interview is a competency-based interview that will include CV-related questions. The second interview is a technical interview based on the technical skills you need for the role you have applied for.
6. Personality Test
Finally, you will be asked to complete a personality test. This will be used to see whether you have the traits required to be successful at GCHQ.
You should receive a response, regarding the outcome of your application, shortly after this stage.
Select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer free aptitude tests with expert reports and progress tracking, so you can improve as you go and increase your chances of getting the job, first time. We also offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgment tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind and without commitment; we offer a full 100% money back guarantee if you do not pass your job
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