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Are you applying to IBM 2025 internships or graduate programs? Are you exploring a professional job opportunity at IBM? Find everything you need to pass your upcoming IBM recruitment process in the UK, US and across the globe.
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.
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Should you practice assessments to prepare for the IBM recruitment process? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test 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:
IBM uses a variety of aptitude assessment tests. IBM psychometric test may include:
You may get rejected already after your aptitude tests. These IBM online tests sift out 50-80% of candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.
Prepare for your IBM video assessment by running mock interviews and answering typical interview questions for the role you are applying for. For IBM video assessment practice, use the following:
Our video interview practice platform has predefined competency and industry questions. It mimics the experience you will have in the platforms employers use for interviews (HireVue, Pymetrics, Sonru).
Use the STAR+R method for your answers and practice each answer several times.
IBM makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during its assessment centre to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice a variety of exercises including:
Hone your communication skills as best as you can before the exercises. Research online, prepare and practice presentation of as many business case studies as possible.
Continue reading to get answers to the following important questions:
Looking to prepare for your upcoming IBM online tests and assessments? Simply click on the table below to practice similar tests relevant to your IBM application process!
If you are applying to IBM, practice for all the IBM screening tests stages with our Premium practice package to improve your results and get scores above their threshold.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
The International Business Machines Corporation, commonly abbreviated as IBM and nicknamed Big Blue, is a multinational technology corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York. IBM specializes in computer hardware, middleware, software, and consultancy services ranging from mainframe computers to nanotechnology.
IBM is one of the largest employers in the world. Operating in over 170 countries, IBM employs 288,300 people as of December 2022 and hired around 23,000 people in 2022 according to some statistics.
Being an industry leader in the information technology sector, IBM is active in different business areas and competition for its various job positions is very high.
Discover the range of roles available in IBM in the next section.
IBM is involved and active in almost every aspect of information technology. Below are some of the key business areas and roles at IBM:
Due to the high competition for these roles and positions at IBM, it is crucial to perform well at every stage of the IBM recruitment process.
Now, to excel at the IBM screening tests of all these job roles, you need to make sure that you are aware of the core values of the company to get an edge over the competitors.
Read on to find out what these values are.
The two IBM core values are:
1. Diversity and Inclusion: The company strives to create an environment that provides equal opportunities to individuals of every community, and they provide 9000 career accelerator programs to their employees to promote the same.
2. Innovation and Focus on Change: IBM has the most innovative workforce across the globe. Drawing knowledge and skills from across the world is the source of innovation for IBM.
Good to know: In addition, IBM’s company culture is characterized by; openness, collaboration, and trust. Throughout the recruitment process, IBM recruiters will assess you against these values and culture to determine if you are IBMer material.
Now that you know all about IBM, let’s discuss the IBM hiring process ahead.
What is the IBM assessment process? Read on to find out more about the IBM assessments one by one starting with the IBM application process.
The IBM online application is the first step of the IBM hiring process. During this stage, you will be required to fill in your basic details and upload your resume. The details that you are required to fill in during the IBM application process are:
IBM Online Application Tip: Remember to brush up your CV with keywords from the job description and necessary skills. You only make it to the IBM screening tests if your application stands out from others.
IBM Online ApplicationSource: IBM Careers
For some roles, IBM may include some short and simple questions. When answering these questions, ensure you have researched IBM’s values and culture, tailor your answers to them and keep these in mind as you progress through the different stages of the IBM hiring process.
Watch our short video below for tips on how to prepare for your IBM job application:
After submitting, your application will be read by IBM recruiters who are experts in screening resumes and also specialists in respective business areas.
If your application is successful, you may be asked to complete some IBM online tests as the next stage of your IBM application process.
The IBM online assessments or the IBM cognitive ability assessments measure skills and abilities that don’t emerge in interviews. The IBM skills assessments may be provided by Criteria Corp, However, the test provider may change depending on the job role and location.
There are five main assessments in the IBM online assessment test, however, no role requires you to take all three. The IBM screening tests are:
IBM Online Assessment Tip: The IBM cognitive assessment stage is the opportunity for you to display your expertise, qualifications, and what value you can bring to the role, so prepare for the IBM online assessment tests very well.
Watch our following video to understand the IBM cognitive assessment stage better:
So, what are each of the tests about, and how can you answer the IBM assessment questions properly?
Let’s go through the details of each of these IBM assessments starting with the IBM communication skills assessment.
The IBM English test or the IBM communication skills assessment evaluates your English language proficiency. This IBM English test may include reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence completion exercises.
To help you pass this IBM English test, consider the following tips and tricks provided by our experts.
Get a step ahead for your IBM English test by practicing with our spelling and grammar tests and word-checking tests. Taking these practice sets will improve your English communication skills, and help you understand the passages better during the IBM communication skills assessment.
Next, let’s take a look at another IBM skills assessment that you will be required to take during the IBM recruitment process, the IBM numerical reasoning test.
The IBM numerical reasoning test is an MCQ-based test related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data interpretation, division, multiplication, ratio, proportion, and average. This IBM skills assessment may also include word problems related to time, speed, and distance.
This IBM psychometric test assesses your:
Gain key insights in this under 1-minute video about the IBM numerical reasoning test:
Below, we have provided 5 top tips that will help you ace your IBM numerical test.
Practice FREE QUESTIONS similar to IBM tests, register with GF, and take your FREE numerical reasoning test, or test your numerical skills with this example question below!
IBM-style Numerical Reasoning Test Question Example
Solved it? Check the bottom of the page for the IBM assessment test answer.
This IBM competency test will ask you to extract data from charts, tables, graphs, etc., so ensure to practice understanding these charts and tables through a variety of IBM aptitude test questions. This will help you filter the data you need to get to the IBM assessment test answers.
Looking to enhance your IBM numerical test practice?
Next, let us discuss another key IBM assessment that you may be required to take during the IBM online assessments stage, i.e., the IBM coding assessment.
IBM’s coding assessment is a test designed to evaluate candidates’ programming knowledge and coding ability. If the position you applied to requires some knowledge of programming and coding, you will likely take this assessment.
In the IBM technical assessment test, you will be presented with either a series of multi-choice coding questions or an interface with a coding challenge to solve.
Did you know? For some locations you may face the IBM Hackerrank test as your IBM code assessment. However, the provider for these coding tests may depend upon the job function and the position you’re applying for as well.
Consider some of our tips below as you prepare for your IBM technical assessment test or the IBM Hackerrank test.
Looking to prepare for the IBM technical assessment test?
After the IBM code assessment is the IBM Trait-based assessment which you will be required to take also as part of your IBM assessment process.
The IBM trait assessment is a type of personality assessment that will assess you based on your personality traits and if these personality traits align with the values and culture of the company. This assessment determines your readiness and willingness to adapt to innovation and change.
The IBM Trait-Based assessment measures the following qualities:
Learn more about the IBM personality test and its key role in candidate evaluation with our short video below!
Now that you know all about the IBM personality test, let’s see some tips that may help you prepare and pass this IBM work related behavior test.
Practice using our work-style personality questionnaire, which measures work preferences similar to the IBM work related behavior test.
Another key assessment of your IBM recruitment process may include the IBM Cognify game-based assessments.
The IBM Cognify game-based assessment uses interactive games to measure cognitive abilities in a fun and engaging way. This IBM assessment requires you to play six mini games with a 3-5 minute time limit on each game.
The IBM Cognify game assessments aim to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving, logical reasoning, numerical reasoning, verbal knowledge, attention to detail and emotional intelligence in a dynamic format, departing from traditional aptitude tests.
To know more about game-based assessments, the kind of game assessments used by companies like IBM, and how to ace them, check out our following video:
Check out even more tips to ace your IBM Cognify assessments below!
Enhance your performance at the IBM game assessments with GF’s own practice games.
Now, the next stage of your IBM assessment process will be the IBM video assessment. Read on to find out more about this IBM assessment.
IBM’s recorded video interview or assessment is a video interview that requires you to answer some pre-set questions by recording video responses. Your answers to these IBM video assessment questions help your recruiters to know you better and assess your skills and knowledge accurately.
Watch our short video below to gain more insight into how an IBM consulting video assessment works:
Now that we know what to expect in an IBM video assessment test, let’s check out some example IBM video assessment questions and answers.
Some IBM video assessment questions you might come across are:
Below we cover some tips on how to answer some of these IBM video interview questions and have made our example answers to them. We also provide an example answer using the STAR+R model.
How to Answer: When answering this question, think of IBM’s core values and culture and highlight how your approach to conflict resolution aligns with the company’s way. Emphasize your ability to promote open communication, collaboration, and trust in resolving conflicts.
Good Answer:
When handling conflict, I prioritize open communication, fair hearing, and understanding among the parties involved. I believe in addressing issues proactively and transparently, fostering an environment of trust among team members to enable us to work cooperatively to complete tasks and achieve set goals.
Let’s check out another sample answer to a common IBM video assessment question that you may face during the IBM’s recorded video interview.
How to Answer: When answering this question, it is important to structure your response effectively and highlight key elements of your teamwork experience. Using the STAR+R model to structure your answer makes it easier for you to do that.
Situation
In my previous role as a Frontend Developer, I worked in a team of four when we were assigned the task of improving user satisfaction by remodeling the company’s website.
Task
My primary responsibility was to design and implement the user interface changes and collaborate closely with the UI/UX designer to ensure the website’s visual appeal aligned with the company’s branding and objectives.
Action
As a team, we conducted a thorough review of the website’s current design, carried out a customer survey, and identified the complaints about the current design. Through this, we were able to outline the changes and updates that would be implemented with the new design.
Result
Working in this team taught me the value of collaborative problem-solving, diverse perspectives, open discussions, and clear communication.
Reflection
Practice more competency-based interview questions commonly used during the IBM recorded video interview with our 60 unique video interview sets used across top industries on our video interviewing platform.
To pass the IBM’s recorded video interview successfully, take into consideration the following expert tips and tricks.
Don’t miss our quick video below for more body language tips to help ace your IBM video interview:
If you successfully answer all the IBM recorded video interview questions during this IBM interview process, you will be invited to the next stage, i.e., the IBM assessment centre.
The IBM assessment centre will be assess you based on how you behave and interact in a typical work environment. This final stage is a chance for you and IBM to get to know each other better. The exercises you will likely encounter as part of IBM’s assessment centre are:
Read on to understand what each of the IBM assessment centre exercises entails, what they assess, and tips on how to navigate them.
The IBM group exercise involves pairing with other candidates to have group discussions as well as some other group exercises or tasks. During these exercises, IBM recruiters will observe and assess your teamwork, communication, and decision-making skills.
The IBM group exercise measures the following qualities:
Uncover more about how employers such as IBM assess you using group exercises and how you can get ahead with this video:
Good to Know: IBM uses these group exercises to get an idea of how you would behave in real-world situations and gauge how well candidates perform their job functions while dealing with a common problem.
Now consider looking at the following tips to understand how to prepare and ace the IBM group exercises
Ace your IBM assessment centre with our 10 full sets of exercises including written exercises, presentations, roleplay scenarios and more in our assessment centre prep pack.
After the group exercises, IBM recruiters will likely invite you for the next IBM assessment centre exercise, i.e., the IBM IPAT verification test.
This IBM IPAT Verification test is a numerical reasoning assessment that will give you around 20-22 minutes to solve around 10 questions. The purpose of this IBM aptitude test is to ensure that you possess the same numerical ability that your previous online numerical test results showed.
Good to Know: This IBM assessment will not allow you to have a calculator to perform calculations. Rather, you will only be provided a pen and paper to perform basic calculations.
The IBM IPAT Verification test designed an individual’s ability to reason numerically with information under time pressure conditions and in particular, analyse and solve problems.
Now, to make sure you pass with flying colors in this IBM assessment, besides your practice, make sure to keep in mind our following expert tips and tricks.
Want to practice assessments similar to the IBM IPAT Verification test?
After this, you will be asked to sit for the IBM written assessment as a part of your IBM assessment centre. Read on to find out more about this assessment.
The IBM written exercise will evaluate you based on your writing style, grammar, spelling, business acumen as well as commercial knowledge. You may be required to write a report for the client or draft a detailed email on any topic given to you on the spot.
The IBM written exercise measures the following qualities:
Now, to help you prepare and pass this IBM written exercise, we have provided a list of tips or steps that you may take into consideration.
Get ahead in your IBM written exercise by practicing with our written exercises to uncover how top employers such as IBM assess you through group exercises and written exercises and gain professional tips to improve your performance against competencies.
Another important IBM hiring test that you may be required to take during the IBM assessment centre is the IBM role-play exercise.
During the IBM role-play exercise, you will be given 20 minutes to read, understand, and retain all the information given in a case study. Post that, you will be asked to behave as a representative of IBM, analyze the data given to you, and plan according to the needs of a client.
The IBM role-play exercise measures the following qualities:
Here are some tips and tricks that may help you pass the IBM role-play exercise.
The next important IBM hiring test will be the IBM presentation exercise. Let’s get into the details of this.
The IBM presentation exercise will require you to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on any of the topics such as some software, new technology, etc. The time limit for this presentation is generally around 10 minutes which you must aim not to exceed.
The IBM presentation exercise measures public speaking, time-management ability and presentation skills.
Check out our following top tips to help you prepare for the IBM presentation exercise.
Get ahead in your presentation exercise preparation with GF and discover real experience with how top employers such as IBM assess candidates through presentation exercises and gain professional tips to improve your performance against competencies.
Next, you may or may not be required to sit for the IBM final interview depending on the job role. But if you are invited to this last interview, read on to get more details of this IBM interview process.
The IBM interview process consists of 2-3 interview rounds with the several senior members of your field. This interview generally consists of competency-based and HR questions. The duration of this IBM interview ranges between 30-90 minutes.
Check out some example interview questions previously asked during an IBM interview are given below:
To help you perform well in this IBM interview, here are some easy tips curated by our experts.
Looking to prepare for your IBM interview process with GF?
And….that’s a wrap on the IBM hiring process! If you are successful, IBM will be in touch to let you know and provide you with the necessary information and documentation you will need to begin your onboarding journey.
While you’re still here…
Check out our next section on the graduate programs and internship opportunities that you can apply to at IBM.
IBM offers several early career opportunities for graduates and also offers internship and apprenticeship opportunities for soon-to-be graduates and those who don’t have a degree in the field they are pursuing a career in.
IBM offers the following opportunities for people interested in kick-starting their careers with the organization:
With these programmes, you will discover the perfect launching pad for your career. Let’s delve into them!
The IBM internships are designed to give soon-to-be graduates the experience of what it is like to work in their desired role or field with the company. The program offers real-time experience and growth in skills for the interns across 6-12 months.
IBM internship program offers global entry into most of the organization’s business areas including:
Now to apply to these roles and sit for the IBM intern interview, you must fulfil some basic eligibility criteria that we have discussed below.
Only after fulfilling the above eligibility criteria will you be eligible to sit for the IBM internships test. What assessments does the IBM internships tests include? Let’s find out.
The IBM apprenticeships assessment process consists of the following stages:
IBM Internships Application Deadline: IBM internship roles typically do not have fixed deadlines. Applications close when enough submissions are received or the right candidate is found. Any exceptions with deadlines will be mentioned in the job description.
Next, let’s look at another early career opportunity offered by IBM, i.e., the IBM apprenticeships.
The IBM apprenticeships are an opportunity that allows one to start their career with IBM which is one of the leading information technology companies, and also provides an opportunity to those who are willing to change their career path.
The job functions available under IBM apprenticeships are as follows:
To be eligible to apply to these IBM apprenticeship job roles, you should fulfill some basic eligibility criteria. These eligibility criteria are given below.
Once you are satisfied that you fulfil the IBM apprenticeships eligibility criteria, you will be required to pass the IBM apprenticeship application process to get the job.
The IBM apprenticeship application process consists of the following stages:
With this, we have provided you with all the information required for the IBM apprenticeships. Now, let’s get more information about the IBM graduate programs.
The IBM graduate programs are designed to help recent graduates transition into full-time roles while developing their skills and gaining industry experience. These programs typically combine on-the-job training with formal learning and mentoring.
Various job functions are provided under the IBM graduate programs. These are:
To be eligible for the IBM graduate programs and sit for the IBM graduate program assessment process, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria.
The basic eligibility criteria to be eligible for the IBM graduate program recruitment process are:
And there you have it! Those are the array of opportunities you can consider applying to at IBM to kickstart your career in the Information Technology sector.
However, before you go ahead and begin your IBM application and assessments, check out our FAQ section below to find even more answers to frequently asked questions concerning IBM assessments, interviews, and the IBM hiring process.
IBM’s response time varies, as it’s determined by recruiters and HR after the IBM tests. Typically, expect a response within 1 to 2 weeks.
During the final interview conducted by IBM recruiters, you will be asked questions about IBM and your motivations for joining them to assess your knowledge about the company. You may also expect role-specific questions to test your expertise in your field.
There is no specific timeline to determine how long it takes for your IBM application to be reviewed. However, IBM recruiters review applications as soon as possible and typically send feedback to applicants within a month.
IBM assessments are designed to assess your skill, English proficiency, and various competencies required for the role. While they are not typically meant to be difficult, you will need to practice before taking the assessments to guarantee passing them.
Do you want to pass your IBM tests first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises, and more). Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests. Correct answers to example questions: Numerical Reasoning Test: C
Do you want to pass your IBM tests first time? Sign up for tools offered by GF, the only aptitude practice test experts that provide tests to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Go to GF now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgement tests, assessment centre exercises, and more).
Practise with peace of mind without commitment to a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Correct answers to example questions:
Numerical Reasoning Test: C
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