I just wondered what people thought of PA's policy of giving everyone, regardless of grade/seniority, ability tests such as numerical and verbal reasoning as part of their recruitment processOn one hand, it offers a standardised way of assessing people. However, do you think it puts off senior people who are likely to have qualifications and experience that indicates they are adept at numerical and verbal reasoning? I don't think I'd consider PA as an employer as this ridgid policy might indicate the ways of working in the company. Also, I think the recruitment process is 2 way and simply filling tests does not tell me anything about PA other than their policy for recruiting.Be interested to hear your thoughts.....

It isn't their only way of assessing staff- it is part of a whole, 2 way process.And if by indicative of how they work you mean they are intolerant of people thinking they should be able to hide behind their seniority, hell yeah.

I agree that, if you assess ability, you should do it across grade/experience. However, past work experience is surely a better predictor of future performance than a generic test?? I think it's a great way to assess graduates as it tests raw ability. However, wouldn't it be much better to use case studies or the like to challenge someone with experience?? If ability tests are to be used, presumably it's just to ensure candidates achieve a certain standard??Just asking so, don't get too defensive :0)

They do use case studies- and structured interviews,and informal cahts with existing employees. If you never got past the test stage... that'd be why they use the tests

THanks for the info. I haven't actually applied for PA as the ability tests put me off - just finding 2.5 hours in a day to go along and do them was difficult enough!