HMRC Assessments

NB/ As well as the below tests the HMRC may ask you to sit similar tests assessing critical thinking and general work style.

Situational Judgement

The psychometric test given by HMRC is known as their sift test but it is very similar to the SJT. This test presents you with a series of challenging scenarios that one might encounter in the workplace and then a number of possible responses to the scenario. You then chose which one you feel is the best way to describe how you would react. As with the rest of the tests you will be timed and so it is important that you read the information properly. It is important to know the company values to ensure your answers are best matched with theirs.

Numerical Reasoning

This comprises of a number of questions to be answered in an allotted time. They relate to graphs, percentages and tables whereby you will be asked to analyse data and chose from a set of multiple choice answers. This is designed to measure your numerical abilities.

Verbal Reasoning

This test comprises of a number of questions to be answered in a set time. You will be presented with a series of paragraphs which you will be required to read and then answer questions. Your options will be True, False or Cannot Tell. This test will be assessing your analytical and comprehension skills.

Diagrammatic / Logical Reasoning

This test comprises of questions relating to sequences of shapes and patterns. In each question there will be a missing step and you will be provided with a number of answers to choose from. These are designed to test your logical reasoning as well analytical and problem-solving skills.

Group Exercise

You will be given a group task, usually involving a meeting or business scenario that you will be expected to provide solutions for within the team. You’ll be assessed on how you perform within the group, whether you show strong leadership skills or better support skills. You must be careful to strike a balance between dominating the group and being too passive.

Presentations

You will be expected to give a short presentation on your experience throughout the day. You will be given time to prepare and will be allowed to take prompts in with you. This will be assessing your public speaking and presenting skills as well as how you perform under pressure during questions following your presentation.

Written Exercise

This exercise is used to test your analytical skills and problem solving abilities. You’ll be presented with information in the form of reports, statistics and so on. You will then be expected to read through it and produce a piece of written work outlining your findings.