IBM Assessment Tests

Careers at IBM

If the idea of working to develop and apply innovative technologies – such as AI and machine learning – in a dynamic business environment appeals to you, then IBM should be on your shortlist.

IBM employs top talent in its product, services, security, research, and IT infrastructure fields. There are roles in consulting, technology, design, and sales. Opportunities exist across the spectrum for school leavers, undergraduates, graduates and experienced professionals.

Becoming an ‘IBMer’ is, however, a competitive process as demand for vacant roles is high. IBM seeks new talent that fits with its strong company culture. The core IBM values are:

• Dedication to every client’s success

• Innovation that matters (for the company and the world)

• Trust and personal responsibility in all relationships

IBM is consistently highly recommended by its employees, who express strong satisfaction with the company’s culture and values along with its work-life balance. Current job opportunities can be explored via the IBM Careers website.

The application process for IBM is multi-stage and tailored to the company.

After logging an initial application, candidates are required to sit the unique IBM cognitive ability assessment, known as the IPAT. There is also an assessment center stage, which consists of rigorous individual and group exercises.

If successful at the IBM assessment center exercises, applicants are invited for a final interview.

The application process evaluates candidates on IBM’s eight core competencies: Adaptability, Communication, Client Focus, Creative Problem Solving, Drive, Teamwork, Passion for IBM and Taking Ownership.

You will need to consider when and how you have displayed these in previous instances in your educational or professional career, as well as solidly conveying your competency during tests and observed tasks.

Each stage in the application process is broken down into further detail below.

IBM online application

The first stage of the application process is to submit an initial online application form. Before you apply, it is recommended to join the online IBM community, registering your areas of interest so you can receive relevant IBM career information.

You will need to create an IBM account to lodge an application. The initial application requires your personal details, education history, work experience and a CV.

It may seem brief and simplistic, but there is a second more expansive application form required after you have completed the psychometric testing stage.

IPAT Cognitive Ability Assessment

The IPAT Cognitive Ability Assessment consists of psychometric tests designed specifically for the IBM recruitment process: a numerical series test and a numerical reasoning test.

The numerical series test requires candidates to look at sequences of numbers or symbols and select the next or missing item. There are 20 timed questions to answer.

The numerical reasoning test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions covering mathematical topics such as ratios, percentages, fractions, algebra and conversions. You have two minutes and fifteen seconds to answer each question, adding considerable time pressure.

IBM’s aptitude testing round also includes a cognitive ability game to test your problem solving, and a learning agility assessment to scrutinize your ways of learning.

The IPAT test is considered to be of a greater level of difficulty than other online aptitude tests, so preparation through practice tests is even more crucial.

IBM application form

Once you have passed IBM’s online aptitude tests, you will be invited to submit a full application. This second application form covers your motivations: for working in your chosen area, and for choosing IBM.

You will be required to answer a series of questions on your skills, attributes and motivation. These questions aim to reveal your level of familiarity with IBM and what you would bring to the company if selected for the role.

IBM assessment center

The IBM assessment center is a comprehensive and challenging stage of the recruitment process, consisting of multiple rounds of individual and group tasks. All the assessment stages are timed.

An assessment center is an opportunity for the IBM recruitment team to observe how well you collaborate with others to deliver results. There are two group exercises: one focused on logical reasoning, and the second discussion-based.

Ensure that you actively participate in the group tasks, displaying your skills whilst allowing space for the opinions and input of others to be heard.

Candidates are required to sit an IPAT verification test, to confirm the grade of the result achieved when previously sitting the test at home. The verification consists of taking the IPAT test for a second time.

You will be asked to deliver a presentation. This will, however, be pre-prepared due to the already extensive list of tasks to complete in the day.

There is also a written exercise, where candidates are required to write a response to a case study. Well-structured, persuasive responses outlining clear recommendations to the client are sought.

Candidates will also have the opportunity to convey their skills and competencies during an interview.

IBM final Interviews

If you impress at the IBM assessment center, you’ll be invited to attend a final interview round, which will be competency-based.

It will explore your CV and second application form answers regarding your motivations in greater detail. It will likely be with a senior manager and last an hour.

Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is recommended to ensure you strongly evidence your skills. Prepare by thinking of personal examples to illustrate each of IBM’s eight core competencies.

There will also be an element of commercial awareness required to answer some of the interview questions. Prepare by researching IBM’s past, recent and planned work in your chosen field and form opinions, comments, or observations to offer to the interviewer.

It is also sensible to prepare one or two considered questions to ask at the end of the job interview.