Mars Incorporated Assessment Tests

Careers at Mars Incorporated

Mars Incorporated is a global leader in the confectionery, pet care, and food industries, with an extensive portfolio of well-known brands such as M&M’s, Snickers, Pedigree, and Uncle Ben’s. As a privately-owned, family-run business, Mars has grown exponentially since its inception in 1911 and currently operates in more than 80 countries, employing over 140,000 associates worldwide.

Mars Inc. offers a world of opportunities for professionals with diverse skill sets and backgrounds, all united by a passion for creating products that consumers love. By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, Mars provides a rewarding work environment where associates can grow and thrive.

This useful guide explains what you can expect from applying for a job at Mars Incorporated and how to ace your Mars aptitude tests.

Online application

Once you decide on your chosen role, you can apply for it online. The process is fairly straightforward - you’ll be required to upload your personal information and work experience that makes you qualified for a role at Mars.

We recommend you understand the responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position and tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize these skills. Make sure to proofread your application materials for grammatical errors, as a polished application demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Initial interview

Once you’ve submitted your online application to Mars, your application will be screened by HR to determine if you meet the minimum requirements. Successful applicants will be invited to an initial video interview conducted by a Mars recruiter and/or hiring manager.

The interview serves as a preliminary assessment of your qualifications and fit for the role. Video screenings generally last between 15 to 30 minutes and focus on basic information about your background, work experience, and career objectives.

You can expect the interviewer to ask some common questions, such as:

• ​​​​​​​Can you tell me a little about yourself?
• Why are you interested in this role/company?
• What are your salary expectations?
• Are you willing to relocate/travel for the position?
• Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you resolved it?

Providing that you answer the questions well and make a strong first impression, you may be invited to take a series of aptitude tests.

Mars aptitude tests

Mars aptitude tests are designed to assess your skills and abilities in a practical and engaging way. You’ll be sent a series of online tests to answer in which your test score will be compared to Mars’s test benchmarks as well as other test-takers. Typically, candidates with the strongest scores are shortlisted which is why practicing tests beforehand can be critical to your success.

Mars does not say who builds its tests, and what you are asked to complete varies by programme, so prepare for the question types rather than one publisher’s house style. Mars’ own graduate pages set out the rest of the process clearly: a recorded HireVue interview after your application, then an assessment centre.

Mars verbal reasoning

The Mars verbal reasoning test assesses your ability to understand and interpret written information.

The test typically presents you with passages of text, followed by multiple-choice questions that gauge your comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

To excel in this test, you should focus on understanding the main ideas, details, and implications of each passage.

One tip for success is to read the questions before the passages, which helps you identify key information more efficiently. Additionally, practice using context clues to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases.

Mars numerical reasoning

The Mars numerical reasoning test evaluates your ability to analyze and work with numerical data. This test usually includes questions related to percentages, ratios, graphs, and charts, requiring you to perform calculations and interpret results.

The format often involves multiple-choice questions with a limited time for each section. To prepare for this test, brush up on your basic math skills and familiarize yourself with common types of graphs and charts.

A useful tip is to practice solving problems under time constraints, which can help improve your speed and accuracy.

Mars situational judgment

The Mars situational judgment test measures your decision-making and problem-solving abilities in various work-related scenarios.

This test typically presents you with hypothetical situations that you might encounter on the job, followed by several possible responses. Your task is to select the most appropriate course of action based on the given information.

The situational judgment test assesses your understanding of Mars’ core values and your ability to apply them in a professional context.

To prepare, familiarize yourself with the company’s values and practice analyzing different scenarios to determine the best course of action. Remember, there may not always be a single “correct” answer, but some responses may be more aligned with the company’s expectations.

Mars Logical reasoning

The Mars logical reasoning test is designed to assess your ability to identify patterns, sequences, and relationships in sets of data.

This test often includes questions related to abstract reasoning, such as identifying the next shape in a series or determining the relationship between various symbols. The format is typically multiple-choice, with a limited time to complete each question.

To excel in this test, practice identifying patterns and sequences in different types of data. One tip for success is to approach each question systematically, breaking down the information into smaller components to make it easier to understand and analyze.

Mars mechanical reasoning

The Mars mechanical reasoning test evaluates your understanding of basic mechanical principles and your ability to apply them in practical situations.

This test may include questions related to gears, pulleys, levers, and other mechanical components, requiring you to analyze diagrams and determine how different elements interact. The format is usually multiple-choice, with a set time to complete the test.

To prepare, review basic mechanical concepts and practice analyzing diagrams to understand the relationships between components. A helpful tip is to visualize the movement of each part in a system, which can make it easier to predict the outcome of specific actions.

Mars Assessment day

Upon successful completion of your aptitude tests, successful candidates may be invited to an assessment day consisting of in-person interviews and group exercises.

Group Exercises

Candidates may be asked to participate in group activities or discussions to evaluate their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. These tasks are designed to assess how well you collaborate with others, share ideas, and contribute to achieving a common goal.

Individual Tasks

The assessment day may include individual tasks such as case studies, role-plays, or presentations, where candidates are required to analyze information, make decisions, and present their findings. These tasks allow the assessors to evaluate your critical thinking, analytical, and decision-making abilities, as well as your presentation and communication skills.

Interviews

Candidates may participate in one or more interviews during the assessment day, which can range from competency-based interviews to more in-depth discussions about your experience, skills, and career aspirations. Interviewers may consist of HR representatives, hiring managers, or even senior executives from the company, depending on the role you’re applying for.

Top Tips To Pass The Mars Test

1. Understand the culture and values of Mars

Familiarize yourself with Mars Inc.’s core principles, such as its commitment to quality, responsibility, and mutuality. Understanding the company’s culture and values will help you better align with its expectations and demonstrate that you are a good fit for the organization during the recruitment process.

2. Practice test questions

The Mars Test may include questions on various subjects, such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning. Familiarize yourself with these topics and practice test questions to build your confidence and improve your performance. Utilize online resources, practice tests, and study guides to hone your skills.

3. Focus on questions you answer incorrectly

Identify your areas of weakness by reviewing the questions you answer incorrectly during practice tests. Spend extra time working on these areas to improve your overall performance. Analyzing your mistakes will help you avoid repeating them on the actual test.

4. Be aware of the test timings

Time management is crucial for success in the Mars Test. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the test format and the time allotted for each section. Practice working under timed conditions to ensure you can complete the test within the given timeframe. This will help you stay calm and focused during the actual test.

5. Revise core problem-solving concepts

The Mars Test assesses your problem-solving abilities, which are essential for many roles within the company. Ensure that you have a strong grasp of fundamental problem-solving concepts, such as basic math operations, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning. Revisit these topics during your preparation and apply them to practice questions to strengthen your skills.