In this IBM assessment centre guide, you will be able to access coaching videos, practice tests, inside information and tips that would immensely help you pass and ace the IBM assessment centre.
Starting-point resource
- Get a hold of this IBM assessment centre practice test here.
Get a copy and download our Ultimate Assessment Day & Interview Guide here. It comes with tips, insider-secrets and tricks which will help you succeed.
About IBM assessment centre guide
We have received numerous requests to create a guide for candidates who will be undergoing the IBM assessment centre. The reason behind this is the IBM assessment is grueling long and challenging and numerous candidates have difficulty passing it.
So, without further ado, let us now get started.
IBM assessment centre overview
What should you expect in taking the IBM assessment centre?
The IBM assessment centre is composed of the following:
- Group exercise 1- Logic
- Group exercise 2 – Case study
- Confirmatory IPAT Test
- Paired Team exercise
- Individual communication exercise
- An interview and/or Presentation
Yes! These are a lot but even though IBM has a tough reputation when it comes to their assessment centre, these tests are pretty standard. Also, you will have to take into consideration that most big corporates now use this type/s of assessment as part of their recruitment process.
Before we dig deeper and look into each element of the IBM assessment centre, let us check a short video from IBM UK with some of the successful candidates and tips on how to succeed.
How to Succeed in Group Exercises
IBM’s assessment centre focuses heavily on group exercises. This is why it is important that you perform well in this area.
- How do you get noticed?
- How could you appear as a team player and still shine and show leadership skills?
- What are the qualities and behaviors that the assessors are looking for?
To learn all about these, read our Group Exercise Success Guide and listen to our podcast on Group Exercises.
Once you are done, come back and continue to read our guide to help you enhance your chances in succeeding.
Group Exercise 1- Logic
You will be split into groups of 5 to 7 members each. Each group will be observed by at least 3 assessors whom will be assigned to 2 candidates each.
They will not participate in your activity and will remain silent all throughout the 30-minute exercise. They will evaluate your performance and take notes.
Your group will be asked to make a decision about a given scenario or event. You will be provided with background information for you to use in coming up with a decision. Take note, you will have to explain how and why you came up with such decision and conclusion.
3 important tips for this part of the IBM assessment centre:
- Read the brief to the rest of the group. This will show that you are assertive and has the drive to be a leader of the group.
- You could also offer to be the timekeeper to ensure that the group stays on track. This is a non-aggressive way but it will surely make you a part of a central figure in the discussion.
- Ensure that you read the brief carefully and thoroughly. With nerves you could miss a lot of important points and could misinterpret the brief!
IBM group exercise 2- Case Study
You will be assigned to the same group as the first exercise. Since you already have a chance to meet the other candidates you already have the idea on how they perform. If you felt unhappy with the first exercise, do not worry. In this exercise, you will have the chance to improve and show the assessors your skills.
- The exercise will last for 30 minutes
- You will be asked to plan for an event for a would-be client
- Information will be provided to you for you to be able to analyze and contribute to your planning.
- You will also be given the chance to question your client for 4 minutes.
It is important that you choose your questions wisely as the assessors would look into how you question your clients.
Tip! Open questions are solid gold
One good question to ask is “if we were having this conversation a month after the event, what has to have happened for us to feel that the event was a huge success? Tell us what your dream solution looks like.”
Take note that the assessor or “client” will be shy about sharing you the information and you will need to be able to get it out from your client. The question mentioned above would certainly get you all the important details and it will help your group to be able to work on it.
You will be assessed the whole time based on the company’s core values. One of which is client focus and we shall expound on this later.
Your group will then present your plan to your client. Take in mind that the timing and responsibilities must be clear.
Tip: Try to volunteer to provide the final summary. This will gain you more points.
IBM assessment centre video
Check the video below. In this video you will learn what IBM’s HR team is looking for in group exercises.
The confirmatory IPAT test
During the earlier part of your application, you would have completed the online version of this. You will do this again however in hand written and shorter version. Calculators are not allowed in this part of the test and you only have 22 minutes to complete the whole exercise. In this test, you will need to revise your skills. To help you with this, check some of our guides below:
Paired team exercise
After lunch, the afternoon session would start with role-play exercise. You will be partnered with one of the candidates and you will have to internalize all the information given to you. The secret here is to plan your idea during the 20 minutes provided to you to prepare. After 20 minutes both you are your partner will be asked to role-play. The assessor will be acting as your client and you and your partner will be acting as representatives of IBM.
When you plan, remember to consider the input of your partner since this test is a 50-50 split.
Tip: do not spend too much of your time on how best to pitch it but rather ensure you have a clear idea of your role play. The usual mistake of candidates here is they spend too much time in deciding the Big Idea and not have enough time left to discuss how they will present the Big Idea.
Role-plays could be scary but do not worry you could improve your competence and confidence. Check our Role-Play Success Guide, Role Play Podcast and Role- Play Masterclass.
Interview and/or presentation
The last exercise is either doing a presentation or an interview. If you will present you would be allowed to research and prepare before your assessment event.
If you will be interviewed, the hiring manager will be basing the questions from your CV. S/He will also base all the elements on the IBM core value competencies:
- Adaptability
- Client focus
- Communication skills
- Creative problem solving
- Drive
- Passion for IBM
- Taking Ownership
- Teamwork
Action point: for preparation, set aside 60 to 90 minutes for your IBM assessment centre. Think of examples from your experiences which would show your competency. Ensure that in your example, do not forget to mention the outcome.
The interview that is based on competencies are often formulaic. Thus, you must communicate your answers taking into consideration the competencies formula.
Learn more about the core values and recruitment process of IBM through their site career here.
Learn about IBM’s history and your role
This is very important. If you want to work at IBM, you will have to learn everything about IBM as they could ask you about this. We recommend that you spend about one hour to learn about the history of the company.
Check the video below to learn more on what IBM looks for in candidates.
Review IBM’s annual report
Spend at least 1 hour to go through the company’s annual report
- How is the company’s performance as of the moment? Net profit? The turnover?
- In what areas they are growing and which areas they are shrinking at.
- Is the market up or down and in what areas?
- How are their competitors’ performance?
- What are IBM’s aims and their goals in the next 5 to 10 years?
The biggest and most common mistake that the candidates usually commit is they fail to see the big picture. Remember, during your assessment centre, you will need to impress your interviewers by having an understanding of the big picture metrics. Also, it would be more impressive if you are able to discuss these with confidence.
Prepare questions for your interviewer
At the end of your interview, you will be given a chance to ask some questions. We understand that it could be a very long and tiring day and it is tempting to just say no thank you, however, it would be better if you would ask at least 3 to 4 questions. This would make you look and sound interested in the job you are applying for and in the company itself.
Behave with confidence
Confidence is the key in assessment events including IBM’s assessment centre. Be positive and take this as your chance to shine and show what you could do for the company.
If you are nervous, read our guide on “how to cope with nerves at your assessment centre.”
Fine tune and go through your CV before you submit and go to your IBM assessment centre.
Ensure that you know everything about what is in your CV. You would definitely be asked about your CV in detail. This includes your previous roles and why you left them. Be sure that you are prepared for this. Remember, your CV will be the basis of your interview.
Update your CV before your Interview
One of the biggest mistakes when going to your interview is not improving your CV. Here’s why:
- Update your CV before the interview event and take with you a fresh, newly and improved version. One that is tailored to the job or role you would want.
- In interviews, one of the basis of your interview will come from the information on your CV. No matter the interview is competency based or no. You will have to answer the questions based on your CV.
- Your CV is one of the basis in the hiring decision process. It is your CV that they look at when they decide whether to hire you or not.
The CV is the one that reminds the hiring manager of what your skills and experiences are and what happened during your hiring process. Aside from that, your CV is also your first and last impression. With this, we remind you to make your CV as strong as you could.
Final advice:
One of the most important tip is to be prepare before you go to your IBM assessment centre. Here are three action points that you must do:
- Practice IBM assessment centre test here
- Read our guide on how to prepare for an assessment centre.
- Read our guide on group exercises success