The Aon G.A.T.E (Global Assessment and Talent Engine) evaluates candidates through aptitude, behavioral and ability tests to assess if they would excel in a role.

What Is the Purpose of the G.A.T.E Assessment Test?

The test results are compared to other candidates, from which a shortlist is made of those with the results that fit the company and the specific job role best. Those who score highly will be ranked more positively in the hiring process, while those who fall below the pass rate will lose their place in the hiring process.

Who Uses These G.A.T.E Assessments?

More than 10 million people take these tests annually; for companies such as Burger King, Coca Cola, EasyJet, BP, Adidas Group, Tesco, Marriott, Deloitte, Vodafone, Colgate, and more. Companies that use the Aon G.A.T.E are often very competitive, therefore it is important to be as prepared as possible if asked to take this test. Candidates do not need to be overwhelmed or worried about the tests if they are well revised. This article will look at the tests’ contents and will offer advice on how to prepare and pass. The test is also offered in a variety of languages. The tests come in three main topics to test to measure competency and personal attributes:

1. Aptitude Test

These tests are adaptive, so the next question is based on your previous answer. This means candidates are being assessed on the level that is best suited for them. The aptitude tests can be separated again into three areas:

Verbal Reasoning

This assesses the ability to draw conclusions from written information, such as a news article, email or a list. This test is normally short, commonly 15 minutes long, including instructions. A candidate can prepare for the verbal reasoning test by reading and editing written material as much as possible. When sending an email, read it back and edit any errors, or read the newspaper and digest the articles. Example Question:

  1. How many beef burgers were sold in August? The test is commonly 15 minutes long with instructions. Mock tests will help you learn to think in the best way for this test. Example Question: This test is also 15 minutes long, with instructions. Practising your math skills and doing online mock tests is the best way to practice for this assessment. Example Question: 3, 5, 9, 15, 23, ? a) 30 b) 33 c) 28 d) 40

Situational Judgement Test

Situational judgement tests look for how you would react in different, usually work-based, scenarios. These tests are not timed, and there is no right or wrong answer. However, the employer is looking for the candidates that most fits its company ethos and organization. Therefore, the scoring will vary from company to company. Tips to prepare:

Research the company Look at their stated objectives and ethos Consider how their unique selling propositions (USPs) interact with these If possible, read employee forums for insider information Mock tests will get you used to the format

Example Question: Which of the following actions would you choose to deal with this situation? a) Direct them straight back to their original representative b) Say you will call back and talk to your manager c) Try and discuss with the customer, and then seek advice from management if needs be The test consists of more challenging situations in which the candidate must show how they would respond. These questions are generally job specific.

3. Personality Tests

Skills can gain a person a job, but sometimes their personality and character can lose them it. Companies like to assess the character of a person to see how they will fit into the company’s fold. Some jobs require the confidence to work independently; others are customer-facing, so the candidate needs to be skilled at clear communication. For a more in-depth look at the use of personality tests in the workplace, read this WikiJob article on personality testing.

ADEPT-15

This test looks at the person’s natural attributes and characteristics to see how they would behave in a certain position. It is untimed and measures six styles and 15 personality traits. As this is not timed, it is advised that people consider the questions thoroughly and answer honestly. To prepare, you can research the company to see the type of personalities that fit well there. But, ultimately, answering the questions that truly fit your personality is best in the long run, otherwise you may end up in a job that makes you miserable, which highly contributes to burnout. Example Question: What do you do?

Shapes

This test also looks at behavior at work, with more of a management focus. It is formatted differently to the ADEPT-15 test: a number of statements are given and the candidate needs to rate each on the six point scale if they agree or disagree. Example Questions:

I work better in a team and prefer that to working alone. 1-2-3-4-5-6 I am not good at talking on the phone. 1-2-3-4-5-6 I have a good system for handling workload. 1-2-3-4-5-6

For example, if the position is for a customer service role, the company is going to be looking for someone who is good at talking on the phone. If the candidate revealed in the personality test that this was a weakness, they would get marked down.

How to Prepare For the G.A.T.E Tests

There are a few ways potential candidates can prepare themselves for the individual tests, but here are some main points to consider and take on board for all the assessments: Try to do as many before your assessment as possible, especially the timed tests. This will help with panic in the real tests and worrying about time, and also give a wide variety of sample questions. Any areas you are struggling with can then be revised in plenty of time. Ensure it is somewhere with a strong internet connection and no distractions. Make sure you have a good night’s sleep and try to do the tests at a time of day where you feel you concentrate more. Researching the company for which the individual is applying to is vital, but try to be as honest as possible in the tests, and not just answer what you think the company will want you to. Use online resources to practice and help as much as possible before the tests, and try and relax.