This specialist set of psychometric tests are unique to eJobs Financial Planning and have been designed in conjunction with Russ Wesley, CareersMultiList's experienced Occupational Psychologist specifically to enable us to assess the mental capacity of both prospective and existing Para-planners. They can be used for individual Candidates or for entire Para-planning Teams.

Taking around 75 minutes to complete, Candidates are given, a High-Level Abilities Assessment (looking at their Verbal, Numerical, Clerical Checking and Spelling), a full Personality Profile Questionnaire, plus a Values and Motives Questionnaire. They are suitable graduate 'entry-level' Candidates, more experienced Para-planners, Managers and above.

It is possible to distinguish a number of attributes that successful Para-planners have, including having good administration, analytical and customer service skills. Generally they have higher cognitive abilities (especially, verbal, written and numeric), particular values and motives, plus emotional stability.

These are just some of the attributes that we assess in this test battery, which provides a more independent tool for a Candidate's suitability, over and above that which can be gleaned from resumes, reference checks and at interviews.

1. High-Level Abilities Analysis

Verbal Reasoning

Measures basic vocabulary, verbal fluency and the ability to reason using words - appropriate for all clerical and administrative jobs that require a basic level of verbal ability.

Numerical Ability

Measuring the ability to use numbers efficiently in clerical and administrative contexts, this test assesses the ability to perform such tasks as calculating travelling expenses, working out the unit pricing of goods etc. Consequently, it will be useful for assessing existing and prospective clerical, secretarial and many office related positions.

Clerical Checking

This test assesses the ability to quickly and accurately check verbal and numerical information (names, addresses, code numbers and telephone numbers, etc) against a target. A classic speed/precision test, this assesses the ability to quickly and accurately code data, a skill which is essential for most clerical positions and customer service roles.

Spelling

Assessing the ability to correctly spell commonly misspelt words, this test provides a quick and reliable measure of the candidate's ability to spell accurately.

2. Personality Profile Questionnaire

To measure a Candidates personality we use the '15FQ' questionnaire - a modern alternative to the 16PF. Specifically, this questionnaire measures the fifteen personality dimensions assessed by Cattell's original 16PF, with the exception of Factor B (intelligence) due to the difficulty in assessing mental ability using an un-timed test. This factor has been replaced with a more robust measure assessing an individual's level of confidence.

The 15FQ also measures personality factors more reliably using up-to-date and occupationally sensitive items. Whilst having all the advantages of 16PF it avoids the problems of low reliability and face-validity associated with many of the 16PF scales.

Comprehensive Report

This Personality Profile includes a report on:

• Interpersonal Style
• Thinking Style
• Coping Style
• Team Role Behaviour & Preferences
• Leadership Style and Fit
• Subordinate Style and Fit
• Career (Occupational) Orientation
• Strengths and Development Areas
• Validity Measures
• Potential Strengths
• Potential Development Areas

3. Values & Motives Questionnaire

This is a normative self-report questionnaire which profiles the motivating forces that are likely to determine the amount of energy or effort that a Candidate is likely to expend in particular activities. When used as part of an assessment battery for selection, development, guidance and team-building it can assist in directing individuals into areas where they are likely to gain most satisfaction and make the greatest contribution.

What the Values and Motives Questionnaire Measures

The scales have been selected not only for their relevance to the workplace, but on the basis of a thorough review of those values which have been identified in previous research as being important determinants of behaviour in the work setting.

The questionnaire covers three broad areas: Personal, Interpersonal and Extrinsic. Personal values are those which could guide an individual's decisions in respect of everyday problems; Interpersonal values are those which influence an individual's approach to relationships; and Extrinsic motives are factors which effect their behaviour in the workplace.

Cost: $495 + GST per Candidate tested.