BAE Systems Assessment Tests, Recruitment Process & Interviews Online Preparation – 2024

What Is BAE Systems?

BAE Systems is a British multinational defense company. It is the largest defense company in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Based in London, England it has a presence in 40 countries including the United States, Australia, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia.

BAE Systems employees are skilled in the areas of supply chain and logistics, business development, strategy and planning, finance, manufacturing and maintenance, project and program management, engineering, intelligence, and other skilled professional positions. The company boasts a workforce of almost 90,000 people. In addition to the experienced hires in its ranks, BAE Systems also offers graduate scheme opportunities and thesis work.

BAE Systems is a military-friendly company, and many of its hires have prior military experience. They are proud of their commitment to diversity in hiring and have been recognized for their disability inclusion, LGBTQ-friendly practices, and their commitment to veterans. As a company that encourages diversity and a focus on the future BAE offers benefits that include:

• Medical and dental coverage
• Investment programs
• Employee assistance
• Text-based therapy
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave

What Is BAE Systems’ Hiring Process?

BAE Systems starts its hiring process online. Search for open positions by country to find the opportunities near you. When you find an opening that interests you, apply online. You will need to create an account to submit applications. Creating an account allows you to check the status of any applications you have submitted, and save jobs for further review.

If your application passes the initial review you will move to the next step. You will be sent a link to complete some assessment tests. You will need to take these within a certain timeframe that will be specified in the email you receive.

Some candidates will need to perform a video interview. This will consist of pre-recorded questions. You will have a few minutes to answer and record your response.

If you have been impressive to this point, you will be asked to schedule a virtual, telephone, or in-person interview. The format of your interview will depend on any restrictions that are in place, as well as your proximity to the planning manager. Some BAE teams may be split between several locations.

If you make it through all the initial pre-hire steps you will have one final hurdle. You will need to pass a background check for a security clearance. Clearance checks are highly detailed and may take some time to complete.

Graduate Recruitment Process

If you are interested in a position in the BAE Systems graduate program, there is some variation in the way selections are made versus traditional hires.

You will first be required to fill out an application. Timing is essential since there are limited spots, and the first capable candidates to apply are the ones who will be selected.

As part of the screening process, you will be required to take psychometric screening tests. The tests are given online and will test reasoning ability, as well as some psychological traits.

Finally, you will be invited to an assessment centre. At the assessment centre, you will participate in group exercises, in-tray exercises, and an interview.

The group exercises may include discussions, and individual participation will be noted. There may be some problem-solving tasks, as well as games. These are all used to determine the candidates who work the best with others, and who possess leadership potential.

The graduate Systems Interview will be your first and only face-to-face contact with a recruiter. You will need to demonstrate your competence and leadership ability. Highlighting your experience and skills will help you stand out.

BAE Systems’ Psychometric Tests

There is a wide variety of jobs at BAE Systems. Since these jobs encompass different skill sets, there is variation in the online tests you will be asked to take. Graduate program applicants will be asked to take SHL tests, engineering prospects will be given cut-e tests. There may be other variations in the tests based on the position level and other factors. The SHL and the cut-e are the tests most candidates will encounter, and other tests will have similar formats.

Graduate SHL Test

• SHL’s Numerical Reasoning Test – This assessment is made up of 12 questions. These questions will increase in difficulty as you go along. You will only have 17 minutes to complete the test. You can use a calculator and scratch paper to help you.
  The test is designed to show how well you can work with numbers, make correct calculations, and apply them to solve a problem. You will be working with charts or tables, and each one will relate to two of the problems you will need to solve.
• Calculation Test – This test focuses purely on solving problems. You will need to solve for the missing variable in each question. This section has a 10-minute time limit in which to solve 20 questions. You will be allowed to use a calculator on this portion of the test as well.

Cut-e Engineering Test

This cut-e test is based on deductive reasoning and is geared towards candidates who have applied for engineering positions. It is made up of three sections:

• Numerical Ability Test – In this section, test-takers will need to make deductions based on tables and graphs. There will be six charts containing the numerical information you will be working with. There will be 37 questions, and you will need to be able to determine which chart you will need to use to answer each question. You will have 12 minutes to determine if questions are true, false, or if there is not enough information.
• Engineer Verbal Reasoning Test – This test is a similar format to the Numerical Ability Test. You will be given verbal information separated into 6 tabs. You will need to figure out which tab has the information you need to answer the question. There are 49 questions on this portion of the test. You will have 12 minutes to decide if the questions are true, false. Or if there’s not enough information to tell.
• Logical-Deductive Reasoning Test – You will only have 6 minutes to complete this test. The format is similar to a sudoku puzzle. You will be shown a grid with objects that only repeat once per row and column. There will be one empty space, and you will need to deduce which object is meant to go there.
• Situational Strengths Test – This is a variation of the situational judgment test. You will be presented with several workplace scenarios. The attributes and personality traits that lead you to make certain decisions will be evaluated based on your answers.

How to Prepare for BAE Systems’ Assessment?

To stand out against the competition, you need to be prepared for the psychometric tests. These are often where people misstep, and coming in having practised gives you an edge. Practice your deductive reasoning skills. You can do this using crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and online apps designed for cognitive function. A large part of the exams focus on deductive reasoning and logic, so sharpening these skills is key.

Being able to handle performing mathematical functions quickly is also an asset. Practise working with graphs and word problems. Since you will be working under a time limit, you need to be comfortable making estimations and answering questions quickly.

Preparation also includes having your workspace planned out. Set yourself up in an area where you will be undisturbed. Make sure your internet connection is strong. Have paper, a pencil, and a calculator handy if you are allowed to use them. A stress-free work area allows you to focus and helps achieve higher test scores.