The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is responsible for scientific research within the Australian Government. The agency works with leading organizations worldwide, has nearly 6,000 employees, and partners with over 4,000 industry and government agencies.
CSIRO strives to solve the most significant challenges through science and innovation, and at the heart of this mission are the company values:
Further Together: CSIRO employees believe they achieve more when they work together than on their own. Employees strive to collaborate and partner with others across disciplines and boundaries to create unique solutions.
Making it Real: CSIRO does science that has a real impact. They seek employees who are curious, adaptive, and entrepreneurial.
People First: The safety and well-being of people is the number one priority of CSIRO. They strive to create a respectful, inclusive, and caring environment.
Trusted: CSIRO employees trust each other and hold each other accountable. They strive to remain objective and fight misinformation with facts.
What Is the Recruitment Process at CSIRO?
Online Application
The first stage of the hiring process at CSIRO is the online application. This will include a form where you will provide your contact details, educational history, and past work experience. You may also upload a CV detailing your qualifications and how they relate to the position you are applying for.
Initial Interview
Candidates who pass the application screening will graduate to the initial interview. This 30-minute phone or video conversation will focus on your qualifications and career interests. They will likely confirm the information you entered in your application and ask for more details about specific skills or experiences you listed.
Because CSIRO is focused on employee well-being, they also offer flexible working arrangements, including flexible start times and remote options. While you can change your arrangements throughout your tenure at the company, CSIRO will want to know your desired starting arrangement.
CSIRO Aptitude & Personality Tests
CSIRO may also ask their applicants to complete one or more online assessments. These won’t be required for every position, but aptitude and psychometric exams are great pre-employment evaluation tools. How well you do on these tests is an excellent indicator of how you will perform on the job.
Here are a few exams that you should prepare to take in case you encounter them during the recruitment process:
Situational Judgement Test (SJT): The SJT will assess your workplace behaviour by asking you to select the most appropriate response to a simulated scenario.
Verbal Reasoning Test: The verbal reasoning exam will assess your ability to understand written information by asking you to interpret and answer questions about text passages.
Mathematical Reasoning Test: The mathematical reasoning exam will assess your ability to apply mathematical concepts, perform basic calculations, and interpret data from graphs and tables.
Logical Reasoning Test: The logical reasoning test will examine your ability to analyze information and develop logical solutions.
Skills Test: You may also take a skill test specific to your position. For example, if you are applying for a software engineer position, you may need to take a coding test.
Job seekers who do well on the various assessments will complete a final interview with at least one hiring team member. This competency-based discussion will focus on your past workplace behaviours, accomplishments, and goals.
You’ll also want to use this time to ask any remaining questions about the role or company to ensure that the position fits you.
How to Prepare for the CSIRO Assessment?
CSIRO is looking for capable candidates who fit well with their current team. Doing well on the various online assessments will show the hiring team that you are a good fit for the position.
Resources such as online practice tests that provide sample questions and solutions are excellent for studying. Using these preparation tools will boost your confidence and score on the exam.
