What are game based assessments?

Game-based assessments evaluate a range of competencies. In particular, cognitive skills (e.g. numeracy, working memory, problem solving). Also, the cognitive component of behaviours. For example the emotion recognition component of empathy.

They are based on decades of psychological research. Hence game based assessments are used to predict job performance in a similar way. Since, game based assessments mimic tasks successfully used in traditional psychometric assessments.

Game based assessment tips

  • Before playing each game, check which cognitive skills are being assessed.
  • Remember that many data points are collected in any game based assessment. You need to collect as many assessment points as possible.
  • The provider’s instructions will advise what you are expected to do. So, follow these instructions carefully.
  • You will most probably be taking the game based assessment on your mobile phone. So, you need to get into a focussed mindset.
  • Ensure your environment as quiet and disturbance free as possible
  • Finally, that is the level of detailed info that gamified assessments can measure.
  • Remember game based assessment companies aim to collect 1000’s, if not 10,000s data points about you and your performance.

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How to Prepare for a Game-Based Assessment

In a game-based assessment, you’ll play a series of short games.

  • In a game-based assessment, you’ll complete a series of short games designed to measure skills relevant to your job role.
  • Each game takes approximately 3 minutes to complete and comes with its own instructions. Some of the games may remind you of “brain-teaser” type games. Just like your video-based assessment, you can complete the games whenever, wherever.
  • You might notice that the challenges you need to solve resemble those in traditional assessment – just in a more engaging, game-based format. At the beginning of each game, you can see a summary of the skills that are being assessed.

Preparing for Video-Based Assessment

As you prepare for your video-based assessment, consider these tips. If some look familiar, this is because they are applicable to any interview situation. The same tips that help you succeed in a traditional interview will also help you succeed in a video-based assessment.

  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the role you applied for
  • Be familiar with the different types of interview questions, and come into the assessment with approaches in mind for responding each type.

Common types of questions you’ll see in a video-based assessment are:

  • Situational judgement questions.
  • Scenario-based simulations. The key difference between this type of question and a situational judgment question is that you’ll act out your response, rather than explain it.
  • Past behavior questions.

Unlike a typical interview, you can complete a video-based assessment anytime, anywhere. You should take advantage of this. Be sure to take your assessment during the time of day you feel sharpest and most alert.

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Video based interview tips

These are our top Video Interview tips.

  • Firstly, remember that many of the good practices you’re familiar with for face-to-face interviews will still apply. In particular you will need to dress smart and to appear well-groomed. Also, ensure that you maintain eye contact as much as possible with the camera.
  • Secondly, answer the video interview questions as concisely as possible. Make the most efficient use of the time available for each question. There will be a countdown timer, so use it as your guide!
  • FInally, show some consideration for your video interviewing company. If it is a reputable, research-driven video interviewing company (such as HireVue) there will be software analysing your changes in facial expression and body lanaguage. Plus, content analysis softward to analyse your interview answers.

Video Interview Q&A

Q: Can I study for a video interview?

A: Aside from traditional interview preparation, there is no way to study for a HireVue video-based assessment. HireVue does not work with any third parties to provide “training” or “preparation” services.

Q: Do I need to maintain “eye contact” with my camera?

A: A video-based assessment analyses thousands of factors. One little expression or individual factor makes very little difference in the overall score. Do what feels most natural to you.

Q: Who will see my interview?

A: You should also remember that if you pass the assessment, your video interview will be reviewed by recruiters and hiring managers.

Q: Does a video-based assessment look for “keywords”?

A: Typically, a video-based assessment considers the whole context of a response, not just certain words here or there. The same sort of evaluation happens in a video-based assessment. The key difference is that you can verbally describe the action you would take, rather than shoehorn your approach into one of several given options.

Video-Based Assessment Intro

In a video-based assessment, you’ll respond to a series of interview questions on your computer or smartphone. The entire experience is on demand: you can complete the interview whenever, wherever.

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For example, for some customer-facing jobs, your interview may contain a question about how you would respond to an angry customer and you would be prompted to respond by recording an answer on video as if you were addressing that customer. In job roles such as these, your empathy, friendliness, and ability to address the emotions of the angry customer are critical.

We advise you to be aware that the employer will be able to see what is in the background of your video. While most video-based assessments take under 20-30 minutes to complete, you should set aside 45 minutes to stay on the safe side.

Game based assessment design books

Game-Based Assessment Steps

There are several steps you can take to prepare for a game-based assessment:

  • While some game-based assessments last only 7 minutes, others may last 15-20. You should set aside around 30 minutes of distraction-free time to stay on the safe side.
  • Game-based assessments often require a high degree of concentration and focus. So, take your assessment at a time when you are most awake and sharp. Most games require a high degree of focus; you’ll be most successful if you take your assessment when you are most alert.
  • Read instructions carefully. Make sure you understand what the game is all about before you start playing. The rules are simple and intuitive, and it might be tempting to just start. But reading the instructions is worthwhile.
  • Give yourself a breather between games. Take a second to relax after each game, so you can begin the next game fully refreshed and focused.

Game-Based Assessment Tips

Before you start playing each game, you are provided with instructions to explain what you are expected to do. The game then starts with some easy levels so you can get used to the game format and task, before levels increase in complexity.

Finding a distraction-free area is one of the most important steps you can take to succeed on a game-based assessment.

Most tasks are mentally challenging, but the game format is easy to follow and interact with. Presenting our assessment challenges in a game based format allows us to make them as engaging as possible, and to motivate you to perform at your best.

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Designing GBA Digital Assessments

Rob Williams Assessment Ltd specialise in designing bespoke digital assessments.

A key part of any assessment project is identifying the most important criteria for successful performance. We can help you apply the assessment techniques that business psychology has shown to be the most effective for selecting high job performers. Rob Williams Assessment can advise you on the products that best fit your requirements.

Having worked for many of the UK’s leading consultancies, Rob Williams has extensive experience of assessment for recruitment and for development.

Game-based learning design is a speciality of Rob Williams Assessments and our sister site, www.schoolentrancetests.com Learning through games is fun. Plus, effective game based learning design amplifies learning.

Well-Designed Game-based learning

Well-designed game based learning provides an engaging and authentic environment designed to keep practice meaningful and personally relevant. With simulated visualization, authentic problem solving, and instant feedback, computer games can afford a realistic framework for experimentation.

Another key feature of well-designed games that can enhance learning and motivation is is adaptive difficulty levels. The Russian psychologist Vygotsky argued that the best instruction hovers at the boundary of a student’s competence.

Optimal ‘flow’ is another name for this phenomenon. But what is this flow’ construct? It’s an optimal experiential state that involves complete immersion in an activity and a deep sense of enjoyment. Flow represents full engagement, which is crucial for deep learning.

Below we list useful links to not only game-based learning but also game-based assessment. Whether for education or in the world of business.

Game-based learning
Game based learning specialists

Since 2017 we have been leading the psychometric test design input to the MindX design team for their game-based learning assessment (GBA) tools. This has continued since the HireVue takeover of the MindX company in May 2018.

The digital assessment supplier Hire Vue, with their cutting-edge cognitive ability mini-game tests, is the leading worldwide supplier of game-based assessment. For entry talent, for graduate assessment and for more manager assessment.

Brexit effect on children. Hello in different languages.

Game based learning

The popularity of video games has drawn researchers’ attention in the exploration of the possibility of  using video games to enhance knowledge, skills, and other personal attributes.

The idea of using games for serious purposes other than entertainment is called game-based learning. Advocates of game-based learning argue that well-designed video games represent solid learning principles. A fair amount of research shows that game-based learning is at least as effective as nongame conditions, such as class- room contexts.

Game-based learning design

In addition, when game-based assessment is designed following a principled design framework such as evidence-centered design or cognitive design system, the assessment is likely to have high validity and reliability.

Game-based assessment is essentially performance-based assessment. Tasks that require students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills by working through a task.

Game-based learning design

Brexit effect on children. Football stadium

Video based Assessments for Graduates

GBAs are becoming a core component of many graduate recruitment recruitment schemes. For example Accenture, Deloitte and Unilever’s graduate recruitment schemes.

An Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Rob Williams is a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working and designing tests. He is also the author of five psychometric test design books and has worked for the leading global psychometric test publishers including SHL, Kenexa IBM, MBTI, CAPP and SOVA Assessment.

MindX – Entry Talent Sifting

The digital assessment supplier MindX, with their cutting-edge cognitive ability mini-game tests, are a leading UK supplier of game based assessment for entry talent.

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How should you conduct your HireVue video interview?

Remember to:

  • Keep your camera steady
  • Have your head and shoulders positioned square on to your camera
  • Rest your camera on a flat surface
  • Ensure that the room where you are conducting the interview is well-lit.

Our digital skills training resources

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