IBM Assessments

Prepare for the IBM recruitment process with tailor-made practice materials.

Getting A Job At IBM

IBM is a globally recognised technology company, with a base in New York and offices in over 170 countries. IBM calls its employees to do things never done before; to push the boundaries of technology to solve the world's common problems.

Employees at IBM talk about a great work-life balance and the opportunity for remote work, with additional benefits, including health and wellness facilities and insurance packages. It is because of this that jobs at IBM are highly desirable and applications are competitive. The recruitment process consists of several stages where candidates are asked to complete application forms, multiple tests, tasks, activities, and interviews.

IBM Values

IBM considers itself to be an inclusive, forward-thinking company. It recognises the importance of work-life balance and describes itself as a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world. IBM values transparency and trust and promises to listen to its employees to help shape its development.

In the wider community, IBM takes corporate social responsibility seriously, with initiatives in education settings, retired and veteran communities, and the environmental sector. IBM uses its technological expertise to offer support and learning to minority groups and community groups.

Types Of Roles At IBM

In a company the size of IBM, there is a vast range of available opportunities, an entry-level and intern level, all the way to highly experienced professionals. Professional job roles cover areas such as HR, software development, sales, architecture, health, and safety compliance, and online security. There are also opportunities in banking, finance, and insurance.

Hiring Process At IBM

IBM has a very thorough and rigorous hiring process that helps identify the most promising candidates. Competition for jobs is high, so understanding what is expected of you can give you a head start. It's also worth noting that IBM hires across many regions of the world, so the hiring process may vary, depending upon location.

IBM Application And Pre-screening

The first stage of applying for a job at IBM is to complete an online application. IBM recommends that people also join its Talent Network to register their interest and receive information about job openings. Once you have submitted an online application, it will be screened by real IBM employees, not machines. Staff who screen applications are experts in their field and also experienced in recruitment.

IBM Aptitude Tests

The IBM aptitude test, or IBM test, is an assessment taken by candidates during the recruitment process that evaluates personality traits, qualities, and behavioural responses. IBM uses a range of aptitude tests to select candidates who will fit the culture and ethos of the company. IBM continues its ethos of diversity and inclusion by offering to make any adjustments necessary to make the tests accessible for all.

IBM Cognitive Assessment Test (IPAT)

IBM cognitive ability test is an assessment called the Information Processing Aptitude Test (IPAT) created by the company. The IPAT is a notoriously difficult numerical reasoning and numerical series test that covers topics including measurement and weight conversions, understanding speed, distance and time, ratios and fractions, and basic algebra.

Recently, IBM has introduced questions in the format of fun interactive games that present challenges to solve. The IPAT test has a time allowance of 2 hours and 15 minutes in which to answer 40 questions. The candidate must answer the questions to demonstrate how they learn, solve problems and make decisions.

IBM Online Reasoning Test

IBM also administers other online aptitude tests for a well-rounded view of each candidate. These tests include numerical reasoning,verbal reasoning,mechanical reasoning,situational judgement,logical reasoning and software programming. Applicants are not expected to sit all tests but will be required to complete the tests most relevant to the job to which they are applying.

IBM Other Online Assessments

There are three other online assessments you may be given depending on the role you apply for. A coding assessment presents either a series of coding challenges or a multiple choice test designed to test your knowledge and ability in programming. A video assessment replicates a more traditional interview format and asks the candidate several questions. Responses are recorded on video and used as part of the selection process. Finally, candidates are expected to complete an English language assessment to help demonstrate their level of proficiency in the English language.

IBM Assessment Center and Interview

Applicants who complete the aptitude tests are invited to move on to the next stage in the IBM hiring process: an assessment center. At the assessment center, you might be asked to participate in group tasks or give a presentation, and you will likely be required to attend a face-to-face interview. Interview questions often ask you to explain your capabilities and experience and how you would respond to certain workplace situations. IBM recommends you prepare some questions for your interviewer to make sure the company is a good fit for you, as well as you being a good fit for the company.

What Is It Like To Work At IBM?

According to its workforce, working at IBM is pretty good. The diversity and inclusion programme attracts much praise and seems to play a big part in making employees feel welcome and comfortable.

As well as the prestige of working at one of the world's leading technology companies, employees also benefit from added extras, such as health insurance, a retirement programme, and opportunities to take leave to pursue personal goals.

The staff at IBM even get to use well-being facilities, including sleep rooms, reading areas, mindfulness sessions, and a massage chair. However, as expected at a company of this size, processes at IBM can be clunky and involve red tape and bureaucracy.

Top Tips To Getting Hired At IBM

Prepare For The IBM Interview

IBM interviewers want to see that you are interested in the company. Be sure to have a basic understanding of IBM's position in the marketplace, current projects and clients, and any recent news about the company.

Sample IBM Assessments question Test your knowledge!

Score: /6

Which of the boxes comes next in the sequence?

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E

Imagine you are working on creating an innovative piece of software that can intelligently schedule appointments. This software must account for overlapping schedules, individual preferences, and varying durations. Which of the following would be considered an abstract representation of the problem that needs to be solved?

  • A visualization showing the busiest hours of the work week
  • A list of programming languages ranked by their execution speed
  • A flowchart depicting different scheduling scenarios and their outcomes
  • A historical analysis of user behavior from a similar existing software
  • A bar graph displaying the frequency of meeting lengths

In a system designed to monitor network security, several types of potential threats have been classified. If the pattern of categorization includes variables like threat source, attack vector, payload delivery, and potential impact, what could be a logical next step in strengthening the system's defenses based on the identified patterns?

  • Allocating more budget to the IT department
  • Implementing targeted security measures against the most common attack vectors
  • Redesigning the company website for better user experience
  • Increasing the company's social media presence

Consider a technology used in advanced analytics that identifies trends within large sets of data. The underlying principle involves the extraction of usable information followed by a predictive process that anticipates future patterns. What is the primary logical facet of this technology?

  • Data Storage
  • Predictive Analysis
  • Information Redaction
  • Graphic Design
  • Data Deletion

When adding a gearbox to a handheld electric mixer to adjust the turning speed of the beaters, which mechanical principle is primarily being utilized?

  • Expansion of materials at different temperatures
  • The lever principle, using the handle to increase force
  • Gearing systems to adjust torque and speed
  • Magnetism to hold the beaters in place
  • Gravity to assist with the mixing process

A new cloud service has resulted in an operational cost reduction of 15% for big data analysis. Given last year's expenses were $120,000, what is the projected cost for the current year after the reduction?

  • $102,000
  • $108,000
  • $112,000
  • $118,000
  • $122,000

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IBM Assessments Tips

Understand the Format

Before diving in, get to know the types of questions and the format of the exams. Being familiar with the structure will help you manage your time effectively during the actual test.

Practice Regularly

Regular practice hones your skills and builds confidence. Use Techtest's extensive collection of practice exams to get a leg up on the competition.

Keep Calm and Breathe

Remember to keep calm during the test. Anxiety can impede your ability to think clearly, so practice relaxation techniques ahead of time.

Free Practice on Techtest

Remember that you can take practice tests of these types on Techtest for free. It's a great resource to familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions you'll encounter.

Review and Learn

Always review your answers after practicing, especially those you got wrong. Understanding your mistakes is a key part of your prep journey.

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IBM Assessments FAQs

What are the IBM tests?

The IBM tests are a blend of cognitive assessments, technical skill evaluations, and personality questionnaires designed to gauge a candidate's fit for the organization. They're an integral part of IBM's thorough recruitment process.

Are the IBM tests hard?

The difficulty of IBM's tests can vary based on your familiarity with the topics and test-taking skills. They're designed to challenge and identify the most qualified candidates, so they can be tough.

How do I prepare for IBM tests?

To gear up for IBM tests, nothing beats a consistent practice routine. Lucky for you, Techtest offers a plethora of practice exams tailored to mimic the IBM test environment, giving you a real taste of what to expect.

How long does the recruitment process take at IBM?

The recruitment process at IBM involves several stages and can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the role and how quickly each stage progresses. It's a comprehensive journey to onboard the best talent.

What are IBM's core values?

IBM's core values revolve around dedication to every client's success, innovation that matters for the company and for the world, and trust and personal responsibility in all relationships. They aspire to lead in these domains.