Mechanical Aptitude Test
Mechanical Aptitude Test
(OP)
Does anyone know of a mechanical aptitude test that could be given to applicants for a job requiring ability to trouble shoot and inspect equipment?
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RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Check w/ a local community college or psychologist
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
That's difficult to answer without knowing wht the "equipment" is. (Agricultural, scientific, heavy industrial, musical, ???)
... but what could be better than actual problems with the equipment in question.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
http://www.att.com/gen/careers?pid=9245
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
CoreBlimeyLimey,
The equipment is for a tree service, which has truck mounted man lifts, saws, tools, etc. So we are talking mechanical, hydraulic and I assume light electric troubleshooting. The applicant hired would also work in the field supervising job foremen.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
BK
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Are there any major problems you face everyday that you could water down, for the purpose of an interview?
Or have a failure from the past that you could have the person look over and see how quickly they know the failure mod? (I had this in one interview, and thought it was really good and practical)
I would advise against, emailing them a bunch of problems and asking them to complete them on a specific time, with out using resources –or something like this. The results prove to be inconclusive and there is a high potential to rule out the honist person who may not know it off the top of his head but can learn it really fast.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
http://www
Software For Metalworking
http://mrainey.freeservers.com
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
- I think it's some kind of engine.
- Well whoever drew that balancer shaft got the gear teeth wrong - they don't mesh.
- Steve
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
We have had 4 new people come and go in the last 4 months because of the failing drug tests... and we just got another new one today...
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
http://www
test. I think some of the electric circuit nomenclature tests were a bit unfair on a humble mecheng guy. Still, at least I passed.
- Steve
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
I saw this approach being used by an international firm in hiring new technicians. We had a female accounting clerk who applied for a job with this company for a job as a technician. She and I had built several Heathkits and while doing so I had taught her the proper use of each tool.
In her aptitude test she was asked to replace a small motor in a piece of equipment. On the table were several tools including a small screwdriver. To get to the motor she was required to take off a cover held by several large screws. She looked at the screws and the available screw driver and without hesitation see opened the tool kit and retrieved the proper screw driver for the subject screw. At this point the tester told her she had the job.
After this incident I convinced our maintenance superintendent that this would be a good approach for future mechanics trainees instead of the current on the job evaluations. Our resultant program including several different tool scenarios, the screw driver, box end wrench vs the open end or adjustable wrench on a rounded nut, etc.
The second stage testing after there was a short exposure to some safety rules, like anything over 12 volts get an electrician, when in doubt get the manual, etc.
The third stage was for people who professed some proficiency in certain areas. For the ones who said hydraulics, there was a valve body where one was ask to change out a cartridge valve. The valve body was extremely dirty. Part of the test was to see if the first step was to clean the area where the valve was to changed.
None of the initial testing was to see if they could do a specific task rather if they had the basic understanding along with the proper approach to a job like the use of tools, safety, instructions, etc.
Anecdotal
The person mentioned above went rapidly up through the ranks and retired from upper management.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
96%
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
About half the questions had an error of some sort in them.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
It requires both dexterity and patience... if that's what you seek.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Greg, if half of the questions had errors how did you get 92% right? Does that mean you picked the wrong answers on purpose?
ISZ
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
eg the air going into an engine's cylinder.
is it sucked in by the piston, or pushed in by atmospheric pressure?
Perfectly correct answer: something else, since if the VE is >100% then neither of those two mechanisms can explain it.
etc.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Mind that is a general problem, often you have to answer the question that the interviewer examiner meant to ask, rather than what they actually asked.
Cheers
Greg Locock
SIG:Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
You also have to wonder how mechanical aptitude relates to knowing that oil floats on water!
ISZ
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Granted this test would be a first step but I would want a little hands on prior to committing resources for training and find out the applicant is not suited for the job.
I have known and believe you have also known numerous outstanding mechanics that I don't believe could score the 80 required to pass this test.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Tripped by the fan.
Manometer question. I think I was right but eh.
Gear train naming. Mixed two. Didn't like my answer anyway.
BTW That was fun!
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Matching the drive ratio name to the proper image requires knowledge of specific terminology which I long ago forgot.
The planet gear question could have been worded more clearly.
Piston question…. marginal.
They got me on the fan question.
It was fun though.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
The wording of some questions was vague to say the least.
I will take this to work and see how the lads do at it.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Trouble shoot and inspect equipment, and it is an on site supervisory job.
So presumably this guy will not be rebuilding whole engines or hydraulic pumps on the bench with his own two hands? Just trouble shooting in the field. And as it is supervisory position, he should have had some prior experience in this field.
I would try to get some cut away or exploded drawings of the type of equipment you use, and start asking questions. What does this bit do, what would be some of the things you would check for a particular problem.
In another approach, ask about hobbies and outside interests. If he has a home workshop and tinkers around with vehicles or machinery, that would have to be be a plus.
If his fingernails are completely clean, be VERY suspicious.
RE: Mechanical Aptitude Test
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com