Covidien Assessment

[Anonymous]

Just received a link to take an assessment. Does anyone have any tips on what they are looking for? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

It's behavior scale;
you are most likely to agree or not at all.

Nothing there, just the same old type of tests looking for consistencies and inconsistencies.

[Anonymous]

It's behavior scale;
you are most likely to agree or not at all.

Nothing there, just the same old type of tests looking for consistencies and inconsistencies.

Dont take the test as a mere formality. it's designed by an external consultant called DDI, a bunch of PhD's that have zero sales experience but their "model" predicts sales success by how you answer their PhD questions. Result: many expereinced, successful reps actually fail the DDI assessment , while many reps with less experience "pass" the DDI. Point: Leave your real world experience in a bag when you take the DDI, and think abuot the replies in the context of "which answer shows tha I am focisedo n RELATIONSHIP BUILDING?", rather than the ability to discuss features and benefits or close a sale.

Its a standard assessment test...with a twist you don't know about: DDI tells the hiring cmpany who the best candidates would be based solely on the assessment, and nothing to do with a candidates history of sales results or real personality.

I expect this board to get busier when candidates start posting that they are not miving forward due to a negative assessment !

[Anonymous]

I have had the "great" fortune to take this test for several companies and apparently failed since I did not get a call back. So when I received the link to take the test, I answered the questions differently. Pretty much almost the opposite of what made sense to me and WOW I passed it because I received a follow up email saying that they felt I had the skills they are looking for and I needed to finish filling out the application. Now, I am just waiting to hear back.

[Anonymous]

I got a phone screen but no online assessment- have others had a phone call or just the link for the assessment? Was told that the hiring manager would decide whether to call me for a more in depth IV.

[Anonymous]

I have had the "great" fortune to take this test for several companies and apparently failed since I did not get a call back. So when I received the link to take the test, I answered the questions differently. Pretty much almost the opposite of what made sense to me and WOW I passed it because I received a follow up email saying that they felt I had the skills they are looking for and I needed to finish filling out the application. Now, I am just waiting to hear back.

Exactly. See the CSL behring thread for more info.
DDI focuses the test on somethign called "emotional intelligence". There are articles on the net that will give you an idea of why/how they use EI as a predictor of behaviour.

good luck.

[Anonymous]

Exactly. See the CSL behring thread for more info.
DDI focuses the test on somethign called "emotional intelligence". There are articles on the net that will give you an idea of why/how they use EI as a predictor of behaviour.

good luck.

Is the test about building relationships, so you should not "close sales, challenge docs, etc."

[Anonymous]

Is the test about building relationships, so you should not "close sales, challenge docs, etc."

exactly. the questions aren't about the specific sales job but are generic workplace-oriented situations. DDI is building a profile of you based on how you think you would respond in a theoretical setting.

The DDI model presumes that if you can't build a relationship (as based on these questions), then you can't build rapport, and your customer --or teammates -- won't bond with you, so you won't be as successful as the person that has the right relationship skills.

Don't take this poster's word for it: As of this moment, DDI itself is your customer, so do your pre-call planning and due diligence to get a bit more familiar with DDI and Emotional Intelligence before you tune in for the assessment.

[Anonymous]

So, test aside, are they scheduling face to face interviews? Has anyone had one yet?

[Anonymous]

How long does it take to get a response as to whether you passed or failed?

[Anonymous]

how long after you applied did you get assessment? Mine said my resume was being sent to hiring manager and said nothing about assesment. Hmmm. i do have a referral. Maybe I skip assessment?

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your interest in Covidien! We have received your resume and will forward your information to the hiring manager to review. If the hiring manager determines that you are one of the best-qualified applicants, we will contact you to discuss the position.

Your information is now entered into the Covidien resume database. We will contact you if your qualifications match other opportunities within our organization.

Thank you again, for your interest in Covidien.


Did you get this email after passing assessment?

[Anonymous]

I would think phone screen would trump assessment.

[Anonymous]

I know these are not "big picture" things to consider, especially in this economy, but it is important if I have a family of 5 (insurance benefits), etc.

What is the plan? Is it a good one? What type of car choices?

I know, not important in getting a career job, but something EVERYONE wants to know. So please help with a realistic answer.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

I know these are not "big picture" things to consider, especially in this economy, but it is important if I have a family of 5 (insurance benefits), etc.

What is the plan? Is it a good one? What type of car choices?

I know, not important in getting a career job, but something EVERYONE wants to know. So please help with a realistic answer.

Thanks,

a realistic answer would be for you to focus on securing an interview, then winning the job offer, and then exploring the big picture doilies at that point. If ya don't like the bennies, then negotiate for more $ to pay for better insurance etc ...but cripes, you are SO misfocused, as if you would decide to interview or not based on what you hear abot bennies on a message board. Go prove your the best candidate for the job..then negotiate. simple.

o, yes, in reply:

it's a health plan. yes it's a good one.. in fact it's very good, one of the best ever but then again i have nothing to compare to.

the car has 4 wheels. get over yourself.

[Anonymous]

Car choices suck - you get 2 choices, either a Ford Escape or a Subaru Forester. Used to have about 10 choices but cut it WAY down last year. And you have to pay about $80/mo for your car which is also a new policy.

Plan is okay - don't think a single person made bonus on new product launch last year. This years' goals were supposed to be more realistic but we just got them and they aren't. Last year the lucky reps made about $13,000 in bonuses. Many, many reps had to pay back bonus $$ to the company at the end of the year.

Benefits are average....heard they are kind of pricey if you have dependents on your plan.

Overall an okay company to work for. LOTS of new people, especially upper management who are changing some things.

[Anonymous]

I took the assessment one week ago (without doing research first). I have heard nothing. Would you say this probably means I am "out"?

[Anonymous]

a realistic answer would be for you to focus on securing an interview, then winning the job offer, and then exploring the big picture doilies at that point. If ya don't like the bennies, then negotiate for more $ to pay for better insurance etc ...but cripes, you are SO misfocused, as if you would decide to interview or not based on what you hear abot bennies on a message board. Go prove your the best candidate for the job..then negotiate. simple.

o, yes, in reply:

it's a health plan. yes it's a good one.. in fact it's very good, one of the best ever but then again i have nothing to compare to.

the car has 4 wheels. get over yourself.

You Prick. You're a little Hitler aren't you? Can't answer a simple question, without lecturing the person with a snotty high and mighty attitude that would make anyone want to puke on you. Let me tell you something, you self entitled snot nosed brat..theres a whole hell of a lot of out here who have been unemployed for some time now and not because we aren't qualified. We have questions, you don't like then, get the hell of the boards. Don't come on here pontificating about what a job seeker SHOULD be doing, you litte bastard Hitler. Go SHOULD on yourself, fucker. Damn, I bet you are one sick son of a bitch to live and work with. My fantasy at this point, would be to hit you over and over again. Then, I'd like you to experience unemployment for, oh say, about a year. Thats right dick head, try it out. Your false sense of entitlement and importance would for once in your stinking life, go right down the drain. Heres to you, getting yours. Fuck you and your kind.


stfu about negotiating for Gods sake, like who the hell in this business wouldn't know that. God, I'd love to beat you about the head, fucker. Save your lectures for the mental patients you'll be sleeping next to, soon, you swill.

[Anonymous]

You Prick. You're a little Hitler aren't you? Can't answer a simple question, without lecturing the person with a snotty high and mighty attitude that would make anyone want to puke on you. Let me tell you something, you self entitled snot nosed brat..theres a whole hell of a lot of out here who have been unemployed for some time now and not because we aren't qualified. We have questions, you don't like then, get the hell of the boards. Don't come on here pontificating about what a job seeker SHOULD be doing, you litte bastard Hitler. Go SHOULD on yourself, fucker. Damn, I bet you are one sick son of a bitch to live and work with. My fantasy at this point, would be to hit you over and over again. Then, I'd like you to experience unemployment for, oh say, about a year. Thats right dick head, try it out. Your false sense of entitlement and importance would for once in your stinking life, go right down the drain. Heres to you, getting yours. Fuck you and your kind.


stfu about negotiating for Gods sake, like who the hell in this business wouldn't know that. God, I'd love to beat you about the head, fucker. Save your lectures for the mental patients you'll be sleeping next to, soon, you swill.

Wow. Look, I'm in the same situation as you are but we obviously approach things very differently. I have to admit that every time I read a post asking about cars and benefits I hope it's from someone I'm competing against for a job. Companies could not care less about what we want, they have business needs they're paying a significant amount of money for in salary, bonus, benefits and, the majority of what we don't see in payroll tax, SS tax, L&I tax and multiple other taxes. You do have to focus on the interview process, preparation and what attributes you bring to those hiring because they know what they want, its up to you to show them you are what they want. I'm sorry about the anger and frustration, I do understand (no personal income since 12-5-2008, no business income since 6-15-2009) but your attitude may be coming out in interviews and it will kill you. I've made it to the top 2 and 3 candidates multiple times and haven't, obviously, received an offer from anyone but every experience means something new to learn and grow on. Please look for help, church, counselor, whatever you have access to, your anger will kill you. best of luck.

[Anonymous]

I took the assessment Monday and got PI on Friday. Typical HR type questions- not hard.

[Anonymous]

You Prick. You're a little Hitler aren't you? Can't answer a simple question, without lecturing the person with a snotty high and mighty attitude that would make anyone want to puke on you. Let me tell you something, you self entitled snot nosed brat..theres a whole hell of a lot of out here who have been unemployed for some time now and not because we aren't qualified. We have questions, you don't like then, get the hell of the boards. Don't come on here pontificating about what a job seeker SHOULD be doing, you litte bastard Hitler. Go SHOULD on yourself, fucker. Damn, I bet you are one sick son of a bitch to live and work with. My fantasy at this point, would be to hit you over and over again. Then, I'd like you to experience unemployment for, oh say, about a year. Thats right dick head, try it out. Your false sense of entitlement and importance would for once in your stinking life, go right down the drain. Heres to you, getting yours. Fuck you and your kind.


stfu about negotiating for Gods sake, like who the hell in this business wouldn't know that. God, I'd love to beat you about the head, fucker. Save your lectures for the mental patients you'll be sleeping next to, soon, you swill.

I sincerely hope that if you get a job here it comes with professional help. The individual made a clear response that was befitting your question, most especially about the car.

[Anonymous]

What a sad industry this has become when they base F2F on how well you do on an assessment. I took this retarded thing and I am shocked that they even have to ask stupid questions like, "How do you approach a doctor the first time with a new product"
If you don't know the answer to this, you should not be in pharmaceutical sales!!!!!
If I don't get any farther, so be it. What happened to the good old days when you got an interview and you were able to sit and talk to a manager to find out if it was a good fit between the two of you?????? I miss those days . Kiss them bye, bye!!!!!

[Anonymous]

What a sad industry this has become when they base F2F on how well you do on an assessment. I took this retarded thing and I am shocked that they even have to ask stupid questions like, "How do you approach a doctor the first time with a new product"
If you don't know the answer to this, you should not be in pharmaceutical sales!!!!!
If I don't get any farther, so be it. What happened to the good old days when you got an interview and you were able to sit and talk to a manager to find out if it was a good fit between the two of you?????? I miss those days . Kiss them bye, bye!!!!!

DDI sells HR a pakage that shows cost saving stats, success rates,retention rates etc. However, the assessments fail to account for the numerous highly qualified candidates that are excluded that can statisitcially be called " false negatives". HR thinks they are getting only top quality candidates, but not aware that there are also many "false POSITIVES" that get through the assessment.

Oddly, it's a people business and a relationship business, BUT, they screen you out not based on a conversation with a person, but based on the alleged cost savings from doing a questionnaire first. Sucks yes...especially for a salesperson wanting to sell themselves to the screening person..BUT, you're denied that opportunity. In the real world, "NO" is where the real selling really begins but, regrettably, NO is where the process ends with DDI.

If i get a no thanks, I'll simply do my due diligence, and seek out a covidien rep in another division, and have them get me in contact wit ha real person. If i win the job, that person gets referral $. win win, and i do it on my terms, not DDI's. In other words, don't take DDI's "no" as an answer: Find a real person.

Have a good thanksgiving. im tuning out of this stuff for a week or so

[Anonymous]

I have had the "great" fortune to take this test for several companies and apparently failed since I did not get a call back. So when I received the link to take the test, I answered the questions differently. Pretty much almost the opposite of what made sense to me and WOW I passed it because I received a follow up email saying that they felt I had the skills they are looking for and I needed to finish filling out the application. Now, I am just waiting to hear back.

I don't think there is a Pass or Fail on these types of tests, they use the results as a way to interview and if later you are hired as a tool for coaching and training. Just shows areas that we may all need to work at. All their questions seem to always be centered around customer services- relationship type selling.

[Anonymous]

I don't think there is a Pass or Fail on these types of tests, they use the results as a way to interview and if later you are hired as a tool for coaching and training. Just shows areas that we may all need to work at. All their questions seem to always be centered around customer services- relationship type selling.

Wrong. Spoke with a hiring manager in another field. HE said many candidates take the test too lightly as a "sales aptitude" test when it's a "personality aptitude" test. The test scores you in 4 categories, primarily based on the consistency of your answers. Presume you answered "Agree" to "most of my best work goes unnoticed". Then, another question later asks you if you agree or disagree: "My performance reviews are accurate". If you "agree", then THAT creates a contradiction, because you're saying you're performance reviews are accurate, BUT, most of your best work goes unnoticed. The test isn't about a right or wrong answer..it's about seeing the common thread among many of the questions , and replying in a consistent manner. So, consistency of replies is important, and then how those scores fall on a grid to rate you.

[Anonymous]

Does this Co. give you a 'yea' or 'nay' after the assessment? I took the assessment almost two weeks ago and I still haven't heard any response. Of course this probably means they aren't interested, but is this how they handle applicants? Is this how they would want their reps to handle their customers?

[Anonymous]

Does this Co. give you a 'yea' or 'nay' after the assessment? I took the assessment almost two weeks ago and I still haven't heard any response. Of course this probably means they aren't interested, but is this how they handle applicants? Is this how they would want their reps to handle their customers?

That's the irony. DDI prevents people (hiring mgrs and many qualified candidates) from even meeting in the first place,..

[Anonymous]

Hello all!

I too was given this lovely Covidien personality test over email. I took it over a week ago and have not heard anything...so like you others I am sure that is not a good sign. Being a 16+ year sales vetran my answers were true to what I would do, how I would behave and what I believe. If Covidien and DDI don't like my answers then they can GPS (go pound sand..up their ass)!

What is interesting is that if you read everthing that came with this emailed "personality test" it states right in it, very directly and specifically that it will not affect your hiring potential! Read it!!!...its right in there...is states that your results will be kept confidential and that the hiring people at Covidien will never see it and again that it will not affect your ability to be hired!!! Makes no sense, I know!!

Lastly, one big complaint about the test...it stated that it would be timed and that there were several sections....well, I totally rushed through the test thinking that there were many, lengthy sections to come and that the time was for the entire test..ie all of the sections!....you have no idea of know how many sections and the length of these sections. So I went through and answered really fast, worrying that I would run out of time! I was totally upset at the end to discover I had a ton of time left and no more sections to complete, and that you could not go back!...it was so misleading! The directions were not clear and they never told you the total number of questions so you really had no idea if you were on pace or not...think about it! Like any other timed test I have taken, GMAT, etc... you knew where you stood..this test you did not!

For lack of better terms and excuse my french...but this test SUCKED!!!


PS I liked the reader's suggestion of doing research prior to this test...good advice and something I will do in the future. As our job searches continue we learn and grow and something good will turn up. Personally, I can't wait till the tide changes and us the workers have the power again...these companies will pay for how they are treating people!

[Anonymous]

These type test cannot be legally used as the sole hiring decision. They can only be used as one third of the process along with the candidate's experience and personal interview

[Anonymous]

These type test cannot be legally used as the sole hiring decision. They can only be used as one third of the process along with the candidate's experience and personal interview

as another poster stated, this test results in a lot of false negatives (i.e., type 2 errorS) that prevent many qualified candidates from even getting to a phone screen or personal interview. The 16 yr vet above probably looked at each question as a standalone situation, thought about a scenario within his own experience of corporate organizational structure, and answered in that real world context..hoping to put in the "right' answer. Problem is that the testmaker does not provide any clu as to what they are REALLY looking for, which is a consistent reply for the several variaoins of the same question around similar themes. That is..it's driven by PhDs that have nary a whiff of real world private sector or corporate work experience. In other words..its a rorschacht (spelling?) test, but they made the ink blots look like words. The test taker sees the questions literally, striving for "correct" individual answers but the testmaker is looking for something entirely different.

I agree with the vet poster: the questions at end seem to force the testtaker into some kind of compiance that "i agree that this is a fair test". How can anyone know it's fair, when we don't know what the real intent is? But also...wtf with the "would you recommend DDI (testmaker) as a good place to work?".

good luck.

[Anonymous]

Hello all!

I too was given this lovely Covidien personality test over email. I took it over a week ago and have not heard anything...so like you others I am sure that is not a good sign. Being a 16+ year sales vetran my answers were true to what I would do, how I would behave and what I believe. If Covidien and DDI don't like my answers then they can GPS (go pound sand..up their ass)!

What is interesting is that if you read everthing that came with this emailed "personality test" it states right in it, very directly and specifically that it will not affect your hiring potential! Read it!!!...its right in there...is states that your results will be kept confidential and that the hiring people at Covidien will never see it and again that it will not affect your ability to be hired!!! Makes no sense, I know!!

Lastly, one big complaint about the test...it stated that it would be timed and that there were several sections....well, I totally rushed through the test thinking that there were many, lengthy sections to come and that the time was for the entire test..ie all of the sections!....you have no idea of know how many sections and the length of these sections. So I went through and answered really fast, worrying that I would run out of time! I was totally upset at the end to discover I had a ton of time left and no more sections to complete, and that you could not go back!...it was so misleading! The directions were not clear and they never told you the total number of questions so you really had no idea if you were on pace or not...think about it! Like any other timed test I have taken, GMAT, etc... you knew where you stood..this test you did not!

For lack of better terms and excuse my french...but this test SUCKED!!!


PS I liked the reader's suggestion of doing research prior to this test...good advice and something I will do in the future. As our job searches continue we learn and grow and something good will turn up. Personally, I can't wait till the tide changes and us the workers have the power again...these companies will pay for how they are treating people!

Feeling rushed may have caused you to psyche yourself out over it all and missed it, but the on screen prompts were there all along that you could go backwards & review. Een when all the questions were answered you still had choice to review or submit.

Hint: Want to take it again? Here's a little secret: Reapply at covidien, use an initial rather than full name, and make up another email address. If you succeed, the company can only admire your initiative, creativity, problem solving skills, let alone your unique way of overcoming an objection.

[Anonymous]

How can you research taking this kind of a test? It is not like there are questions that would have benefited from studying ahead of time.

[Anonymous]

How can you research taking this kind of a test? It is not like there are questions that would have benefited from studying ahead of time.

A little bit of googling shows you that the ddi assessment is designed to measure emotional intelligence, which means they are looking for how your answers relate to each other across a series of randomly placed objective questions regarding your own highly subjective behaviour

the more you know about how the assessment is structured and what it is looking for, the better you will be at it, even though DDI says "no you can't". Yes, you can, esp if you're consistent with your replies, and not too extreme with agreeing or disagreeing, as those kind of replies may show you to have "extreme" or obsessive attitudes.

[Lighting]

Do you know the names of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply managers in St. Louis, MO?

Many thanks;)

[Anonymous]

Do you know the names of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply managers in St. Louis, MO?

Many thanks;)

Shut up and f.u.c.k. off, stupid. Yeah, we'll sit right down and start listing their names for you.

[Anonymous]

I have had the "great" fortune to take this test for several companies and apparently failed since I did not get a call back. So when I received the link to take the test, I answered the questions differently. Pretty much almost the opposite of what made sense to me and WOW I passed it because I received a follow up email saying that they felt I had the skills they are looking for and I needed to finish filling out the application. Now, I am just waiting to hear back.

How funny! I did the same thing a few years ago after taking test several times for different companies and failing at each attempt. A friend suggested I answer the questions by choosing the opposite of what I would normally choose, and I passed with flying colors. Goes to show just how much I do not have the qualities that make for a successful sales rep. I'm okay with that, and truthfully hate sales. But, the money trumps what I like/dislike.

[Anonymous]

How funny! I did the same thing a few years ago after taking test several times for different companies and failing at each attempt. A friend suggested I answer the questions by choosing the opposite of what I would normally choose, and I passed with flying colors. Goes to show just how much I do not have the qualities that make for a successful sales rep. I'm okay with that, and truthfully hate sales. But, the money trumps what I like/dislike.

In this business, people who hate their job usually don't end up working at it very much. Days become shorter and shorter. I hope you can handle the guilt of cheating for your pay, then the stress when they catch on to you.

[Anonymous]

In this business, people who hate their job usually don't end up working at it very much. Days become shorter and shorter. I hope you can handle the guilt of cheating for your pay, then the stress when they catch on to you.

In the sales business? Or in the business model and sales opportunities at Covidien? There is without a doubt a difference between what I claim to hate and what you describe "in this business", and if I were ever to find myself paralyzed by a job that I disliked so much that I stopped working at it then I would quit before sitting around feeling guilty for "cheating", because I do believe one must work if expecting to be paid.

Furthermore, don't you have to work at this job to make money? And, personally, that is my means to an end in this industry. It's not my ideal career choice, but realistically it is my most viable option at the present, and knowing how to take tests that are based on an average of previous takers based on their performance and their measured traits is one measured trait I have that allows me to perform well in this business.

Thanks for your concern.