Getting Through the Psychometric Test

Many graduate employers use psychometric tests as part of the recruitment process. This is what you can expect.

Just when you think you’re finished with tests and exams, out they come again on interview and assessment days in the form of psychometric tests!

Typically used to assess your abilities, aptitudes and personality, psychometric tests may also be used alongside more subjective feedback gained through presentations. In fact, those aren’t the only reasons why employers value them – psychometric tests offer vital level playing fields, and are seen as a fair way of comparing different candidates’ strengths regardless of their educational backgrounds.

However, as with any kind of test, you can improve your performance by knowing what to expect and by practising.

When will I have to take a psychometric test?

Psychometric tests may be used at different stages of the graduate selection process, namely: • After you submit your online application form • Alongside a first interview • At a later stage of the assessment, possibly with a second interview or as part of an assessment centre. You may be re-tested at this point to confirm the results of earlier tests

Types of tests

Ability tests

What are these? Ability tests measure the general skills appropriate to your education and experience. Usually conducted under timed, exam-like conditions, these are often combined with aptitude tests. Examples

• Numerical:

Quizzes of this sort assess your basic arithmetic and ability to interpret data, graphs, charts, or statistics

• Verbal reasoning:

These tests explore your ability to understand and evaluate written information

• Non-verbal reasoning:

Assessments that are geared to reveal your spatial awareness and ability to spot patterns

• Logical reasoning:

Evaluations show off your ability to draw conclusions from basic information

• Problem-solving:

These quizzes determine your ability to identify mistakes accurately Aptitude tests

What are these? Aptitude tests examine your potential to learn a new skill that’s needed to do the job you’ve applied for. They’re typically conducted under the same conditions as ability tests, and most of these involve multiple-choice or true/ false questions.

It’s important to note that aptitude tests aren’t meant to pass or fail you, but to compare your ability levels to a “normal” expectation as chosen by the employer or test provider. Examples • If you’re considering a career in

IT, you may be asked to complete a programming aptitude test • In sectors such as finance, you may find that any numerical and verbal reasoning tests given tend to be focused on the kind of information you would come across in your daily work

Personality tests

What are these? Personality tests assess your typical behaviour when presented with different situations, as well as your preferred way of handling things.

They examine how likely you are to fit into your role and the broader company culture. Recruiters want to know if you have the characteristics they need for a particular job. For example, for a sales role, they may want someone who’s very forward, sociable and persuasive. Tip!

Don’t try to second-guess what you think the employer wants to see! Personality questionnaires assess consistency in responses, so just be honest. If you’re right for the job and the employer’s right for you, you’ll do fine.

However, if the job and employer aren’t looking for people with your personality, think about it this way – you may have just made a lucky escape!

Practise, practise, practise!

The best way to approach psychometric tests are to practise until you become familiar with the typical formats they come in, and the way questions are asked. It’ll also help you to improve on speed and accuracy, and identify areas in your ability tests that need work.

But don’t get over-confident! While practice tests can improve your performance to some degree, remember that each employer’s tests will probably be slightly different.

These are where you can find practice tests: • Simply do a quick Google search along the lines of “free psychometric practice tests” • Drop by your school’s career services and ask if they have some available. They may even have a better idea of the kinds of tests specific employers use