Getting Through Psychometric Tests

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

Just when you think you are 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 are not 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 retested 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 test explore your ability to understand and evaluate written information

• Non-verbal reasoning

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

• Logical reasoning

Evaluation show of your ability to draw conclusions from basic information

• Problem-solving

These quizze determine your ability to identify mistakes accurately

Types of tests

Aptitude tests: What are these?

Aptitude tests examine your potential to learn a new skill that is needed to do the job you have applied for. They are typically conducted under the same conditions as ability tests, and these often involve multiple-choice or true/false questions.

It is important to note that aptitude tests are not 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 are 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

Types of tests

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 is very forward, sociable and persuasive.

Tip!

Do not try to second-guess what you think the employer wants to see! Personality questionnaires assess consistency in responses, so just be honest. If you are right for the job and the employer is right for you, you will do fine.

However, if the job and employer are not 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 is to practise until you become familiar with the typical formats they come in, and the way questions are asked. It will also help you to improve on speed and accuracy, and identify areas in your ability tests that need work. But do not get overconfident! 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