CAREER PLANNING MINI-GUIDE
Psychometric Tests
LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
2  PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
what are they? Most large organisations use tests of some type as part of their recruitment process as research has shown that they are the best single predictor of performance. The two main types used are ability (or sometimes called aptitude) tests and personality questionnaires.
Ability/Aptitude Tests These are formal tests designed to indicate how well you are able to carry out various aspects of a job i.e. to show employers your potential to do a task well. The tests can be done on-line or as a paper based test and are usually a series of multiple choice questions taken under strict time limits. Increasingly online tests are used early in the selection process with candidates being asked to sit a similar test in person, should they progress to a later stage of the assessment or selection. The most common tests used by graduate recruiters are: ❙❙ verbal tests - such as verbal reasoning, analysis and word sort ❙❙ numerical tests - such as reasoning, analysis and sequential tests ❙❙ diagrammatic and spatial reasoning - testing your sense of logic and visual thinking and organisation skills ❙❙ specific tests - for example, syntax for computer programming, data checking or mechanics PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS 3
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
How can you prepare for these tests? If you have special requirements it is advisable to declare this beforehand. The organisation may be able to make adjustments, allow you extra time or grade your results more appropriately. Other tips include: ❙❙ Call to ask if the employer will tell you broadly what types of test you will have to complete if they have not given any information. ❙❙ Try as many practice exercises as possible using some of the links below ❙❙ Listen or read instructions carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask if you do not understand what to do. ❙❙ Keep calm, and take a few deep breaths before starting the test. ❙❙ Many ability tests are designed to ask more questions than an average person can answer in the time allowed. If it looks as though you will not finish in time do not worry, just do your best to answer as many questions as you can. ❙❙ Many tests do not take points off for wrong answers. Listen to what the test administrator says or carefully read the instructions given. You should be told if wrong answers are penalised so it would be better not to guess your answer. ❙❙ Make sure you know what you have to do before the test starts. ❙❙ Remember you can go back and consult the instructions during the test if you are unsure of something. ❙❙ Do not spend too much time on any one question. Unless expressly told to work through the questions in order, just move on if you really get stuck. ❙❙ If you do find yourself with some free time at the end of the test, go back and check your answers. 4 PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
Personality Questionnaires These look at behavioural preferences, that is, how you like to work. They are not concerned with your abilities, but how you see yourself in terms of your personality; for example, the way you relate to others, and how you deal with feelings and emotions. There are no rights or wrongs in behavioural style, although some behaviours may be more or less appropriate to certain situations. However, the best advice is to be honest in the way you answer the questions.
Extra Support The Careers Team run a workshop on psychometric testing. For more information or to book a place visit the Events System at:
https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS  5 
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
“
I came in to do the practice numerical psychometric tests in preparation for my re-test at Co-operative Group. Just to let you know I did the re-test and passed it and now have my job offer for the Finance graduate scheme! Thanks for your help with this.
“
6 PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS
CAREER MINI-GUIDE
Access LJMU’s free psychometric testing practice portal LJMU subscribes to the Graduates First portal allowing LJMU students to practise ability tests, personality questionnaires, numerical tests, e-tray exercises, interview questions and a wealth of other assessment tools used by graduate employers free of charge. The portal features tools which monitor your progress and give expert feedback reports, allowing you to see your areas of strength and development so you can focus your practice before doing the test for a real application. Register for an account today (using your LJMU email address) at:
http://portal.graduatesfirst.com/cp/ljmu/login.aspx
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS 7
Looking for out of hours careers support? Access our suite of online careers tools at any time, from anywhere ...
CAREERS ZONE
24/7
CV builder Interview simulator Job search websites Careers Newsroom Psychometric testing and assessment centre practice portal ❙ GoinGlobal international jobs database ❙ ❙ ❙ ❙ ❙
Access Careers Zone 24/7 from the Careers website:
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers LJMU CAREERS WORLD OF WORK CAREERSTEAM CENTRE 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk || worldofwork@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 231 2048/3719
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork