The Oxford Guide to Careers 2021

Page 60

APPLICATION ESSENTIALS

Recruitment tests Graduates will often face psychometric testing when applying for jobs. Recruiters are increasingly using online tests as an initial screening stage, although candidates may encounter tests later in the process, and even be re-tested at assessment centres. Ability tests require both speed and accuracy. Test familiarisation and a little practice helps candidates to focus their energy on finding correct answers, rather than wasting time on understanding how to answer the questions. See the Careers Service’s advice on preparation and how to access free practice resources at www.careers.ox.ac.uk/psychometric-tests. Lastly, even if you feel well prepared, we recommend candidates should always study any practice questions offered by a company to minimise the chance of meeting new styles of question. To perform at your best in these tests: Choose a time and place where you can focus without distraction. Read instructions carefully and follow them. Work as quickly and accurately as you can, reading both questions and answer-choices carefully.

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answers as possible. For example, with numerical tests a quick estimate may help you discard several of the options without working out every alternative. Keep an eye on the clock. Do not spend too long on any one question – if you get stuck, leave it and move on rather than wasting time.

Types of tests

Tests of ability include numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Unless a job requires a high level of numeracy, numerical tests are not likely to be pitched higher than GCSE-level maths. Candidates can expect to calculate percentages and ratios, and extract information from charts and graphs, accurately and under considerable time-pressure. If your mental maths or calculator technique are rusty, start practising: study different types of charts and financial reports in quality newspapers and the financial press attend the Careers Service’s numeracy refresher sessions, advertised via the Events Calendar on CareerConnect. Verbal reasoning and critical reasoning tests typically evaluate your ability to extract the details and main points from a short piece of information, sometimes requiring you to make logical inferences from the text. Use the free practice resources we offer you to become familiar with these tests and the range and subtleties of the distinctions you need to make. These tests are perhaps more difficult to prepare for than numerical tests, but reading material from outside your academic discipline, for example in technical and business journals, can help you to become comfortable with different written styles.

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www.careers.ox.ac.uk


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