Psychometric Testing & Tips

Psychometric tests are now a commonly used tool as part of the recruitment process. You cannot "fail" tests – they should also only be a part of the decision making process.

• Personality Profiles normally tap into a number of dimensions e.g. dominance, sociability etc, that are linked to the required competencies of the job. The tests are usually structured to ask you to indicate your preference for a word or statement. When you answer the exercises, be as truthful as you can, it’s usually a good idea not to ponder too long over the statements. Personality tests are not normally speed exercises. They generate scores across a number of dimensions and the recruiter will match these scores with the requirements of the role.
• Aptitude and Ability Tests assess a candidate's ability in a specified domain e.g. numerical reasoning, verbal analysis. The types of exercises vary but are usually related to a specific requirement of the role to help predict how well you will perform in certain aspects of the job. These normally are "speed" tests, so you will usually find you cannot answer all of the questions within the given timeframe. Your results are normally given as a percentile which makes for easy comparison with other people's results.
• Work Sample Tests exercises require you to carry out some function of the role e.g. design a business plan, present a document, etc.

We've prepared this list of suggestions aimed at helping you be at your best in a psychometric testing situation:

• If you know the type of assessment you will encounter, you can prepare by studying some sample questions.
• If it's been some time since you took a timed assessment of any sort, practice carrying out tasks within a certain timeframe. It doesn't matter if you don't have access to sample questions. Try doing a crossword or similar exercise within a given time limit. The key is to get used to pacing yourself.
• Make sure that you have a good sleep the night before your assessment. Having a clear head is essential.
• If you have any special needs that need to be catered for (e.g. if you have impaired eyesight), ensure you inform the assessment organiser in advance.  In this way, special arrangements can be made for you if required.
• It's important you receive feedback on your assessment results. Remember to ask when and where you can expect to have your feedback session.