Psychometric tests – How to prepare and pass
Psychometric testing is a key part of the graduate recruitment process. Allow us to take you through what it takes to make it to the next stage.
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If you're currently applying for graduate jobs, you've probably come across the dreaded psychometric testing process. Designed to check out your credentials in various areas, they're a favoured recruitment tool among big companies to help them get the right person for the job.
But when you're on the receiving end, it can be more than a little daunting. And that's partly because there's no way to alter the results or 'cheat' the system.
Nevertheless, we've used our past experience and hours of research to compile a list of the different types of psychometric tests and how you can do your best in each one.
What’s in this guide?
What are psychometric tests?
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First things first: what exactly is a psychometric test?
Often used when recruiting graduates, psychometric tests are designed to be an objective, quantifiable way of measuring how suitable someone is for a specific job, and how capable they'd be at doing it.
Most psychometric tests will take place online and they'll usually be timed. That said, there's still a chance that you could be given a paper test, and some won't necessarily have to be done in one go. You may be able to return to them at a later point.
Although there are multiple different subcategories of psychometric testing, they're all intended to measure things such as:
- Abilities
- Academic and/or professional potential
- Attitude
- Knowledge
- Personality traits
- Skills.
The different types of psychometric tests
There are two main types of psychometric tests: aptitude tests and personality tests. Here's what each type of test is intended for, what to expect, and some psychometric testing tips:
Aptitude tests
Aptitude tests are usually completed online or on a printed answer sheet, a bit like your typical exam. They're designed to assess your cognitive and reasoning abilities. Normally, you'll be given a strict time limit to complete the tests.
Some common types of aptitude tests include:
- Diagrammatic reasoning – Sometimes also known as 'abstract reasoning tests', this type of psychometric test involves sequences of shapes or symbols. You'll often be asked to identify a missing symbol or continue the sequence.
- Numerical reasoning – These tests are usually focused on stats and graphs, which you'll need to use in order to logically and correctly answer a question.
- Situational judgement – Not dissimilar to the roleplay session of an assessment day, situational judgements present you with work-based hypothetical scenarios. Your task is to decide how best to resolve the problem or move forward, choosing from a list of four or five options.
- Verbal reasoning – Here, you'll be shown a short piece of text that you'll need to read and evaluate in order to answer some questions (often in a 'true or false' format).
Whichever type of aptitude test you're faced with, you should be given instructions before you start, so always read them carefully.
If you're faced with a multiple-choice test, it's worth checking if there are any penalties for wrong answers. If not, as in a regular exam at uni, you're better off guessing at an answer if you're running out of time or don't know what to put. After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
However, some tests do give negative marks for wrong answers. In this case, if you're unsure of an answer, leave the question blank and come back to it later (and leave it completely if you're still struggling).
Of course, the best option is to plan your time well enough that you're not up against the clock in the first place. And, in advance of taking the aptitude test, make sure that you have everything you need, such as a calculator (if it's helpful and you're allowed one).
In terms of actually preparing for an aptitude test, your best bet is practice, practice, practice. A quick Google throws up thousands of mock tests you can take, so there's no excuse not to familiarise yourself before it's time to take the test for real.
Personality tests
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Personality tests are different to aptitude tests in the sense that there are no right or wrong answers and there's rarely a time limit either. They're meant to be a more relaxed experience, as the employer is keen to get an honest insight into your personal working style and how you might behave in the workplace.
Typically, a personality test might ask you questions about how you prefer to work. You might notice that you're asked the same question several times that's just worded differently. This is to give consistency and to ensure that you aren't just answering how you think you should (which you should never do).
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are among the most commonly used personality tests.
MBTI tests are pretty popular online so there's every chance you've taken one before. But either way, you can find plenty of information on how each test works online (we'll list some resources later). It's worth doing some further research if you know which type of test you'll be doing.
But again, personality tests are about telling someone what you're really like. Preparation for these assessments should be about getting used to the format rather than perfecting your answers.
If you feel that you're having to make up a personality to fit the job, then it's probably not the one for you!
How to pass a psychometric test
Follow these three simple steps to help you pass a psychometric test:
- Prepare and practise – There are several places online where you can practise psychometric tests. Check out sites such as Psychometric Success and Job Test Prep for aptitude tests, and Team Technology and 16Personalities for personality tests. They're a great way to get a feel for how things will work and identify areas that you might struggle with, so you know where to focus your efforts.
- Stay calm – We know it's easier said than done, but you'll never perform at your best if you're stressed and worried. Stay calm and get yourself in the right frame of mind. If you're struggling to relax in the days leading up to the test, give these self-care techniques a go.
- Be honest – When it comes to personality tests, there are no right or wrong answers. In fact, they're often designed to catch you out if you actively try to manipulate your answers, so avoid trying to do what you think is 'right'. Answer honestly, and you'll give the company a well-rounded view of what you're really like. If you're cut out for the job in question, it'll shine through.
Don't get TOO far ahead of yourself, but here's what to expect in your first graduate job.
