8 top tips for achieving your best in your Psychometric Test

When going for a new role, you might find yourself being asked to sit a Psychometric Test.  Why are you being asked to do this and how can you make sure you are prepared and ready to do your best?

Psychometric Testing is a popular technique that employers use as part of their recruitment process.  It is an incredibly useful tool to determine how suitable a candidate is for the role and gives companies a way to predict a person’s future performance.

The main types of tests are Ability, Aptitude and Personality.  Ability and Aptitude tests look at your skills in areas that directly relate to the job and show your level of potential to develop those skills in the future.  These tests include numerical, verbal reasoning, inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning.  You’ll most likely be faced with multiple-choice questions in timed conditions.

Personality tests are not only designed to see how suitable you are for the role, but also if your personality type fits with the company culture.  This is just as valuable for you as it for the company.  Always remember – a job is a 2 way relationship and the personality fit needs to be right on both sides!

Tips to remember for your Psychometric Test:

1. Find out as much as you can

When you get the details of your test, make sure you have as much information as you need.  If it’s an online test, be sure to have the registration and deadline details.  If it’s in person, make sure you have details of the time and the location.  Also, gather as much information as possible on the type of test and questions you’ll be taking so you can practice before the day.

If you can, find out the name of the test publisher and see if you can find out any extra details.  All of this will help you feel more in control.

2. Test yourself

It is easy to find practice tests, so there is no excuse not to prepare!  The more you practice the more familiar you will be with the type of questions, which will stand you in good stead for test day.  Your brain will be warmed up and ready to go!

3. Be ‘test ready’

The basics are simple – make sure you have pens, calculator and anything else you need to answer the questions.   Make sure you’re well fed and watered, plus comfortable and free from distractions at the test venue.

4. Read the questions carefully

Although your first reaction may be to push through the paper as quickly as possible, it is crucial to take time to read the questions carefully.  You don’t want to make small errors or misinterpret what the question is asking. Read it for a second time to be sure you understand before you start.

5. Improve your basic skills

Brushing up your general maths and language skills, plus having a go at getting your problem solving brain into gear, is a great way to prepare.  It refreshes and broadens your knowledge, getting you ready for the questions that will be coming your way in the test.

6. Balance speed and accuracy as well as you can

Psychometric tests measure both the speed of your work as well as the accuracy of your answers.  It would be a shame if speeding through the questions too fast means that you make more mistakes than you need to.  So, it’s important to find the balance – work at a speed that lets you answer as many questions as you can in the time allowed, but not so fast as to make mistakes that can cost you.

You might need to resist the urge to check every answer and instead choose to steadily work through the questions to make sure you don’t waste valuable time.  You can always come back to check answers at the end.

7. Keep your cool

Remember to approach your Psychometric Test just as you would any other assessment or interview – by keeping your cool.  If you have done your preparation you shouldn’t be in for any great surprises.  Focus on being calm and relaxed and answer each question with a level head.

8. Don’t give up

If you’re unsuccessful, don’t give up.  Ask for feedback and see how you can use this to improve your performance next time.

Psychometric Testing isn’t designed to be overwhelming.  It’s simply a great way to give all candidates a fair chance to show their skills.  Hopefully the tips above will help you achieve your best in your next Psychometric Test!