Psychometric tests are a way for employers to assess candidates’ knowledge, skills and personality and are often taken early on in the recruitment process.
The most commonly used psychometric tests are verbal reasoning tests and numerical reasoning tests. However, the type of assessments you will be asked to complete will depend on the job you are applying for.
To help you get prepared, the University of Reading provides all students and alumni with free practice online assessments via Graduates First. They have over 50 practice tests including numerical, logical, verbal, abstract, diagrammatic, spatial reasoning tests as well as video interviews, and game-based assessments.
Graduates First also include employer guides for some of the companies recruiting large numbers of students and graduates so you can see what to expect from the recruitment process and which tests will help you practice.
Practice is vital
it is estimated over 82 percent of companies are now using pre-employment assessments, and this number is growing year by year. In a recent study that looked at a sample of 100 global corporations, the authors found that 54-84% of those who do not practice assessments tend to fail at the first hurdle. Practicing will give you an idea of what to expect which can reduce anxiety and help you get familiar with the way questions are formatted. University of Reading students can practice on Graduates First for free.
Read the instructions carefully
each test will be slightly different so read carefully so you know exactly what is being tested. Many organisations will also have their own practice test you can take to get familiar with their format. Also check you know the date you need to complete the test by and how long you will have to complete it. Don’t leave it to the very end of the time limit in case you have any technical problems!
Choose the right time, space and device to undertake the test
consider when you do your best work, for example in the morning or in the evening, before or after a meal. Choose a quiet time when you are least likely to be disturbed. If you are taking your test in a shared house, give your housemates advance notice and put a sign on your door asking not to be disturbed. Turn off your phone and any other distractions before your test. A PC with a large screen and a mouse is typically better than doing a test on your phone. Your practice sessions can help you determine when and how you work best – do you like scrap paper to hand, or use your own calculator?
Ask for any adjustments you need
Psychometric tests are nearly always timed, they can have a lot of text and the answers are usually in multiple choice form so if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, you might require adjustments for you to perform at your best. For example, the most commonly used format for verbal reasoning tests is where you are asked to read a passage and answer the statement that follows with the appropriate response from true/false/cannot say options. Numerical reasoning tests are similar but rather than using text, employers are keen to identify how capable you are at reasoning with numerical data presented in charts, graphs and tables to determine the answer under time pressure.
Always ask for adjustments before starting a psychometric test, most employers will not allow you to re-sit the test if you ask for adjustments after failing it at the first attempt. Any adjustments will be tailored to you and include things like extra time, larger text, sitting the test in person, screen reader compatibility – but there are lots of others. It is important to practice so you know what adjustments you will need.
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Speed vs. accuracy
most tests are looking for you to balance speed and accuracy, but check the specific test you have been asked to take so you know what the criteria are. If you race through each answer too quickly you might score high on speed but low on accuracy, but vice versa for checking and double checking each answer. Generally speaking if you really aren’t sure of your answer, it’s better to guess than leave it blank!
Don’t be tempted to cheat
This is most likely getting someone else to take the tests for you. Not only is that unethical, employers often repeat the tests at later stages of the selection process so there is a high chance of being caught out.
And finally – don’t panic! Speaking with a Careers Consultant may make psychometric tests feel less daunting. To book a 1-1 appointment, head to My Jobs Online!
Victoria Godsell, Careers Consultant