5 ways to train for a psychometric test
Daunting? They can be. But they are also a chance for you to show your potential
When going for a job, especially if you are early in your career, you are pretty likely to have to sit psychometric tests. Tests can be a daunting prospect. However, it is important to remember that they are a chance for you to show potential employers that you have what it takes to do the job.
What do psychometric tests measure?
They look at your ability or your personality. In the workplace, an ability test might measure your verbal, critical thinking skills, numerical reasoning, assess problem solving skills or your situational judgement.
Personality assessments explore what makes you tick; they might look at your traits and values, your personality or how you prefer to learn. The tests used will ideally be aligned to the role.
Why are they used?
Psychometric tests provide an employer with invaluable information about their applicants.
Testing candidates’ ability provides an objective look at how they might approach work related tasks.
Similarly, personality tools may indicate how candidates could react and behave in certain scenarios. With almost 50% of all full-time graduates achieving a 2.1, employers need to distinguish between a lot of similarly qualified people. For those without a degree, psychometrics offer an opportunity to level the playing field. With an increasingly competitive job market, it is vital to try and stand out from the crowd.
5 ways to train for a psychometric test
The below offers 5 ways to give you a better chance of being ready for any test you might face.
1. Research
Make sure you know what the test is called. Ask yourself questions like:
- What does it measure?
- Is it timed?
- How long will it take?
- How many questions are there?
- Are tools, such as calculators allowed?
- Are any examples available?
2. Rehearse
Practise concentrating on something for increasing amounts of time. This could be reading books, doing a crossword, Sudoku or playing an instrument. Start at 10 minutes, then 20, then 30 minutes. Reading business and finance articles are useful, as they contain both verbal and in the form of tables and charts, numerical reasoning practice.
3. Live healthy
Like anything, tests are best approached with a clear mind and strong body. Eat, exercise and sleep well. Don’t stay up late the night before, etc. Ability tests and personality assessments require solid concentration. Lapses caused by lack of sleep etc, can affect your score or how you present yourself.
4. Stay focused
Give the test your undivided attention. Make sure you take it alone and with nothing available to distract you. Turn off other devices. Ensure that you cannot be interrupted for the duration of the test. Make sure that your Internet connection is reliable.
5. Play nice
The vast majority of people are honest but if you do feel the urge to cheat, resist it. Similarly, if you are sitting a personality assessment, do not lie or attempt to paint a false picture of yourself. Any inconsistencies in scores or responses will be found out at some point.
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