Psychometric tests are widely used by employers, as part of the selection process, to assess whether a candidate is a good ‘fit’ for a job and company culture.
What do they measure?
Aptitude Tests measure performance and skills. They can assess your ability to carry out different tasks, like problem-solving, processing verbal or numerical information etc. Types of tests generally include numerical (maths questions), verbal (reading comprehension) and logical (e.g. diagrammatic questions, which evaluate your skills in applying logic and rationale to solve problems).
Personality Questionnaires help determine personality profiles and behavioural style. These tests have no right or wrong answers – it’s more about what part of your brain lights up first.
They measure typical behaviour by looking at character traits e.g. how you interact with your environment and other people, what motivates you, and your preferred manner of doing things. Your responses allow recruiters to predict how you might respond in a wide variety of work situations, and they can therefore assess your suitability for a role and company culture.
Why are they useful?
Recruiters use psychometric testing to provide accurate, consistent and objective measurements, so they can make fair assessments and comparisons between candidates.
Remember it works both ways; job satisfaction will be enhanced by working with people who share your values, whom you like and respect. If a company decides you’re not a good fit, they have probably saved you from an unhappy experience.
Tips
Practise, practise, practise!!
Don’t let your first attempt be a real test!
Recruiters commonly use personality, aptitude and knowledge tests, under timed conditions (online and at assessment centres). This can be daunting, especially if you haven’t done maths or verbal reasoning since schooldays. Do some practice tests – familiarity will improve speed and accuracy and help you stay calm, as you will know what to expect.
Find out which system is used by the organisation to which you are applying – sample tests are sometimes available on the company website and there’s a large selection via the links below. (Note that some organisations charge for practice tests).
Don’t freak out if you can’t finish – you will rarely have enough time to complete a test.
Work through it thoroughly and methodically. Don’t agonise over something you find difficult – move on.
General Tips
Grad Bites: Psychometric Tests & Personality Questionnaires
An HR professional shares his top tips on how to tackle psychometric tests & personality questionnaires
Grad DNA App
An app for recent graduates or students who are looking for a graduate job, internship, year out placement etc. The app allows you to find, test & match your skills to graduate jobs
How To Complete Psychometric Tests – The Guardian
Practice Tests & Guidance
Grad DNA App
An app for recent graduates or students who are looking for a graduate job, internship, year out placement etc. The app allows you to find, test & match your skills to graduate jobs
The Complete Guide to Psychometric Tests – Practice Reasoning
Guide explains what Psychometric Tests are, how they are used & how to successfully complete them. Includes sample questions & free tests
Numerical Test – Tips & Practice
Verbal Reasoning Test – Tips & Practice
Psychometric Tests: What They Are And Why Graduates Need To know – Target Jobs
Psychometric Tests – Mark Parkinson
Business Psychologist and author of ‘How to Master Psychometric Tests.’
A comprehensive list of practice tests: for graduate level, look for those flagged G
Psychometric & Aptitude Tests – Psychometric Tests
Free tests with explanations
Practice Reasoning Tests
A comprehensive and free resource of practice tests, test training and useful articles to help candidates get more job offers.
Norton Assessment (Numerical)
Norton Assessment (Verbal reasoning)
