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aptitude tests


Testing & assessment centres In addition to interviews, employers may use a range of testing methods for further insight into an applicant’s personality, motivations and abilities.


Psychometric assessment Many graduate employers now use psychometric assessment early in their selection process.


Designed by psychologists, psychometric assessments assess a candidate’s abilities, personality, motivations, values and interests under standardised conditions in line with a particular role. Many types of assessment are used to help the employer build an overall profile of you and, importantly, how you would fit within their workplace.


Psychometric assessment is often administered as a series of online tests and inventories and may also be a precursor to, or part of, an assessment centre.


Psychometric assessments typically fall into two categories:


Aptitude test: used to measure mental reasoning ability, most commonly numerical, verbal, comprehension, and abstract or spatial reasoning skills. These tests are usually timed so the pressure can be intense. Work quickly but accurately, and don’t be surprised if you can’t answer all questions.


Personality inventory or motivational fit: designed to reveal interests and motivations. The typical format is preferential questions (where you select from a series of choices). There are no right or wrong responses, just


individual answers which psychologists use to develop a profile to then compare to that of an employer’s ideal candidate.


Emotional intelligence (EI) tools may also be used to identify candidates who possess strong ‘emotional competency’. EI is your capacity to:


recognise and manage emotions in yourself and your relationships


use feelings to guide your thoughts and actions motivate yourself and others.


Preparing for tests Prepare for psychometric testing by finding out from the employer relevant information such as:


What sort of tests do they conduct and what do they measure?


How long will the tests go for? Can a calculator be used in numeric tests?


You should also:


practice by taking sample tests, either online or through your uni careers service


complete crosswords, number games and puzzles to sharpen your problem solving ability.


Assessment centres Following the application form and psychometric testing, some employers may conduct assessment centres. Assessment centres are commonly used by large


Be yourself – in an assessment centre, it’s all about finding a fit. The employer is looking to match your personality to the company culture. If you’ve made it this far, on paper you’re qualified for the job.


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