Psychometric Tests

These are timed tests designed to assess ability, aptitude and personality. They may be pencil and paper exercises or computer based. There are two main types of test: Aptitude/Ability Tests Personality Tests

Aptitude/Ability
These test your reasoning and/or performance. The tests give a measurement or numerical score of a specific characteristic or how you compare to other people.

Aptitude: This is about your potential to learn to do a new task rather than test the abilities that you have already. Ability: For example, numerical or verbal reasoning, problem solving skills and the ability to identify mistakes accurately.
Tests used should be related to the work you will have to do, therefore, the type and number of tests you have to take may vary according to the work role. They are taken under exam conditions, are timed and are usually in the format of multiple-choice questions.

Personality
Personality tests are used to gain information on your style of behaviour. A profile is normally drawn up of your responses, which can indicate to an employer how you relate to and work with others, your work style, your motivation etc. There is no right or wrong answers and these questionnaires are usually untimed. Employers will have a profile of the type of person most appropriate for the job and the results of this test taken together with the other selection tools enable them to make a decision about how you fit the requirements of the role.

Why Do Some Employers Use Them?

Some employers use them as part of their selection process to test candidates potential, ability, motivation and behavioural style. They could be used as part of the screening process as a first step of recruitment, alongside

a first interview or second interview, or part of an assessment centre. Psychometric tests give the employer evidence just like application forms and the interview regarding whether you have the abilities, personal qualities, motivation and potential required to carry out the job effectively. Remember that the tests will be used with other selection methods, so overall performance is important. However, it is also important to be aware that some employers may expect applicants to achieve a certain score in psychometric tests in order to progress in the selection process.

How Can I Prepare?

Prior To The Test
Check the websites listed on the next page; there are some on-line practice aptitude tests you can do. Read the AGCAS booklet Going For Interviews (p9). This is available in the Careers & Student Development Department. Use the information in the careers section and check out the reference books we have on psychometric tests. For verbal tests, if you are not used to reading complicated text about things you dont understand, try reading a friends text book read some of the quality newspapers/journals with well argued editorials or articles. If there are any factors that are likely to affect your performance i.e. dyslexia or if English is not your first language, let the text administrator know in advance.

On The Day
Arrive on time. You will not be allowed to join the test once it has started. Listen to and read all instructions carefully. Be aware of time. If you are struggling with a question, move on! It is better to answer as many questions correctly as you can. Check you are putting your answers in the appropriate space on the answer sheet. If you miss out a question, make sure you leave the correct space. Check to see if negative marking is being used i.e. where marks are taken off for wrong answers. If it is, do not guess statistically, you will get more wrong than right! With personality questionnaires, answer honestly and openly.

After A Test
Ask for feedback Keep practicing!

Aptitude Tests References

www.psychtesting.org.uk A British Psychological Society (BPS) managed website containing useful information and FAQs on selection testing. www.shldirect.com The UKs largest test producer, this site has example questions and even on-line practice tests complete with feedback. Good advice and tips. www.faststream.gov.uk Civil Service Fast stream self assessment questionnaire available to download. www.ase-solutions.co.uk Click on Practise for examples of both personality and aptitude questions. www.morrisby.com Has lots of example questions for different sorts of tests plus tips (N/B Not all the questions are necessarily at graduate level). www.psy-test.com/TestIndex.html - This Company produces aptitude tests for people entering the IT industry. It also offers brief descriptions of the tests. www.ets.org Specifically aimed at Higher Education and includes practise questions.

Personality Inventories / Self Assessment Questionnaires

www.ase-solutions.co.uk Contains 16PF5 Personality Questionnaire. www.prospects.ac.uk Look in the Getting Started section for Prospects Planner, a useful on-line careers self assessment tool. http://uk.tickle.com/career.html - Career Personality Test. www.jobhuntersbible.com Web version of the book What Colour Is Your Parachute and has links to information on a variety of personality and an aptitude tests. www.channel4.com/brilliantcareers - Channel 4s website for 16 24 year olds including self-assessment package. www.bbc.co.uk The BBC has a wealth of resources, surveys, interactive quizzes on personality and individuality.

Useful Books
How To Pass Graduate Selection Tests Mike Bryon How To Master Psychometric Tests Mark Parkinson How to Pass Professional Level Psychometric Tests Sam Al-Jojjoka