| Advice on Tests There are two main types of | | | | learn new things quickly. The questions take the form |
| psychometric assessments - aptitude tests and | | | | of a series of diagrams and measure your ability to |
| personality questionnaires. Here we give a brief | | | | identify the underlying logic of a pattern and then |
| overview of the most commonly used tests and offer | | | | determine the solution. |
| some advice in how best to prepare for them. | | | | Other forms of aptitude tests include Spatial |
| Aptitude Tests Aptitude tests measure abilities such | | | | Awareness, Mechanical Reasoning and Data Checking |
| as verbal, numeric, or abstract reasoning. They are | | | | - these are used to select where a job may require |
| time limited and are always presented in multiple-choice | | | | specialist skills e.g. design, engineering or clerical roles. |
| format with definite right and wrong answers. The | | | | Improving Your Scores |
| three most commonly used tests are listed below. | | | | The best way to improve your score in any of these |
| Verbal Ability Tests These are commonly used by | | | | tests is through practicing the types of question that |
| employers to establish how well you can understand, | | | | you will face. Ability tests are no different from any |
| analyse and interpret written information. They normally | | | | other exams. Studying concepts in maths, acquiring |
| consist of a passage which you are asked to read. | | | | thinking tools to solve scenario-based questions in a |
| Using only the information in the passage you decide | | | | logical manner, learning different logical models and |
| whether statements are true, false or if you are unable | | | | patterns of shapes, and enriching your vocabulary will |
| to say based on the information given. | | | | significantly improve your success in psychometric |
| Numerical Ability Tests Another common test used to | | | | tests. |
| assess your ability to use numbers. You will normally | | | | Research has consistently shown that an important |
| be asked to tackle questions requiring you to process | | | | factor that influences your success is gaining the real |
| data from charts, graphs and tables. You are allowed | | | | experience of completing a psychometric test. During |
| to use a calculator and the context of the tests relates | | | | the test preparation you will learn to plan the time |
| to a business rather than a scientific environment. | | | | allocated for each test, work efficiently and effectively, |
| Abstract Reasoning Tests This is believed to be the | | | | quickly read and understand the test instructions and |
| best indicator of fluid intelligence and your ability to | | | | disregard pressure. |