The Psychometric Test and Our Tips

Why there is no need to fear the ‘psychometric’. Every company’s interview process is different; from the standard two-stage through to a single stage interview. Indeed, some consolidate a two-stage process into one, with multiple managers involved; others may see the department head alone make the decision, also based off a single interview. However, an increasingly used assessment tool is the psychometric test. Often sandwiched between a first and second interview, the ‘psychometric test’ covers both ability testing and personality profiling, dependent on type employed and is somewhat of an umbrella term. With a number of our clients ’employing’ psychometrics to help assess a wide array of areas, the team at CVG have compiled some tips for your use, as well as an insight into their purpose. 

 

First up, what areas do psychometric tests cover:

  • Personality questionnaire

  • Aptitude (or ability) test

  • Situational judgement test

  • Diagrammatic reasoning

  • Numerical reasoning

  • Critical thinking test

  • Verbal reasoning test

  • Inductive reasoning

Why so many areas? For most people, the term psychometric is synonymous with testing whether someone is ‘crazy’, however, in reality, the tests are employed to assess far more than this lay notion. Some are very focused, eg putting mathematical skills under a timed assessment; others will look to broadly cover 3 or more areas. Whatever, areas they cover, fundamentally the test is designed to provide an employer an insight beyond who’s sat in front of them. Indeed, the power of psychometric testing is that there is a strong correlation between test scores and job performance, i.e. if you score highly in a psychometric test, the chances are that you are going to perform well in the job. As an employer, their predictive qualities make psychometric tests very attractive. Add the fact that they can be administered quickly and efficiently on a large scale and you can see why psychometric tests have become the norm. 

 

CVG Recruitment’s quick tips for psychometric tests:

  • Research – try and find out which test(s) you will be asked to take

-          Type of test – these can include:

-          Ability & Aptitude tests – commonly verbal and numerical reasoning

-          Critical Thinking & Situational Judgement tests – Focus on scenarios and games which help review your thinking style

-          Personality tests – often in the form of agree, neutral or disagree, these focus on attempting to assess your underlying personality/beliefs

  • Online Tests: If you are taking an online test you should also consider:

-          Concentration – ensure you are alert, rested and have somewhere quiet, with plenty of time to undertake the test

-          Don’t do it at work

-          Battery life and connection – make sure your device has enough power and you have a stable signal/connection

  • Practise – use any practise materials provided. You may be sent some practice tests or have a practise option at the start of the actual test. Use them! If none are provided you can still research providers online and see if they have any practice test available – though don’t try and prep for a specific test

-          Be prepared: Not used your algebra for a while – brush up, maybe nick your child’s or niece and nephews maths text book.

-          Engage your brain by playing brain-games or with some considered reading

  • For timed Tests

-          Wear a watch so that you can see how much time you have left

-          Don’t rush – be swift but also accurate when answering the questions

-          Confused – if the test allows you to return to an unanswered question, move onto the next question

-          Remember timed tests may not be designed for completion

  • Pay attention to the Instructions

-          Listen and Read Instructions carefully prior to answering any questions

  • Attending a centre

-          Pack everything you could possibly need to carry out the test – including pens, pencils, glasses and calculator

-          Be on Time – check your route and ensure you leave sufficient time to arrive at your test location 10-15 minutes prior to the test

  • Any issues that may impact your performance

-          Contact the recruitment team if there are any issues that could impact your performance when completing the test, such as disabilities

  • Sleep Well

-          Sleep well the night before the test to ensure you are on top performance prior to the test

After all that why not consider searching, registering and applying via CVG for your next residential property job.