Many employers will also use some form of aptitude, selection or psychometric testing as part of the recruitment process to help assess your suitability for a role.
These tests can take many forms. Some of the most common types of tests are:
- Verbal reasoning
- Data sufficiency
- Quantitative reasoning
- Numerical critical reasoning
- Advanced progressive matrices
- Abstract reasoning
- Personality questionnaires
It is not possible to get copies of actual tests used by employers or recruiters, as this would undermine the effectiveness of the tests, but it is possible to get hold of limited example and practice questions. Your local careers service or library will be able to provide you with information and books on the subject and the websites below all offer practice tests:
Tips to prepare
Puzzles – Regularly doing puzzles, crosswords, word games, Sudoku and other brain training games will help you to get used to thinking logically and analytically.
Basic maths – Many tests involve basic arithmetic, analysing graphs and charts as well as calculating percentages, so if your maths and mental arithmetic is a bit rusty it may be worth brushing up on these skills.
Test questions - Contact your careers service or advisor to see if you can have access to any example questions or even sit a practice test.
Books, magazines and websites – There are a wealth of resources out there that offer guidelines and practice questions in this area.
On the day
- Try to get a good night’s sleep before the day of the tests
- Arrive in plenty of time so you are as relaxed as you can be
- Make sure you take any reading glasses or hearing aid equipment with you
- Inform the test supervisor if you have any illnesses or are on any medication which makes you drowsy
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure what to do
- Read through all questions and answer choices very carefully before answering
- Work as quickly and accurately as you can.
- Don’t waste too long on difficult questions