Psychometric testing: An introduction

Psychometrics covers a variety of tests that are used to assess the character strengths and weaknesses of a candidate, providing accurate profiles of their suitability for a position.

What are psychometric tests?
Psychometric tests are often used by employers as part of their selection process. Basically, psychometric tests are tools for measuring the mind ('metric' = measure; 'psycho' = mind). There are two types of psychometric tests: aptitude tests, which assess your abilities; and personality questionnaires, which help to build up a profile of your characteristics and personality

How are they used by employers?
Employers can use these tests at any point during the selection process. Sometimes they are used at the beginning, as a way of screening out unsuitable candidates. Other employers prefer to use them towards the end of a selection process.

But don't panic; psychometric tests are almost always used in conjunction with more traditional selection methods, such as a one-to-one interview. This means that even if you don't do brilliantly with psychometric tests, you can still impress the selectors in other ways.

Why are they used?
Many employers believe that psychometric tests give an accurate prediction of whether you are able to do the job and whether your character is suited to the work. Research shows that, statistically speaking, psychometric tests are one of the most reliable forms of revealing whether or not a candidate is suitable for a job.

How can I prepare for the tests?
Unlike GCSEs and 'A' levels, psychometric tests are not testing your knowledge or memory. They are testing your aptitude for various tasks or trying to reveal a more accurate assessment of your personality and temperament in the workplace.

However, it does pay to familiarise yourself with typical questions, particularly in aptitude tests. Quite often a mediocre score can be vastly impr oved with practice.

Aptitude tests
Also known as cognitive, ability or intelligence tests, these do not examine your general knowledge but test your critical reasoning skills under strictly timed conditions. There are many different types of tests depending on the type and level of job you're applying for.

However, a typical test might have three different sections each testing a different ability e.g. verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning and diagrammatic or spatial reasoning. Typically, the test would allow 30 minutes for 30 or more questions.

Your score on these tests is compared to a 'norm group' which is usually made up of current jobholders who have done this test in the past. Employers can set their own standard in terms of how well you have to do in comparison with the 'norm group' in order to 'pass'.

But as a general rule of thumb you should try to complete 70 to 80 per cent of the questions and aim to correctly answer at least two thirds of those which you've answered.

Personality questionnaires
Even if you score well in aptitude tests, this doesn't necessarily mean that you will be suited to a job. You can be good at something, but hate doing it! Success in a job also depends on your personal characteristics and qualities. Personality questionnaires can measure these.

Questions focus on a variety of personality aspects such as:

• How you relate to other people
• Your work style
• Your ability to deal with emotions (your own and other people's)
• Your motivation, determination and general outlook
• Your ability to handle stressful situations

Unlike aptitude tests, there are no right and wrong answers, although occasionally there is a time limit. Selectors will not be looking for a particular type of 'profile' but certain characteristics which are suited to the job.

How should I answer the questions?
Many employers want candidates with a balance of personal qualities: for exa mple, being able to get on with people, take charge and organise, and being focused on achievement. But don't try and second guess the answers that they want.

There are often checks within questionnaires to detect whether you are giving a false picture of yourself. Corny as it sounds, it's probably best just to be yourself: ultimately neither you nor the employer will be happy if the real you is not on display at work.

A guide to ability tests

A guide to personality questionnaires

Tips for taking psychometric tests

Take a test online

Links and resources

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