4 Ways to Prepare for a Psychometric Assessment
When applying for a job, you may be asked to complete a Psychometric Assessment as part of the recruitment process. If you have been selected, there are a number of things you can do to help you prepare.
- Ask Questions
First of all, you should ask the test provider/ HR team what the assessment will entail.
Often times a psychometric test will be made up of about 3 or 4 different parts. These may include measures like numerical ability, verbal comprehension, mechanical reasoning and perhaps a personality measure.
If you have any questions or queries before the assessment, ensure that you ask the test administrator. They will be happy to help and that is why they are there.
Additionally, if there are any special requirements you need in advance of taking the assessment please let the administrator know so that they can be accommodated.
- At Home
If you are taking the assessment from home, make sure you have a suitable environment free from noise and distractions before you start. Alert everyone in your home that you are taking an assessment and cannot be interrupted.
Ensure that your computer is set up in advance and your internet connection is working properly. While it’s not usually necessary, sometimes having a pen and paper to hand can sometimes be useful.
- Time Constraint
Familiarise yourself to working under a time constraint!
Most ability assessments are subject to a time allowance. Before your assessment, you should try and familiarise yourself with working to a time constraint by trying some practice tests online.
If you are not used to a time constraint it can be a little unnerving to see a timer counting down which in turn is distracting and means that you’re not giving your full attention to the questions in front of you.
The best thing you can do here is to focus and work methodically through the questions, however, if you get stuck on one sometimes the best thing to do is mark your best choice and move on to the next.
If you have time then at the end, you can always go back and work on it further but don’t stop and give all your time to that one question.
- Be Honest
When taking a personality assessment, it is important to answer the questions honestly and consistently. There is no right answer when it comes to personality as it is completely individual.
When organisations use them as part of the assessment process, it is generally to provide an indication as to how you might fit in their company in terms of their organisational culture and values.
With this advice you should be better prepared for undertaking Psychometric Assessments in the future.
Best of luck!
Nicola Larkin he is responsible for administering psychometric assessments at CREGG Recruitment.
If you would to discuss anything related to assessments please contact Nicola via email nicola@cregg.ie or call 086 0467764.
