Prepare for the assessment by understanding what it covers, allowing plenty of time, getting rest, and practicing sample tests. During the assessment, read instructions carefully, focus on accuracy over speed, and answer questions honestly without getting flustered. After the assessment, you will receive feedback on your performance, strengths, and areas for development.

1. PSYCH TEST TIPS
PREPARATION
Know what is required: Your Synergy Consultant will give you details of what to expect for the
specific assessment that you have been asked to undergo.
Make sure that you understand what types of assessments are involved and what they
will be assessing
Know how long the assessments will take
Find out what you can take with you, e.g. will you be expected to use a calculator for
numerical assessment?
Know where you are going and where you can park.
Allow plenty of time so that you will not by unduly stressed prior to your assessment.
Be physically prepared:
Get an early night prior
Make sure you are well hydrated and have eaten well so your mind is able to function at
its best. If permitted have a bottle of water on hand during the test.
Go to the bathroom prior, some tests can take several hours and involve timed
assessments that can’t be interrupted.
If you have any special requirements make sure these are known to your assessor.
Be mentally prepared:
Do some research in advance and have a go at some sample tests - you can find a
selection by signing up to our on-line Candidate Community
www.synergyconsult.co.nz/candidate_community
For verbal or numerical assessments refresh your memory of basic calculations such as
percentages, do some word and number puzzles and read some business articles or
reports.
Be aware of your own behaviour, reactions, relationships and communication style.
Seek feedback from friends and family for an outsider’s view.
Remove any distractions:
Lock yourself away from any potential disturbances – flatmates, family, pets etc
Remove any distractions such as phones or email alerts. You must be able to give your
full attention to the test at hand. You will only get one chance to do the assessment.
Take any tools needed:
Such as reading glasses, a watch, calculator, pen, pencil etc.

2. DURING THE ASSESSMENT
Read the instructions carefully:
Different tests or even different parts of some assessments may require you to picture yourself
in a particular scenario, i.e. from a work or personal perspective. Make sure you are clear what
is required – if in doubt go back and check prior to starting the assessment.
Be conscious of the type of role that you are applying for, e.g. a sales assessment may ask you
how you would feel selling your product to friends and family, it is unlikely that Aunty Jill will have
any interest in ordering a drug eluting stent from you, so think about a generic product that most
people need and/or want and answer with that in mind.
If you are unsure of your answer, be clear whether you are able to return to the question before
you decide to move on to the next.
Be time conscious:
Note that some assessments are timed so be conscious of how much time you spend on each
example – accuracy is generally more important than speed.
Answer honestly:
Personality or Behavioural assessments look at how you respond in many different situations.
Be true to yourself – there is no benefit trying to guess what type of answer they want. Aside
from the fact that you may guess wrong, the tests also have built in testing for false answers. It
is going to be better for you to make sure that you find yourself a role that will allow you to play
to your strengths.
Don’t get flustered:
There are generally several different types of questions in a skills assessment. If you are not
confident in one task, don’t worry; keep working through all the questions as you will be
assessed on your whole performance. Assessments are designed to be challenging, especially
where there are multiple questions to be answered in a fixed time – it may not be expected that
you complete them all.
DEBRIEF/ REPORT
Your Synergy Consultant will advise you on the feedback process. In most instances you will
receive a verbal report from the Assessment provider. Where possible Synergy will speak with
our Client and provide you with further feedback. Whether you are successful or not this
information will identify your areas of strength as well as for development that you can use in
your employment or for future assessments. Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback if it is not
offered.