Psycometric test-

1. My name is Steven Rowe and I welcome you to the 5th podcast bought to you by
the Career Development and Employment Service of London Metropolitan
University.
In this audio presentation we discuss psychometric tests. This podcast is written
by Sarah Giles, Careers and Employment Information Co-ordinator, in the
universities Career Development and Employment Service.
Preparing For Psychometric Tests
Psychometric Tests are used by employers at various points during the
recruitment and selection process. Some will use them at an early stage to
interview only those candidates who reach a certain score, while others will test
later, usually as part of an assessment centre activity.
These tests are designed for measuring an individual’s aptitude, ability,
competence and skill, sensitivity, memory, intelligence and personality. This is
viewed in relation to the skills and knowledge you will need to fulfil your potential
in the job role you are applying for.
There are two main types of test:
Aptitude Tests: Test your abilities
Personality Questionnaires: Give a profile of your personality
I will talk about Aptitude Tests first.
Tests are usually made up of three elements – Verbal, Numerical and
Diagrammatical reasoning comprising of multiple choice questions which have a
right or wrong answer.

2. They are taken under strict exam conditions usually in a group situation and each
section will have a time limit and there can be more questions than can be
answered in the time allowed.
If you are invited to take a test you may be provided with a set of sample
questions to give you some idea of what to expect. However do not wait until
you get to this stage as preparation is key and should be started well in advance
so here are some suggestions to give you a head start so that you approach the
test with confidence:
If you have a special need or disability you may want to inform the employer in
advance for adjustments to be arranged, such as extra time or if you require your
testing materials in a different format, they can be adapted.
Make time to visit your Careers Service - we have a varied and up to date
selection of testing information that will familiarise you with different types of tests
and give you examples of practice questions and tests.
Some practice tests are available online we can provide you with details and the
online facility to access them.
Book a Drop-In Session with a Careers Adviser to discuss testing.
The Careers Service offers practice test sessions, at least one per month during
term time. Booking a place is essential and can be done online at
http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/careers and go to Events
You will take the test along with other students but feedback is offered afterwards
on an individual basis. The test administrator will give details of this at the end of
the session.

3. Most importantly, don’t be late for the start of the test – you will not be admitted
as the test rules are strictly adhered to so that you get the most from it.
Points to Remember on the Big Day:
Don’t forget your spectacles or hearing aid if you use them.
Be on time.
Don’t feel overawed by the formality of the test.
Work quickly and accurately – don’t spend too much time on one question
but at the same time don’t make wild guesses.
Checking answers too thoroughly until you are convinced they are right
wastes time.
Later questions can get harder as you go along – this is part of the test so don’t
panic if they do take longer to answer.
Tests are meant to be difficult, so it is rare for candidates to finish and answer
every question correctly.
The preparation you know you have done beforehand is money in the bank will
help you approach the test positively and with confidence in your own ability
Now we’ll move on to Personality Questionnaires
Employers use these to identify characteristics appropriate to a specific job role.
Unlike Aptitude Tests, they are not timed.
There are no right or wrong answers to the questions so the best approach is to
be yourself as they can contain consistency checks.
Put down your first reaction to the questions, don’t try to guess what the
employer is looking for.

4. Don’t be anxious, selectors do not give as much weight to this type of exercise as
they are not regarded as reliable as other methods of testing.
Remember, honesty is the best policy, you wouldn’t want to be selected for a job
that you are not suited to.
As with Aptitude testing, book a Drop In session with a Careers Adviser before
you take a test with an employer.
Ask for details on the Personality Questionnaires which we can run for you at the
Careers Centre.
Remember, preparation is everything and we are here to help you prepare and
embark on the testing process with confidence.
We hope you find this information useful and we welcome any feedback you may
like to give.
Thanks for listening to this podcast.