A graduate guide for psychometric tests
If you’re interviewing for graduate jobs, entry-level roles, or internships, there’s a high chance you’ve taken part in a graduate psychometric test.
But what exactly is a psychometric test, how do they work, and how do you prepare for one? At Graduate Talent, we’ve taken a deep dive into this common feature of the graduate interview process.
What is a psychometric test?
While the term ‘psychometric’ might bring up images of scientists in lab coats holding a clipboard, graduate psychometric tests aren’t really anything to be worried about. Generally speaking, psychometric tests are used by companies to assess how well-suited you are for a job.
What types of graduate psychometric tests are there?
1. Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning is your ability to comprehend written information. In a verbal reasoning test, you’re usually given a passage to read and then asked some follow up questions about it.
2. Numerical reasoning
Numerical reasoning is how well you process numbers. This type of psychometric testing will give you numerical facts and figures and ask you to analyse and interpret them.
3. Abstract/spatial reasoning
This is all about identifying patterns and connections. You may be asked to look at a sequence of numbers or shapes and explain what connects them or predict what comes next.
4. Logical reasoning
Focused on pragmatism and problem solving, logical reasoning tests will provide you with a set of information or rules and ask you to come to a conclusion based on that.
5. Situational judgement
An important part of any graduate role, a situational judgement test presents workplace situations and asks how you would act in them.
What do psychometric tests measure in graduates?
Psychometric testing is a broad term and the tests themselves can take a few different forms, but they usually measure:
1. Skills and ability
Do you have the knowledge needed to complete the duties of the role? For example, are you knowledgeable about a certain subject, are you able to brainstorm and contribute ideas to a team discussion, do you have a good level of verbal and written communication?
Graduate roles are competitive and often applicants have similar qualifications and experience on paper. So, a good way of seeing whether your skills are aligned with the job is to test them in a practical scenario.
Get a head start on what skills graduate employers are looking for with Graduate Talent’s article on soft skills.
2. Aptitude
The line between ability and aptitude is a bit blurred, but your aptitude for something is how naturally you’re able to do it (think about when somebody says they have a ‘knack’ for doing something).
You might be apt at providing excellent customer service, public speaking, leading a team, or something else entirely. What are the things that come so easily to you that you don’t really have to think about how to do them?
3. Personality
We wouldn’t blame you for feeling strange about the fact a graduate psychometric test will assess your personality - but it sounds a lot more personal than it actually is. What we mean by personality is your values and beliefs, what motivates you, and the way you approach tasks.
An employer assessing your personality is a good thing for both them and you, as it means you’re more likely to end up working for a company where your colleagues are on a similar wavelength.
Preparing for a psychometric test as a graduate
Wondering how to prepare for the test? Practicing with free graduate psychometric tests online is a good place to start. Try ones from the Institute of Psychometric Testing, the Psychometric Test Project, and JobTestPrep.
Alongside taking practice tests, review the job description of the role you’ve applied for and think about what types of psychometric tests the employer might use as part of the application process.
How to ace a psychometric test
When looking at how to pass a graduate psychometric test, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances:
- Ask for reasonable adjustments if you need them
Reasonable adjustments include requesting a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, extra time, or to change the interview format (e.g., you can ask to complete the test in person if you don’t have the tech to complete it at home).
- Read through all the instructions and questions before starting
This will help you allocate your time during the test and make sure nothing comes as a surprise.
- Remember that an employer isn’t looking for perfect
Psychometric tests are designed to get a general idea of how well-matched you are to a role or company, which means you don’t get marked in the same way you would in an exam. So, stay as calm as you can and don’t overthink it.
- Every second counts
While psychometric tests definitely aren’t as intense as the kitchen in The Bear, you still need to make use of the time you have.
If it’s in a physical location, turn up 10-15 minutes early to be sure you’re in the right place. If it’s online, then access the platform/software 10 minutes beforehand to double check your tech is working properly.
During the test, keep your eye on the time. Don’t spend too long on one section or question and risk not leaving enough time for the rest. If you can, skip over any questions that you don’t immediately have an answer to and come back to them at the end.
- Be yourself
Please indulge/forgive us for giving such cringe-worthy advice but, as we said earlier, graduate psychometric tests review your personality and that’s a good thing. Pretending to be someone you’re not to seem like the right fit for the position isn’t helpful for yourself or the employer.
On the lookout for an exciting graduate job based in the Midlands? Send your CV to enquiries@graduatetalent.com and our recruitment manager will get in touch with any opportunities that suit you.
This article was written by Rebecca Marrow