A quick guide to mastering psychometric tests

Sam Pursglove

Careers and Employability Adviser

Hi, I'm Sam! My key focus is to engage with all students across all subjects in the University.

Introduction to Psychometric Tests

Psychometric tests have become an integral part of the recruitment process for many employers. As a student or graduate aspiring to secure your dream job, it's crucial to understand these assessments and prepare effectively. This blog post aims to guide you through the world of psychometric tests, providing valuable tips to help you excel in your job applications.

Understanding Psychometric Tests

Psychometric tests are standardized assessments designed to measure your abilities, personality traits, and aptitude. These tests are used by employers to evaluate your suitability for a specific role and predict your performance in the workplace. There are several types of psychometric tests commonly used in the UK:

  1. Numerical Reasoning Tests: These tests assess your ability to interpret and analyse numerical data, making them essential for roles that require strong quantitative skills.
  2. Verbal Reasoning Tests: These tests evaluate your ability to understand and interpret written information, making them crucial for jobs that involve extensive reading and comprehension.
  3. Logical Reasoning Tests: Logical reasoning tests measure your ability to identify patterns, solve problems, and think critically, which is valuable for a wide range of professions.
  4. Personality Questionnaires: These assessments gauge your personality traits, work style, and interpersonal skills, helping employers determine if you'll fit into their company culture.
  5. Situation Judgment Tests (SJT): SJTs present you with real-life scenarios, assessing your ability to make effective decisions and handle workplace situations.
A screenshot of an example question in a situational judgement test Situational Judgement test example question

Top Tips for Psychometric Test Success

  1. Practice Regularly: Familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions you might encounter. You can use the Graduates First platform to practice tests tailored to specific employers and hone your skills.
  2. Manage Your Time: Psychometric tests are often timed, so practice answering questions quickly and accurately. Time management is key to completing the test within the allocated timeframe.
  3. Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided before each test. Understanding the question format and requirements is crucial for accurate responses.
  4. Stay Calm and Focused: Test anxiety is common, but remaining calm and focused can significantly improve your performance. Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress during the test.
  5. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Reflect on your practice test results to identify areas where you excel and areas that need improvement. Focus on enhancing your weaker skills through targeted practice.
  6. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback on your practice tests. Constructive criticism can help you refine your approach and enhance your performance.
Abstract Reasoning test example question Abstract Reasoning test example question

Practice psychometric tests with Graduates First

The key to passing a psychometric test is to practice, so you can become familiar with the testing environment, and familiar with the type of questioning used. You can practice all the above psychometric tests with the Graduates First platform. The platform is available for all students, and is accessible with your university log-in details. You can use Graduates First to practice a range of psychometric tests from situational judgement tests, aptitude tests and more. You can also practice psychometric testing packages used by varying companies, industries, and sectors.

You can log-in with your university details and begin practicing psychometric tests through the Graduates First log-in page.  

Screenshot of a numerical reasoning test question Numerical Reasoning test example question

Psychometric Test Myths: BUSTED!

  1. Don’t panic if you do not finish in time: Many psychometric tests are designed so that you don't finish them completely - don't assume you have failed just because you haven't finished the test!
  2. Not all psychometric tests have the same success parameters: With numerical tests it is possible to increase your scores slightly with practice but with others, such as personality tests, they are designed to see if you 'fit' with a particular role/culture/organisation, so you can never truly be prepared for what these tests might look like.
  3. Reasonable adjustments: If you feel you may need an employer to make Reasonable Adjustments for you when it comes to psychometric tests (e.g., you may need more time to read the questions, due to a condition like Dyslexia), this is something you can ask them during the recruitment process.
  4. Be ready in short notice: Employers may ask you to complete psychometric tests at short notice during the application process, so be prepared to start taking the tests any time after you have submitted an application or received an email from an employer.