Tips for psychometric testing

Many companies have a thorough hiring process, which potential employees must complete if they wish to progress with the job they have applied for. In some cases, this will include psychometric testing, which can be very daunting even if you have done it for previous roles.

Depending on the company you may be asked to do psychometric testing right at the beginning of the hiring process, however in most cases testing occurs towards the end of the process and is used to complement the information that the employer already has about you.

Psychometric testing does cost money to complete and should always be administered by a trained specialist. Consider the following advice to help you prepare next time you are asked to complete psychometric testing:

Find out about the process

This is crucial. Questions to ask include:

• Will the test be completed online or in person?
• Can you do the tests at home or do they need to be supervised?
• How long will the testing take?
• What tests are being used and what do they test for?
• What materials will you need to complete the tests?
• Are there practice tests available and how can you access them?
• Who has access to the results?
• How are the results used in the decision making process?
• What is the feedback process?

Practice the tests

In most cases there will be practice tests available. These are a great way to help you prepare for the actual tests as they allow you to become more comfortable with the format of the questions, the types of questions asked and how you are likely to do.

Regardless of the tests that you are asked to complete or whether or not you end up getting the job, you are entitled to receive your results.

Get feedback

Regardless of the tests that you are asked to complete or whether or not you end up getting the job, you are entitled to receive your results. This will generally be in the form of verbal feedback and should take up to half an hour, depending on the type of test and how many tests you completed.

Although it can be nerve wracking to receive your results they will provide invaluable information that you can use for future career development.