When applying for a job, some employers will test graduates during the selection process. These test can vary and are often known as 'psychometric tests' which assess personality, behavioural style, ability or aptitude.

Each employer may be looking for something slightly different which means that while there may be right and wrong answers to sections such as numerical reasoning, personality tests will often spark different results depending on the role an employer wishes to fill.

Ability or aptitude tests

These tests measure your potential to do certain types of tasks. They rely on your natural ability or aptitude rather than knowledge or experience. Ability tests are usually timed.

There are several types:

Verbal reasoning How well you analyse written information
Abstract reasoning How well you analyse a problem presented visually
Perceptual ability Your ability with diagrams and pictures
Numerical reasoning How well you interpret numerical and statistical information
Spatial ability Your ability with plans and 3D shapes
Mechanical ability Knowing how things work and fit together

Personality tests

These are designed to give a picture of how you will behave in certain situations, such as the way you approach and solve problems. Although employers will probably have an ideal profile in mind, this is not usually made public and is difficult to guess. These tests are not usually timed.

Preparing for a test

  • Practise using the sample tests below
  • Get a good night's sleep before the test
  • Make sure that you set aside enough time for your testing
  • Find a quiet space in your home or study area to ensure you won't be distracted
  • Ensure you have a strong internet connection
  • Bring a pen, scrap paper and any other allowable tools such as a ruler or calculator with you
  • Have water nearby 
  • On the day of the test:
    • read the instructions carefully
    • make sure you understand the instructions
    • manage your time well - don't spend too much time on one question.
      • If you know how many questions will be in each section -  you may like to calculate the average time you should spend on each item - that way you'll know when it's time to move on.

Sample tests

These websites offer a range of tests - practice by accessing their free samples:

Resources