Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve been asked to take an aptitude test as part of a job application process? If so, then you know that these tests can be pretty daunting.
Psychometric or aptitude tests are a staple of the Nigerian job market. Industries like banking, oil, and gas, and accounting use these tests to screen candidates and ensure they are hiring the best person for the job. So, how can you ensure you ace your next psychometric test?
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pass psychometric tests in 7 steps. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Understand what psychometric tests are
- Understand the purpose of psychometric tests
- Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are likely to be asked
- Prepare for the test by practicing sample questions
- Arrive at the test center on time and well rested
- Stay calm and focused during the test
- Finish the test and review your answers
Now, let’s dive into the guide!
7 Steps To Pass Psychometric Tests in 7 Steps
1. Understand what psychometric tests are
Psychometric tests are measures of a person’s abilities, skills, and personality traits. They are designed to give employers an objective way to assess candidates.
The most common psychometric tests are aptitude tests, which measure an individual’s ability to learn and remember new information, and personality tests, which measure an individual’s personality traits.
Aptitude tests are usually divided into verbal, quantitative, and logical reasoning sections. The verbal section measures an individual’s ability to understand and remember written information, while the quantitative section measures an individual’s ability to solve mathematical problems.
The logical reasoning section measures an individual’s ability to identify patterns and relationships. Personality tests usually cover these four sections: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability.
2. Understand the purpose of psychometric tests
The purpose of psychometric tests is to predict how well an individual will perform in a specific role or task. Employers look at an individual’s test scores to determine whether they are likely to be successful in a particular job.
For example, employers may use psychometric tests to identify individuals who are likely to be successful in customer service roles. Understanding this purpose will help you approach the test with the right mindset.
3. Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are likely to be asked
Most psychometric tests are multiple-choice tests that ask questions about a series of hypothetical scenarios.
The questions are designed to assess an individual’s cognitive abilities and personality traits. For example, a question on a verbal aptitude test might ask you to choose the word that completes a sentence. A quantitative aptitude test might ask you to solve a mathematical problem.
4. Prepare for the test by practicing sample questions
One effective way to prepare for psychometric tests is to practice answering sample questions.
This will help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are likely to be asked and improve your test-taking skills. You can find sample questions online on credible websites with a collection of test prep materials.
5. Arrive at the test center on time and well rested
Your efforts could be in vain if you don’t get to the test center on time. Make sure to know the location of the test center beforehand and give yourself enough time to get there.
It is also essential to arrive well-rested to focus on the test. If it’s an online test, ensure you are seated and ready for the test at least 10 minutes before it starts. It would be best if you also had a quiet and comfortable place to take it.
6. Stay calm and focused during the test
Once the test begins, it is important to stay calm and focused. If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you are prepared for the test.
This is one of the perks of adequate preparation. Remember that you’ve practiced similar questions in the past and can do it again. Reading the instructions carefully and answering the questions to the best of your ability is also essential.
7. Review your answers before submitting
Once you have finished answering all the questions, take a few minutes to review your answers. This simple step can help you avoid careless mistakes.
People often make silly mistakes because they rush through the questions without taking the time to read them carefully. Reviewing your answers will also help you identify any questions you are unsure about. If you have time, go back and try to answer those questions again.
Final Takeaway
Now that you know how to approach psychometric tests, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice.
The best way to improve your test-taking skills is to practice, so make sure to find some sample questions to work on. By familiarizing yourself with the likely questions, you are one step closer to acing your next psychometric test.