Psychometric tests – How to prepare and pass

Psychometric testing is a key part of the graduate recruitment process, so allow us to take you through what it takes to make it to the next stage.

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If you're currently applying for graduate jobs, you've probably come across the dreaded psychometric testing process. Designed to check out your credentials in various areas, they're a favoured recruitment tool among big companies who need to ensure they're getting the right person for the job.

When you're on the receiving end, though, it can be more than a little daunting – partly because there's no way to alter the results or 'cheat' the system.

Nevertheless, we've used our past experience and hours of research to compile a list of the different types of psychometric test and how you can do your best in each one.

What’s in this guide?

We've also got tips on how to pass an assessment centre.

What are psychometric tests?

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First thing's first: what exactly is a psychometric test?

Often used when recruiting graduates, psychometric tests are designed to be an objective, quantifiable way of measuring how suitable someone is for a specific job, and how capable they'd be at doing it.

Nowadays, most psychometric tests will take place online and they'll usually be timed. That said, there's still a chance that you could be given a paper test, and some won't necessarily have to be done in one go – you may be able to return to them at a later point.

Although there are multiple different subcategories of psychometric testing, they're all intended to measure things such as:

Abilities
Academic and/or professional potential
Attitude
Knowledge
Personality traits
Skills.

Here are some of the other skills that employers look for in a job applicant.

What are the different types of psychometric test?

There are two main types of psychometric test: aptitude tests and personality tests. Here's what each type of test is intended for, and what they involve:

Aptitude tests

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Aptitude tests are usually completed online or on a printed answer sheet, a bit like your typical exam. They're designed to assess your cognitive and reasoning abilities, and you'll normally be given a strict time limit to complete the tests.

Some common types of aptitude tests include:

Diagrammatic reasoning – Sometimes also known as 'abstract reasoning tests', these involve sequences of shapes or symbols (as in the image above), and you'll often be asked to identify a missing symbol or continue the sequence.
Numerical reasoning – These tests are usually focused on stats and graphs, which you'll need to use in order to logically and correctly answer a question.
Situational judgement – Not dissimilar to the roleplay session of an assessment day, situational judgements present you with work-based hypothetical scenarios. Your task is to decide how best to resolve the problem or move forward, choosing from a list of four or five options.
Verbal reasoning – Here, you'll be shown a short piece of text which you'll need to read and evaluate in order to answer some questions (often in a 'true or false' format).

Whichever type of aptitude test you're faced with, you should be given instructions before you start, so always read them carefully.

If you're faced with a multiple-choice test, it's worth checking if there are any penalties for wrong answers. If not, as in a regular exam at uni, you're better off guessing at an answer if you're running out of time or don't know what to put. After all, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

However, some tests do give negative marks for wrong answers – and, in this case, if you're unsure of an answer, leave the question blank and come back to it later (and leave it completely if you're still struggling).

Of course, the best option is to plan your time well enough that you're not up against the clock in the first place. And, in advance of taking the aptitude test, make sure that you have everything you need, such as a calculator (if it's helpful and you're allowed one).

In terms of actually preparing for an aptitude test, your best bet is practice, practice, practice. A quick Google throws up thousands of mock tests you can take, so there's no excuse not to familiarise yourself before it's time to take the test for real.

Struggling to make it past the first hurdle? We've got some expert tips on how to ace your application form.

Personality tests

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Personality tests are different to aptitude tests in the sense that there are no right or wrong answers and there's rarely a time limit either. They're meant to be a more relaxed experience, as the employer is keen to get an honest insight into your personal working style and how you might behave in the workplace.

Typically, a personality test might ask you questions about how you prefer to work. You might notice that you're asked the same question several times but just worded differently. This is to give consistency and to ensure that you aren't just answering how you think you should (which you should never do).

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) are among the most commonly used personality tests.

MBTI tests are pretty popular online so there's every chance you've taken one before. But either way, you can find plenty of information on how each test works online (we'll list some resources later), so it's worthwhile doing some further research if you know which type you'll be doing.

But again, personality tests are really about telling someone what you're really like. Preparation for these assessments should just be about getting used to the format rather than perfecting your answers.

If you feel that you're having to make up a personality to fit the job, then it's probably not the one for you!

Remember that graduate schemes aren't the be-all and end-all of post-uni life – there are plenty of amazing alternatives that can take you where you want to go.

How to pass a psychometric test

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Follows these three simple steps to increase your chance of passing a psychometric test:

Prepare and practice – There are several places online where you can practice psychometric tests. Check out sites such as Psychometric Success and Job Test Prep for aptitude tests, and Team Technology and 16Personalities for personality tests. They're a great way to get a feel for how things will work and identify any areas that you might struggle with, so you know where to focus your efforts.
Stay calm – We know it's easier said than done, but you'll never perform at your very best if you're stressed out and worried. Stay calm, get yourself in the right frame of mind, and if you're unable to chill out in the days leading up to the test, give these self-care techniques a go.
Be honest – When it comes to personality tests, there are no right or wrong answers. In fact, they're often designed to catch you out if you actively try to manipulate your answers, so avoid trying to do what you think is 'right'. Answer honestly, and you'll give the company a well-rounded view of what you're really like – if you're cut out for the job in question, it'll shine through.