According to the latest data from the gradireland salary and recruitment trends survey, 39% of employers used psychometric tests as part of their pre-screening process for interviews in 2019. These tests are designed to challenge you on three core competencies: verbal reasoning, inductive reasoning and numerical reasoning. They can often be daunting and time-consuming and, without research or practice, can prove to be extremely difficult. Below are some tips on what to expect and how to prepare for psychometric tests.
What to expect
Verbal reasoning tests appear across many different sectors as verbal reasoning is a skill that is considered essential in many jobs, from engineering and science to marketing and HR. You are likely to come up against a verbal reasoning test if the job you are applying for involves understanding and analysing written information, which you then have to verbalise in a clear manner to a number of people.
Verbal reasoning tests are often multiple choice. You are usually presented with a paragraph of information and then asked a series of questions on the information you just read. You will most likely be asked a question where the answers available are, true, false or it’s impossible to say based on the information given. This test is not designed to test your general knowledge, so it is important to answer the questions based on the information that is in front of you.
What you should do
Verbal reasoning tests will be industry specific so if you’re applying for a job in the engineering sector, the information you will be given will relate to the latest developments and news in the engineering world. Keeping up to date with the latest goings on in your chosen industry is a good way to prepare for a verbal reasoning test. Familiarise yourself with industry-specific terminology and try and understand articles and brochures even if the information is quite complex. Word puzzles can also be a big benefit, so there’s never been a better time to download a brain training game from the app store.
What to expect
Inductive reasoning tests typically involve spotting patterns. You are likely to encounter this type of test if you are applying for a job in the engineering, science or IT sector. For these tests to be fair and not discriminate against those who may not speak the language of the country where the company is based, the test usually revolves around symbols rather than text.
As with the verbal reasoning tests, the questions are usually multiple choice but this time you are likely to be working against the clock. An example of a question you might come across is that you will be shown a series of pictures, each one of which is slightly different, and you will then be asked to choose another picture to complete the series. 2D and 3D shapes are used as part of the test so be prepared to be shown images such as a cube. You could be shown an image that can be folded to make a cube, followed by a series of different cubes. You could then be asked to decide which cube can be formed using the initial shape. These tests are designed to see how you react when put under time pressure as well as testing your logical thinking and ability to spot rules or consistencies.
What you should do
There are some simple everyday tasks you can do that can really help you prepare for an inductive reasoning test. Assembling flatpack furniture is essentially a physical embodiment of an inductive reasoning test. Using a diagram to see how something should fit together and then assembling it will help develop your ability to think about 3D objects. Reflection is a common element of the patterns used in inductive reasoning tests. You could get used to thinking about this by drawing shapes and their reflections and then checking if you got the reflections right by using a mirror.
What to expect
Although this kind of test is used by companies in the finance sector, many graduate jobs require you to have a base knowledge of mathematics so it’s important to be prepared for this no matter what role you are applying for.
Numeracy can be daunting to a lot of graduates, especially if maths is not a core element of their degree. However, the questions in numerical reasoning tests are usually at Leaving Cert level and involve a degree of practicality. You are not expected to remember equations and you will be able to answer all the questions based on the information provided in the test.
Numerical reasoning tests can vary depending on the nature of the role you’re applying for, as some employers set tests that assess whether you have the specific numerical skills they’re looking for. For example, if you’re applying to a financial services firm, you might be asked questions that will involve the kind of calculations you would be expected to perform daily, such as profit margins.
Numerical reasoning tests for graduate schemes typically use a multiple-choice format and have a time limit. You are usually allowed to use a calculator, though this is not the case in all tests. You will most likely be tested on a few core competencies such as ratios, percentages, probability fractions and decimals estimate and approximations.
What you should do
Taking practice tests will help you perform at your best. Even if you’re studying for a numerate degree, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with the type of questions you’re likely to be asked. If you’re studying for a degree that doesn’t involve much numerical work and you’re worried that your maths is a bit rusty, practice tests will help you brush up your skills and increase your confidence. You might find it helpful to brush up on your Leaving Cert maths. Do number puzzles such as Sudoku, which are good for helping you recognise number patterns.
If you’re ready to find out how well you can do in standard employer aptitude tests, you can use Gradireland’s Graduate Benchmark service to get an employer’s-eye view on how your performance compares to your peers. Keep an eye out on gradireland.com for the launch of the benchmark this week and be one of the first students to take part.
By Piers Moyles
Piers Moyles is a content executive at gradireland
Photo by Hal Gatewood on Unsplash
