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Aptitude Test Tips
Aptitude (or psychometric) tests are being increasingly used by employers as part
of the recruitment process. This variety of test has been specifically designed
to measure the skills and abilities of an individual to assess suitability for the
role or company applied for. These tests provide an objective method for assessing
an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, and allow employers to see skills that
are not necessarily evident on a candidates CV
Aptitude tests are usually either pen and paper based or conducted on a computer.
Many employers conduct tests online prior to inviting candidates to interview. This
allows candidates to take the test at home, without incurring any travelling costs.
Pen and paper tests usually come as a booklet with a separate answer sheet. The
answer sheet usually contains printed boxes for you to indicate the correct answer
by marking the relevant box. Computerised tests often allow you to take as much
time as you want reading the instructions and answers are indicated using the mouse.
Both test formats usually include a couple of practice questions before the real
test.
Aptitude tests use multiple-choice questions, where one correct answer must be chosen
from several answers. Therefore the answer is always in front of you. However, there
are often incorrect answers put there to catch you out. These will be answers which
are the result of an easy error when calculating the answer, or answers which are
similar to the correct answer.
Two popular types of aptitude tests are verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning.
Verbal reasoning tests assess your ability to read and understand or deduce information.
Numerical reasoning tests assess your ability to solve mathematical problems.
Preparation
- It is possible to improve your performance in aptitude tests with practice
so it is advisable to start practicing as soon as possible before a test.
- Make sure you know what kind of test you will be given as there is not just one
type of test for each form of reasoning. If the company gives you example questions
make sure you look at these as they will indicate the difficulty and type of question
they will be using.
- Practice under timed conditions so that you are used to performing under pressure.
- Register to use our customisable test facility to practice
a variety of questions under timed conditions.
Below are some more detailed tips on how to prepare for each specific reasoning
type: -
Numerical Reasoning
- Practice the basic mathematical functions addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division.
- Do simple calculations in your head or on paper, rather than using a calculator.
- Make sure you are confident using different mathematical formats and converting
between them, such as percentages, decimals, fractions, angles, volume, area, and
ratios.
- Ensure you can interpret graphs and tables of statistics, and understand what the
information presented in these different ways is telling you.
Verbal Reasoning
- Look up the meaning of any words you are unsure of.
- Think about what words have the same or similar meaning and what words mean the
opposite to each other.
- When reading articles in newspapers, journals, etc. think about issues such as what
evidence has been presented for and against the argument, and whether you think
that there is enough evidence to justify the conclusion made by the writer.
The Test
When you come to take the test, whatever format it is in, ensure that you fully
understand the instructions. Work through any practice questions so that you fully
understand what is coming in the real test. If you are taking the test at the same
time as other people make sure you do not get distracted by them. Equally if you
are taking the test at home, make sure that no one is going to interrupt you.
Work as quickly and accurately as you can as aptitude tests usually have a strict
time limit. If you do get stuck on a question do not waste time on it; move on to
the next question and return to it at the end of the test if you have time. The
best approach with multiple-choice questions is to work out the answer and then
see if one of the answers matches your answer. If your answer does not match any
of the answers then check over your calculations or reasoning to see if you can
spot a mistake. If you can not see anything wrong in your calculations then try
to make an educated guess at the answer by eliminating those answers you know are
incorrect and then go with the answer you think is most likely to be correct. In
verbal reasoning tests, where the answer is either true, false, or can not say,
words in the statement such as always, never, only, or must, can provide clues to
the correct answer.
Only ever change an answer if you are sure you have made an error. If you are unsure
it is usually best to stick with your original answer.