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Preparing for a psychological test

The job seekers’ market is becoming ever more complex as we progress. It is becoming so in an attempt to further refine the candidate screening process and find the best (human) resources for the job. One should note that the saying that there are no right or wrong answers with psychological tests is only half true; scores are assigned based on a particular type of personality – thus the preferred personality type will get a higher score. Employers simply seek to recruit those who are the right fit for the job.

Attitude going into the test

There is no need to feel stressed while going into the test, since you cannot really fail it. The worst that can happen is you are going to realize yourself that the job is not suitable for you. Be confident going into the test. Understand that the examiners are going to assess certain abilities and skills (such as leadership). Your answers to the test indicate your approach to handling situations or they will test your appreciation of the gravity of a given situation.

If you feel you really want the job, it may impact your performance. Stay calm and remember all you need to do in these tests is carrying yourself well and avoid being artificial. You will get the job if you are made for it. Do keep in mind that some exams are designed to stress you and instant thinking and problem solving to reveal your capacity to perform in similar situations on the job.

Tips to prepare for psychological tests

When you find out you are going into one of these tests, we recommend you prepare yourself by taking on puzzles and mathematical tests. Read up about the industry the company operates in and digest relevant information to reveal insights that may also be queried during the test. Note that the primary purpose is for you to further your ability in taking in information. Make sure you are well rested at night; this should leave you positive and productive for the next day. Note that these tests may not be timed in every instance or by every employer.

Tools

You have some tools at your disposal that can help you prepare for tests. Human resource teams can also use these tools in the development of tests. Use online exam software for this purpose. These tests are time consuming and difficult to develop and will help you out through the process. Online exam software represent the latest progress in exam technology that can help the examiners in developing the test they need, keeping resource constraints in mind. Read more about test development here.

Types of tests

There are two types of test you are likely to encounter: ability tests, and personality test. Ability tests are designed to assess your intellectual capacity. You will be tested on your ability to identify underlying patterns in questions. Certain questions will test your verbal abilities, that is, your ability to comprehend information by reading it. Finally you may be tested on your numerical ability with simple arithmetic questions.

 

Personality tests involve everything that you say as a reflection of who you are. There are non-projective tests that ask you to declare true or false to a series of question querying your emotions, feelings and thoughts. The other type of test is projective that involves story writing and sentence completion.