Psychometric testing and assessments – what to expect - SEEK (2024)

Finding out that you will be required to undertake a psychometric assessment as part of the interview process may be daunting, but knowing what to expect can help to minimise any anxiety and set you up for the best possible outcome.

According to Sue Lawson from Psychometric Solutions and Innovations, organisations are increasingly using psychometric assessments to help inform their decision-making, particularly after initial interviews have been conducted in order to readily identify characteristics that can be hard to confirm at an interview.

Sue says, although psychometric testing is quite common, it is important to remember that it is not the be-all and end-all, but part of a wider evaluation strategy to determine who is the best person for a role.

Psychometric assessments usually cover two areas – abilities assessments and personality profiling.

A psychometric assessment is used to measuresa person’s suitability for a role based on their intellectual capabilities and personality traits.

• Verbal reasoning (which assesses your ability to solve problems using written materials)
• Numerical reasoning (which assesses your ability to problem solve using numbers)

Aptitude tests tend to be multiple-choice, and they are usually timed, requiring the participant to work quickly through the questions.

“As these tests are usually completed online, it is useful to have a pen and paper handy to jot down any workings,” Sue says.

• finding out in advance which tests are going to be administered and what the format is
• doing some practice tests online – Sue says there are a number of websites where you can do practice tests for free
• reading widely
• playing word games, brainteasers and crossword puzzles

On the day:

• make sure you read the instructions carefully
• attempt as many questions as possible
• don’t spend too much time on any one question
• if a question seems too difficult, make a guess or move on to the next question and come back to it at the end if you have time
• if you finish early, take the time to go back and check your answers

Rita has red hair

1: Rita has long hair.

2: Rachael has red hair.

3: Rachael is ten years old.

4: Rita’s hair is the same colour as Rachael’s.

75 78 74 ? 73 76 72

A: 78 B: 79 C: 76 D: 77 E: 75

The correct answer is D

While there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, Sue says it’s important to not over-think your responses or try to gear your answers towards what you perceive the recruiter may be looking for, as this might create an inaccurate impression of you.

• being informed and well prepared
• having a positive attitude
• making sure you are well rested before taking the test
• allowing adequate time to complete the test
• attempting to complete all of the questions

“If you approach these assessments with a can-do attitude and treat them as another opportunity to showcase your suitability, chances are this will reflect positively in your answers,” Sue adds.

Example question – Personality assessment (sliding scale)

I enjoy talking to strangers.

1. Never
2. Sometimes
3. Neutral
4. Usually
5. Always

The correct answer is the one that you feel best relates to you most of the time.

Hopefully now, armed with all of this information, the next time you’re asked to complete a psychometric assessment you will feel much better prepared. Good luck.