Psychometric tests and assessment centres
Psychometric tests
Psychometric tests look to identify your skills, knowledge, and personality. They often will focus on your ability to recognise patterns, how you would behave in certain situations and your ability to understand both numbers and written information.
Assessment centres
Larger organisations often consider several candidates together using a range of tasks, such as psychometric tests, group challenges, role play, presentations, in-tray/e-tray
exercises and interviews.
Assessment centres are carefully designed to see which candidates fit the role and the organisation, so they may be considering your personality, your approach to solving
problems and dealing with situations, leadership potential and overall ability to work in a team, as well as further testing your skills and abilities.
Help preparing for tests and assessments
Tips to prepare
Prepare as you would for an interview: dress and behave professionally, be punctual and bear in mind that everyone you meet on the day may be asked what they thought of you.
- Refer back to the person specification for the role to review what the employer is looking for.
- Practice psychometric tests.
- Research the employer, so you know all about them and what they do.
- Research their sector for broader understanding of their industry.
General resources
- Prospects website - information about assessment centres
- JobTestPrep - in-tray examples and tips
- WikiJob Assessment Centre: Tips And Preparation Advice
- Wikisource - A wiki sharing quality information on personality type, with integrated video and text
