Psychometric tests are assessment techniques designed to measure a range of human characteristics including intellectual ability/aptitude, personality, motivation, interests and values. Of these, only tests of ability, and to a lesser extent, personality, are likely to feature in graduate selection.

 

Psychometric tests are structured, written or computer-based exercises. They should have been carefully designed to measure whether you have the specific abilities or personal qualities in relation to the job specification. Your score (or profile) is compared with the scores of previous, successful applicants and/or successful employees, to predict your potential for performing effectively in the job.

 

Psychometric tests may be used as an initial filter, to determine whether you will proceed to the next stage of selection (usually an interview). In this case, there is a fixed cut-off score (pass/fail). Alternatively, psychometric tests may be used at the final stage of selection, as part of an assessment centre.  In this case, the tests may not carry any more weight than the other elements of the selection procedure.

 

 

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Ability tests Personality questionnaires Tips on how to prepare  'My potential' online tests Useful resources and links