10 Tips for getting through

PsychometricTestsWithout all the panic and drama

Ps

A Publication of Mind Strategies

TIP ONE

THE WONDER OF SLEEP

The Wonder of Sleep

Most people need about 7-8 hours of sleep to function normally. When you are going for an assessment, make sure you get enough, good quality sleep the night before. Don’t go out partying all night and think you can just cruise through the assessment. You won’t be doing yourself any favours.Get some rest and drink lots of water to energise your brain the next morning.

TIP TWO

DEALINGWITH TRAUMA

DEALING WITH TRAUMA

You know how difficult it can be to concentrate when something is bothering you. When a stressful or traumatic event occurs, this is even more true. If you experienced any events such as a hijacking, loss of a loved one, retrenchment, serious operation in the preceding months of your assessment, then let the assessor know BEFORE you start with the assessment. The same goes for any mind altering/mood enhancing medication you might be using like anti depressants. This is especially important when you are doing any type of personality/behavioural profiling and could help explain high stress scores.

TIP THREE

DID YOU PRACTICE?

DID YOUPractice ?

Most assessment companies can provide you with some practice assessments to put you at ease before the actual day of assessment. There are various online portal available, where one can take practice tests for free. It would serve you well to Google: Practice psychometric test.

TIP FOUR

SPEED vs ACCURACY

SPEED vs ACCURACY

Chances are good that you might be required to complete reasoning assessments, such as verbal, numerical or abstract reasoning. These tests look at a combination of how many items you are able to complete within a certain time frame. One would strive for a balance in attempting a fair number of items, but also being accurate. (Guessing is not advised.) Don’t worry if you don’t complete all of the reasoning items. One can still achieve a relatively good score without completing all the items if your level of accuracy is high.

TIP FIVE

REMEMBER THE BIG PICTURE

REMEMBER THEBig Picture

The results from your psychometric assessment usually form part of a bigger picture, that would have included interviews, written applications and other background information. Best practice dictates that selection decisions should not be based on psychometric results alone, but should include various sources of information.You can’t get fired from your job, just because you did not score well on psychometric assessments. Best practice further dictates that assessments should measure inherent job requirements that have been determined by means of a job analysis (scientifically valid and reliable process)

TIP SIX

ASK QUESTIONS

ASK QUESTIONS

When participating in an assessment, it is important to ask questions if you are unsure of anything. If the assessor gives you instructions and you are not sure what to do, please ask them before the assessment begins to explain it again or give you an example.Don’t be afraid to ask “silly” questions. Many times the people next to you have the same question, but are just afraid to ask.The assessor is there to help you.

TIP SEVEN

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS

Even if the assessor is verbally giving you instructions, it is vital that you read the instructions in your test booklet or online carefully.Important information is contained in the instructions, such as “rules” for answering the questions. E.g. “Always work from top to bottom”, “work from left to right, then down”, in this test red means blue. Make sure you know what these “rules” are BEFORE you start with the test.In many instances the assessor will allow practice items so that you can familiarise yourself with the “rules”.You can always refer back to the instructions if you have to.

TIP EIGHT

THE INBASKET

THE INBASKET

An in-basket is usually a simulation type exercise where you are presented with a variety of e-mails, documents, reports, etc. and have to resolve certain situations as they are presented.If you are doing an in-basket, remember to number your responses accurately. Usually each item is numbered and your response should indicate which item you are addressing. Address the items as if you were actually in the office, don’t write to the assessor about what you would do. E.g. Instead of saying “I will schedule a meeting”, write the email/memo to the relevant parties to schedule the meeting, providing an agenda and dates. Give specific instructions, add dates, quote numbers and communicate your thinking clearly.The assessor needs to be able to see what instructions you have given and to whom.

TIP NINE

WHERE IS THE ANSWER?

WHERE IS THEAnswer?

It is important to know how to indicate your answer. Sometimes you have to colour in blocks, sometimes you need to circle a response. If you are working online, you may be required to first select an option by using the space bar and then pressing enter to record your answer. Make sure that you follow the assessors’ instructions precisely.Sometimes being able to follow the assessors’ instructions is part and parcel of the assessment.

TIP TEN

THE ASSESSOR LOVES YOU

THE ASSESSORLoves You

It is the assessors’ job to gather as much information during the assessment as they can. Depending on the type of assessment, the assessor may need to provide specific evidence in order to indicate whether you achieved a level of competence or not. The more evidence available, the easier it is for the assessor to score/evaluate. So when in doubt provide more information, rather than less. The assessor can only evaluate what you give them. Assessors work with data and then make deductions based on the data and evidence provided.

Remember that the assessor also wants you to do well and there to support you as much as they can.

Judy Janse van Rensburg: Judy is a registered Psychometrist: Independent Practice and has over 18 years experience working with evaluations, assessments, feedback coaching and related talent management environments.She holds a MA Industrial psychology degree and is currently busy with research towards a PhD in Personal and Professional Leadership at the University of Johannesburg.

“Assessment can unlock hidden potential.”

- Judy Janse van Rensburg

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