What is Psychometrics?

The word "psycho" refers to the mind, where "metric" is a term used to measure.  Psychometrics is basically a form of testing to find out the strengths and weaknesses of a candidate and is generally used by in their selection process.  Depending on the employer, these tests are often used to assess suitability.  The selection process often takes place before a candidate interview, but this will often depend on the preference of the employer.

A Psychometric test, is unlike any normal test you would take under exam conditions, so it is not possible to revise for questions that may be asked in these kind of tests.  You can however help train your mind in preparation for a Psychometric test. These kind of tests are used to measure your aptitude and/or personality, and find out how you would respond in certain conditions. 

There are two primary forms of test.  The first is known as an "Aptitude Test" and the second is known as a "Personality Questionnaire".

Aptitude Test

These tests are also referred to as cognitive or intelligence tests which are often similar to IQ tests, but do not test your knowledge.  There are also various forms of Aptitude Test, which depend completely on the job role.  A typical test is likely to include verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning or spatial awareness. 

An Air Traffic Controller for example, would require a range of aptitude tests.  This job role requires that a controller is able to interoperate information accurately (flight strip information), calculate and be able to think in three dimensions on a two dimensional image (altitude, direction and speed), as well as the ability to think logically and follow specific instructions/rules.  Appropriate tests for this job role are likely to include numerical reasoning, spatial awareness, and inductive reasoning.  A personality questionnaire (discussed later) is also likely to be included before an interview even takes place.

Employers set their own standard as to how you should perform in these tests.  Again, using the example of an Air Traffic Controller, having these skills and being able to interoperate data accurately is extremely important to the job role and any mistakes could potentially cost lives.  On the opposite end of the scale, employers may use such testing to assess strengths and weaknesses of a potential employee.

Personality Questionnaire

Unlike an Aptitude Test, there are no specific right to wrong answers.  A personality questionnaire will normally assess your personality and motivation for a particular job role.  You may have the aptitude and the skills to do a specific job, but this does not mean that you have the right characteristics and drive to do it.

For example, a Sales Manager, may have skills and previous management experience who did well in an Aptitude Test.  However he/she does not respond well in certain conditions when dealing with customers.  The questionnaire may indicate that this candidate would not enjoy working in a sales department.  If there is no enjoyment in the job role, then it is likely that his/her performance will be low, and may end becoming bored and jumping ship!

Other aspects of a personality questionnaire may include how you would respond in stressful situations, emotional situations, team working, and others depending on the job role itself.


What we offer (employees)

For those who are about to take a psychometric test, we offer a Psychometric Suite, available here.

This software provides various levels of training tests, basic checking, verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, inductive reasoning and spatial awareness.  Practice as much as you like, this software is designed to generically produce a new question each time.

This suite also includes effective CV writing, interview advice, example motivation papers and advice on how to improve your skills when it comes to taking your aptitude test, including maths skills.
 

What we offer (employers)

Downloadable and self graded written papers in pdf format.

We also offer an online service, which is particularly useful for companies that have a large number candidates.  Tests are taken online, and automatically graded.  You will be able to see the results by logging into our system, and viewing the results all in one page.

More information is available here.