Psychometric and aptitude testing
Know what to expect
Psychometric testing is commonly used in the graduate and internship recruitment process to identify candidates with the right skills and attributes for the job.
Psychometric tests are designed to objectively measure skills and attributes that relate to workplace performance. Some tests focus on cognitive skills such as numerical, verbal or abstract reasoning. Others examine your workplace behavioural style or key personality traits.
Data from psychometric tests assists employers to select appropriate candidates for the job. Cognitive test results offer an insight into your ability to use logic and reason to solve a problem, while personality test data may be used to understand your work style or determine how you might fit into a particular team. Many employers will consider your test scores in conjunction with the information provided in your application. Some, however, may impose cut-off scores that you must meet in order to proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
The majority of tests are taken online. The recruiter sends you a link to the testing site and you complete the tests at a time convenient to you. Alternatively, you may be required to complete a testing session at an assessment centre or interview.
These will generally involve answering multiple choice or true/false questions. Check your internet connection and ensure you won’t be interrupted before you start the tests.
Although these are usually presented online, they’re occasionally offered in hard-copy format. Follow the rules given by the assessor and ask any questions you have before the session begins.
These tests present the tasks as a game. You may have to complete puzzles, rapidly differentiate between correct and incorrect information, or complete tasks associated with a scenario (e.g. building a theme park). Remember that your results matter even though it looks like a game!
These measure your ability to reach a conclusion based on written information, may require you to:
These tests measure your ability to use numerical data to solve a problem and may require you to:
These test your ability to reach a logical conclusion based on abstract information such as symbols, shapes or pictures. They may require you to:
These offer some insight into your personality traits and behavioural style. Unlike cognitive tests, there are no right or wrong answers, and they may require you to:
Practice aptitude tests on Sydney Careers Toolkit. This is a free service for all enrolled students and graduates within five years of course completion at the University of Sydney.
