Why do organisations use psychometric tests for recruitment?
Some employers include assessment testing as part of the selection process to make a better, more informed decision about a candidate. There is a range of questions that an assessment test can help answer such as; can this candidate do the job, will they do the job, and will they fit our team and culture?
Well designed, an assessment test can:
- Help predict future potential, and likely on-the-job performance
- Confirm a candidate’s ability to handle various job-related activities such as working in a team, leading others, coping with pressure, and adhering to rules
- Measure job specific skills that are not easily assessed by other methods.
How can I prepare for an OPRA psychometric assessment?
Being prepared is an important first step to ensure you are ‘in the right head-space’ to complete an assessment. Being prepared means that you know what tests you will complete, and ideally, making sure you feel rested and alert is equally important preparation for an assessment session.
Before the Assessments
- Set aside a time of day to complete the assessments when you know you will be most alert.
- Ensure that you will be free from distractions for the period that you are completing the assessments.
- Familiarise yourself with the different types of tests you will complete and practice these under the same conditions as the real assessment situation. Information on the tests you will be taking can be found in your email invitation.
- If you have special requirements, make sure the assessor understands these well in advance of testing. It may be possible for alternative arrangements to be made.
- If you have any significant concerns about the assessment, get in contact with your consultant and they will be able to provide you with guidance and information.
After the Assessments
- If you are completing the assessments at home, make sure to choose a time when you know you will not be interrupted.
- If you are completing more than one exercise, you might like to take a few short breaks between finishing one assessment and starting the next.
- Carefully read all instructions before starting an assessment and complete all practice questions.
- Do not panic if you don’t finish one or more timed exercises. These tests are typically not designed to be finished. Instead, try to work as accurately and as quickly as you can.
- If you don’t think you have worked to the best of your ability on any one assessment, try not to let this distract you, but focus instead on the next assessment.
- Don’t try to guess what the assessor is looking for from your assessment results. It is best to answer each question as honestly as you can. It is your personal opinions and preferences that an employer wants to see.
- Although personality and interest questionnaires are not timed, try not to spend too long answering any one question. Your first, instinctive response is generally the most accurate.
For more information visit our sister company OPRA Psychology Group