If you listen to the BBC News you will hear them say that
more and more employers are using job aptitude tests to help select employees
and research indicates that the number of people asked to carry out such tests
is around 40%.
Here are some test
taking tips to help you when taking a job aptitude test.
General Test Taking Tips
There is no need to worry about the fact that you are taking
the test. With the exception of math questions,
there are no right or wrong answers - it is simply your overall aptitude for
the job you are applying for that is being looked at.
Most of the questions are multiple choice style and are set
with time limits and performed under normal examination conditions. Don't worry if you do not finish the test in
the time allotted as not many candidates actually do.
There is no such thing as a ‘pass mark' for this type of
test. More often than not your results
will be compared to those of people who are already doing the job you have
applied for.
More than one area is usually covered by the job aptitude
test. For example, one part may take
into account your ability to reason with numbers or read diagrams, whilst
another section is likely to concentrate on your interpretation of text.
If you can find out what type of job selection test you will
be faced with prior to the interview this will give you the opportunity to
practice. Why not give the Human
Resources or Personnel Department a call?
The worst thing that can happen is that they are not prepared to give
you further details. On the other hand
if they say yes, this means you may have a head start over the other
candidates.
How to Improve Your
Test Results
Here are 10 test taking tips to help you improve your
selection test results:
Make sure you arrive at the test location refreshed, in a
positive mind set and in good time.
Carefully listen or read the instructions. You may find that marks are not granted on an
even basis throughout the test. Section
A may only carry 10% of the total marks whilst section B may account for 40%. Allocate your time wisely to achieve the
maximum marks.
Find the happy medium between accuracy and speed. If you go too fast you will make mistakes and
if you go too slow you will not answer as many questions as you could do.
Don't spend too much time agonizing over a question if you
know you cannot answer it - simply move on to the next one. Having said that, don't give up on a question
too quickly either.
Don't waste your valuable test time checking and double
checking your answers.
If you are unsure about the answer to a certain question,
write down your best guess and move on.
However, try to avoid wild guesses - they don't do you any favors in the
long run.
There is no need to panic if the questions appear to be
getting more difficult as the test goes on.
This is quite often the case so you can expect to take longer to
complete the latter questions.
If calculators are permitted in the test, take your own one
in with you. You are familiar with it
and you know how it works.
There may be some practice questions at the start of the
test. If you do not understand these
questions thoroughly, ask the test administrator who will be happy to explain
things to you.
And finally, the most important of our test taking tips. Practice makes perfect so get some practice
tests in prior to attending the interview.
Here's some specific advice on maths and numerical tests and verbal reasoning or logic test questions.
Catherine
Jones is a leading authority on recruitment and, with 3 colleagues, has written
a how
to snag a job website in which she shares her secrets on getting
hired.
Catherine
works as a senior manager for a large retail organisation and
recruits new employees on a regular basis. Learn from the experts and snag the
job you want – your dream job!
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
