University of Lincoln Careers & Employability

(May also be called cognitive, ability or intelligence tests)

These tests try to assess your potential, rather than your knowledge. They usually take the form of multiple choice questions, given under exam conditions with strict time limits.

They assess your powers of logical reasoning and the questions have definite right and wrong answers.

The three most common types of test are

• numerical reasoning
• verbal reasoning
• spatial/diagrammatic reasoning 

 

The numerical tests are designed to see how quickly your mind is able to understand numbers, not how accurately you can do algebra or quadratic equations.

Similarly, the verbal tests are looking at how easily you understand written text, and they will not (usually) test your vocabulary, grammar and spelling.

There is not usually a pass mark as such, but your score is compared to other people’s scores. You are either compared to other graduates (and are usually expected to do average or better) or you are compared to people successfully doing the job you have applied for.

Companies are reluctant to give out lots of examples of their tests because they feel it would undermine the tests’ effectiveness, therefore try the following:

• Practise with word games, mathematical teasers, puzzles with diagrams, etc – you will find a variety of these on the Internet.

 

• If it is a long time since you did any maths, brush up by practising some basic mental arithmetic – addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, calculation of percentages and ratios. Numerical tests are not likely to be pitched at higher than GCSE level maths unless the job requires a very high level of numeracy.

 

• In some numerical tests you can use a calculator, so make sure you know how to work out percentages and ratios on the calculator. Go over your times tables and check that you can do long multiplication. Practise estimating answers – even if you are allowed to use a calculator this can help make sure you are on the right track.

 

• Questions are often based on your ability to interpret data presented in tables. Get hold of a copy of the Financial Times (or something similar) and spend some time becoming familiar with reading tables of information.

 

• Verbal reasoning tests are more difficult to improve easily but you could get some practice reading complicated texts about subjects you don’t understand. You could read friends’ text books, magazines such as ‘The Economist’ (for non-economists!) or just try some James Joyce or Dickens.

 

• During the tests work through the questions at an efficient rate. If you get stuck on a question, don’t spend too long on it, but move on to the next one. However, don’t abandon a question prematurely, if with a few extra seconds you might have solved it. If you aren’t sure of an answer, bear in mind that you won’t have time to come back to it later, so put down your best guess and move on.

 

• Don’t worry if you don’t answer all the questions. As you go through the tests, the questions may become more difficult, and there are frequently more questions than you can comfortably complete in the time. It does not matter if you do not finish the test (though you should complete as many questions as possible). It is the number of correct answers which counts. 

 

• Read the question properly (I am sure you have heard that before). People sometimes get the wrong answer because they have rushed at the question and not read it properly, particularly in numerical and data interpretation questions. It is not uncommon for people to understand the mathematical principles behind a question, but they get the wrong answer because they have read the wrong figure of a graph or diagram.

There are many examples of aptitude tests available on the Internet and listed below are a just a few examples:

• Saville and Holdsworth Ltd have sample questions, practice tests and advice on preparing for tests – www.shldirect.com
• Mensa – www.mensa.org
• IQ Test – www.iqtest.com
• Saville Consulting have downloadable verbal, numerical and diagrammatic example tests – www.savilleconsulting.com/products/aptitude_preparationguides.aspx
• Assessment Day have free numerical and verbal graduate aptitude tests that mimic the type employers use – www.assessmentday.co.uk
• Prospects website – www.prospects.ac.uk/links/onlinetests
• A variety of books available in the Careers & Employability Services resource room

These are designed to try and find out how you behave, how you approach tasks and what your attitudes are, how you relate to others, your work style, motivations, etc. Results of such tests are considered to provide a more objective indication as to how you would do the job, and how well you would fit in to the existing staff and organisational culture.

Unlike aptitude tests, there are no “right” or “wrong” answers and questionnaires are usually untimed. The selectors will not be looking for a rigid “typical” personality profile, although certain characteristics will be more or less appropriate for that particular job.

The best way to approach all of these questionnaires is to answer them as straightforwardly as you can. Guessing what the employer is looking for is difficult and could well be counter-productive – after all, you do not want to be given a job which really does not suit you.

Again if you search the web you will find examples of personality tests to try. Try the following:

• “My Potential” Online Personality & Ability Assessments.  A series of online psychometric tests entitled “My Potential” are available to University of Lincoln students, graduates and staff. The assessments are free of charge!  Details of how to access the online system are as follows:  Go to: www.profilingforsuccess.com/main.  When prompted, enter the following codes:  Client code: tflhe Access code: Lincoln Password: lincoln0207.  You do NOT need to enter a reference or ID number, enter the personal details as requested and then select the test required.
• Keirsey Temperament Sorter – www.advisorteam.com
• Prospects website – www.prospects.ac.uk/links/onlinetests