Psychometric Testing and Assessment Centres

Both psychometric testing and assessment centres are becoming commonly used in the recruitment process.

Making the wrong recruitment decision can cost an employer valuable time and money, so being able to test a candidate with a more objective and scientific approach to recruitment makes psychometric testing an increasingly popular choice for employers.

Many recruitment processes, particularly with the biggest employers, have multiple stages that are designed to identify the most suitable candidates early on, which is very important for highly competitive roles with potentially hundreds of candidates. You may be required to complete an application form that will test your competencies, take part in a pre-recorded video interview, then perform some psychometric tests before finally attending an assessment centre where you could be involved in a range of group activities and challenges. Each employer will have their own process, so it's important that you feel completely prepared for what might expect.

Psychometric Testing

Testing can be beneficial for you, too. The testing gives you the chance to demonstrate your skills and make an impression from the start – particularly great if you get nervous during interviews. The type of test also tells you which skills will be most important in the role you are applying for.

What type of tests are there?

The type of tests you may come across include:

• Verbal reasoning
• Numerical reasoning
• Diagrammatic reasoning
• Aptitude
• Situational judgement
• Personality

However, new forms for testing are becoming available all of the time. That's why it's so important to regularly practice. Check out our complete guide to psychometric testing in the Resource Library.  

Practise, practise, practise.

At Aston, we provide support in getting your career started. We have some of the best practice tests available to get you started.

Numeracy Tests

If you are struggling with numeracy tests, try working through these practice questions to improve your skills and identify areas to develop. Answers and worked solutions have been supplied for the 'odd' numbered questions to aid your learning and provide an opportunity to test yourself.

The documents have been produced by Aston's Learning Development Centre situated in the Library. 

• Numeracy Test Practice Questions
• Numeracy Test Practice Answers

If you need more support with your maths skills, the Learning Development Centre have a range of options available to support students.

Gamification

Gamification and game-based assessments are psychometric test platforms used by some graduate employers to assess candidates on a blend of cognitive abilities and personality traits. They capture multiple data points using objective observation of behaviours in a controlled environment. Typical competencies and personal qualities under scrutiny include planning, memory, approach to risk, fairness and trust.

To get a full understanding of gamification, make sure you check out our guide in the Resource Library.

Assessment Centres

Some recruiters may invite you to take part in an Assessment Centre. This may be a full day of tests designed to assess your skills and personal qualities and will combine individual and group activities.

Check out our complete guide to assessment centres in the Resource Library.  

What are employers looking for?

Throughout the day you’ll be assessed on:

• how you behave in a range of situations
• how you react under pressure
• how you work with others and on your own

Remember, this is still a form of an interview, so read through our advice and resources on Interviews before the big day.  

Make sure you read all of the information provided by the recruiter – there may be a presentation or other tasks to prepare in advance and take with you. 

Types of activities

The types of activity can be split into either individual or group activities, such as: