Verbal and numerical reasoning tests – top tips for success
13/02/2009, Author: Donna Conway
Here at Criterion Partnership we often take calls from job candidates who have been asked to complete a verbal and/or numerical assessment for a job they have applied for, asking for practice tests and advice. Although the use of such psychometric tools in recruitment has become more common practice over the last few years, there are now a large number of people being forced to enter the job market for the first time in years, many of whom will never have heard of such tests let alone taken one before.
So what are these tests exactly?
Verbal reasoning test = a psychometric tool used to assess verbal critical reasoning and the comprehension of verbal information. A standard way of assessing verbal reasoning is for the test taker to be shown extracts of verbal information, and asked to identify whether a number of statements about the material are ‘true’, ‘false’ or whether from the information given they ‘cannot say’ for certain whether it is true or false.
Numerical reasoning test = a psychometric tool used to assess numerical understanding and critical reasoning. A standard way of assessing numerical reasoning is for the test taker to be shown numerical information and then be asked a series of questions relating to this, which will require some numerical analysis. Questions are often multiple choice and calculators are usually permitted.
Why do organisations use these tests?
• These assessments can help employers with their recruitment and selection decisions, enabling them to make accurate predictions about whether a person has the aptitude needed to succeed in a particular job.
• The results can also help employers with their training and development decisions as the results provide objective information about people’s strengths and limitations
How can these assessments benefit job applicants?
• The assessments can give the applicants the opportunity to demonstrate aptitudes which are important for success
• They can also help them to identify abilities that they need to improve
• They can help applicants establish if the job they have applied for is suited to them, whether they will succeed in the role and if it will provide them with job satisfaction
Six Top tips for test takers:
1) Practice – It is best practice for employers to provide some example questions, preferably before the assessment day. If they haven’t you can contact them to see if they have any, or look online for links to practice tests. Look out for our own practice tests coming soon!
2) Ask questions – if there is anything you don’t understand, make sure you ask about it before the test starts (it will not be possible to ask questions once the test has begun).
3) Pace yourself – always be aware of how much time you have during the test
4) Don’t get stuck – if you find you are having trouble answering a question, don’t spend too long trying to figure it out. Go on to the next one and come back to it if you have time
5) Concentrate – work quickly and accurately and try not to get distracted
6) Don’t get caught out – if you have been asked to complete the test remotely online you may be asked to do a short re-test when you come in for your assessment day. You should receive some warning if this is the case.
It is not a matter of pass or fail
No employer should make a recruitment decision based on your test scores alone, and so they will simply be taken into consideration along with other elements such as your application form and performance at interview.
And finally....
Remember, if find the test too hard this may mean that the role is
simply not suited to your skills and strengths. Similarly if you find
it too easy you may want to double check in your interview that the
role will be challenging enough for you.
I would love to hear any other top tips you wish to share or hear about any of your previous test experiences.
Bye for now
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Comments
Some nice straight forward advise - I look forward to seeing practice examples on your website soon
I have been advised to undertake the practice tests first but there are none available on your website. When is "soon"? - thank you
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