What is Psychometric Testing?
Psychometric testing assesses how you think, behave, and approach work. Employers use it to reduce bias, ensure consistency, and better predict how candidates will perform in a role.
Types of Tests You May Encounter:
• Cognitive Ability: Numerical, Verbal, and Logical reasoning (often timed and multiple choice)
• Personality Assessments: How you prefer to work and interact (no right or wrong answers)
• Situational Judgement: How you would respond in workplace scenarios
• Skills-Based: Role-specific tasks such as attention to detail or platform capability
What to Expect:
• Tests are typically online via a third-party platform (so make sure you check junk/spam folders)
• You may have multiple assessments to complete
• Timeframes are usually within 48 hours
• Total completion time can range from 30 minutes to 4+ hours
• If you experience technical issues, take a screenshot, and contact the provider straight away
Important to know:
These tests are designed to feel challenging and fast-paced. It is completely normal not to finish every question or feel unsure at times.
How to Perform at Your Best:
1. Practice & Understand the Format
Practice the sample questions provided and familiarise yourself with the format. Many tests are tightly timed (sometimes ~30 seconds per question), so speed is important.
Be aware that some tests change the rules with each question — do not assume the same pattern carries through.
Also, take 20–30 seconds at the start to read instructions carefully — each test may have different rules.
2. Set Yourself Up Properly
Choose a quiet environment with no distractions — treat it like an interview.
Use a laptop (not your phone), ensure you have a strong internet connection, and have a calculator, pen and paper ready if permitted.
Quick checklist before you start:
· Laptop ready
· Strong internet connection
· Calculator (if allowed)
· Pen & paper
· Quiet, distraction-free space
3. Manage Your Time (Do not Aim for Perfection)
These tests are designed so most candidates will not finish. It is about balancing speed and accuracy, not getting every question right.
You are not expected to get every question correct. Employers look at overall performance, not perfection.
Read carefully and do not dwell too long on tough questions.
Watch out for wording such as:
· “NOT”
· “Least effective”
· Multi-step questions
Many mistakes come from misreading, not lack of ability.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re stuck after ~30 seconds — guess and move on. Unanswered = zero, a guess = a chance.
4. Eliminate Before You Solve
Do not aim for the perfect answer immediately. If it is multiple choice, remove clearly wrong options first. This narrows your choices and saves time.
In numerical tests, you do not always need exact answers - rounding and estimating is often enough, especially when answer options are far apart.
5. Be Authentic
Especially in personality assessments. The employer has already met you, so they have a sense of who you are.
Do not try to answer based on what you think they want to hear. If it is not aligned with your natural style, it will come through as inconsistent.
6. Do not Leave It Late
If the test is sent on a Friday and you have 48 hours to complete it, do not leave it until 10pm Sunday night to start.
Give yourself the time and headspace to perform at your best.
Psychometric testing is not designed to trip you up. It is your opportunity to show how you approach problems and make decisions.
It is completely normal to find these tests challenging. Just like in an interview, the candidates who perform best are not perfect – they are the ones who stay composed, prepared, and use smart techniques.
