Psychometric tests form only a part of the recruitment process and are used mainly to affirm that your character and aptitude are right for the vacant position.

Generally, if you've made it through to the interview without being dishonest, then the tests should be a formality. Like all preparation it is worth being familiar with the types of test that you might face.

General tips

Abstract problem solving
These tests are designed to measure your ability to identify patterns and extract meaning from a mass of seemingly random or very complex information.

Be aware that:

Numerical reasoning
These tests mostly involve your calculating ability. In the case of numerical problem solving, the actual mathematics involved may be very simple, but you are being assessed on your knowledge of how to apply them.

Some questions involve sequences and patterns. Look for simple sequences first. Do the numbers increase or decrease? Is there a common denominator? Is there a relationship between positive and negative figures? Then begin looking for combinations e.g. add one, subtract two, add three, and so on.

In the case of items requiring multiplication or division you may be presented with very complex numbers. These may be an attempt to see how well you can look for the 'bigger picture'.

Remember to consider the role of whole numbers, odd numbers, integers and prime numbers. For instance they may present you with several huge numbers and you need to identify which are divisible by an even number (say 200) to produce a whole number. This therefore eliminates anything ending in an odd number.

Sometimes, seemingly impossible problems can be solved easily by applying some lateral thinking. Remember your basic mathematical principles, for example. Anything divided or multiplied by zero is zero. Two even numbers multiplied by each other will produce another even number. Any number ending in zero that is multiplied by any other number, will always produce another number ending in zero.

A negative and positive number multiplied by each other will produce a negative number. Two negative numbers multiplied always produce a positive number, and so on.

Verbal reasoning
These tests assess your understanding and skill with language comprehension, spelling and grammar. In these tests it's very important to read each question carefully.

We often skip from word to word and pick the general meaning of a sentence. When we are asked to look at specific aspects in a sentence or set of words, then we have to concentrate on individual words or even letters. This is something we may not be used to doing.

Remember: