You’ve applied for your dream job, maybe it’s the first step on the career ladder out of college or university. Then you get the letter, you’ve got an interview! Brilliant! But then you read on – you’ve also been invited to an assessment day where you’ll face an interview panel and aptitude testing. You start to feel a bit panicky. You’ve no idea what an aptitude test is and you’d look a bit daft if you rang them and asked. Because we tutor both children and adults we often help young people and those more established in their career as they transition into new jobs. One of the most common things that people encounter when they apply for a new job is the requirement to take an aptitude test and we often support people as they take them.
So what is an aptitude test?
Quite simply it’s a test or series of tests designed to check your work based reasoning (they are also called assessment tests or sometimes psychometric tests) . The most commonly used tests check your numeracy (numerical reasoning), verbal reasoning and abstract reasoning (how you solve problems and think). It may also include personality tests and other types of testing such as how you work in a team.
How can I pass an aptitude test?
- Don’t panic. You can improve all these skills but you need to set aside some time and focus on each skill set. This is where a private one to one tutor can come in handy.
- There are practice websites for all three areas all over the web so use those to work on your skills.
- Get used to tests again – make sure you have a calculator, paper and a pencil and find a quiet environment to practice
- On the day before the test make sure you relax, get plenty of sleep. You should approach the tests as if they are an interview.
If you have been called for an assessment day and want help with aptitude testing in Manchester or Cheshire (covering Altrincham, Didsbury and other areas) call 121 Home Tutors today.
Tags: aptitude test, assessment days, career, job application, psychometric tests, test for job