What are assessment centres?
Page 2 of 4
Tests fall into two main types: ability tests and tests of personality. Ability tests explore what you can do, commonly measuring verbal and numerical reasoning. There is also a range of more technical ability tests that assess your ability with two or three dimensional shapes, mechanical operations or diagrams, in various combinations.
Common features of ability tests are:
- Tests begin with chance to work on one or two sample questions.
- Answers are right or wrong.
- They are time-limited, usually designed so you will not answer all the questions.
- Questions start easy and get harder.
There are several things you need to succeed in tests. Primarily, you should have matched yourself well to the skills needed for the job. You also need information about the different types of test, guidelines on how to do well and an opportunity to practice. In order to perform really well you need to feel refreshed and alert, so don't be tempted by free beer in the bar the night before!
The Graduate Career Handbook contains a whole chapter about testing and provides an opportunity to take practice tests in verbal reasoning, numeracy, abstract reasoning and mechanical reasoning, as well as explaining personality questionnaires.
