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23 Sep 2011
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<p>Have a <strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online">psychometric test</a></u></strong> coming up in the course of your recruitment and are not sure how to get ready? While many are content to just walk in and take the tests, preparation is needed if you want to do your best (and doing your best is the only way to secure the job!).<br />
<strong>Here are 6 career tips on how to get started:</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Begin with a Study Plan</strong><br />
You can’t just expect to cram in your studies “when you have time”: in order to fully prepare for testing you need to have a specific action plan. Start by looking at how much time you have to prepare exactly. The week prior to the tests should be spent reviewing everything you have studied, so any time from now until one week prior can be spent studying.</p>
<p><strong>2. Focus on the Task at Hand</strong><br />
There’s not much use spending time studying for a <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/case_study">case study</a></u> or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars">assessment centre exam</a></u> when you know you have to pass a verbal or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo">numerical reasoning</a></u> test first. Start by studying for whichever test type you will be required to take first, once you have mastered those skills and passed the pre-selection test (if there is one), you can move on to other test formats.</p>
<p><strong>3. Understand How it Works</strong><br />
While knowing the content of <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">assessment tests</a></u> will certainly help you succeed at test time, it is also very important to understand the procedures behind the tests. For example, if you can improve your ability to read and comprehend quickly, you will likely do better on <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo">verbal reasoning</a></u> tests by giving yourself more time, while practicing calculations can help when it comes to numerical reasoning tests. Meanwhile, practicing drafting essays will certainly help you when it comes to written essays by speeding up your composition skills.</p>
<p><strong>4. Prepare for Core Skill Testing</strong><br />
If you are applying for jobs in specific fields, such as engineering, consultancy, banking or computer programming, you may be asked to complete a skill test. Find some practice skills tests so you can ensure you are ready to show future employers how talented you are and showcase your domain specific knowledge to your assessors.</p>
<p><strong>5. Know the Rules and Regulations of the Job Test</strong><br />
Each type of <strong>psychometric test</strong> is administered differently; even the same test given by different companies may have slightly altered rules. Make sure you fully understand all the rules and regulations for each test. Important points include: <br />
- Start time<br />
- Allotted time for each section<br />
- Whether you can skip questions and come back to them (particularly important if you are doing multiple sections within the test)<br />
- Permitted tools (pencil, paper, calculator, erasable slate, other)<br />
- Scoring procedure and system<br />
- Allocated time per question<br />
- Response time (how long until you hear back)</p>
<p><strong>6. Keep Practicing!</strong><br />
In the best case scenario you will land the first job you complete <strong>psychometric tests</strong> for. However, in case you don’t hear back right away it is important to keep working on your testing skills by studying and taking practices tests. Remember that the more practice tests you take, the higher chance you have of getting your future employer’s notice!</p>
<p><strong>Questions? Comments? Try our <a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">FREE</a> verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning tests today!</strong></p>
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6 Tips to Succeed at Your Next Psychometric Test
Have a psychometric test coming up in the course of your recruitment and are not sure how to get ready? While many are content to just walk in and take the tests, preparation is needed if you want to do your best (and doing your best is the only way to secure the job!).
Here are 6 career tips on how to get started...
22 Sep 2011
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<p><strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types">Psychometric test</a></u></strong><u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types"> procedures</a></u> are an important step towards qualifying for lucrative jobs in many fields. Approaching and preparing for these tests should not be taken lightly, as failing to pass one of the requirements may significantly affect your chances of gaining a great job. So here are the top reasons why candidates fail and how to overcome them:</p>
<p><br />
<em><strong>1. Failing to Prepare</strong></em><br />
Candidates should be ready to spend several weeks in preparation for <strong>psychometric tests</strong>, as the most common reason for failure is lack of preparation. Having a regular study and practice routine and good study materials is key, as well as taking practice tests to ensure you are prepared for the “real thing”.</p>
<p><em><strong>2. Just Getting By</strong></em><br />
Candidates who focus merely on passing the exams may be disappointed in the end, as most competitions are looking for candidates who score above a particular percentile, or are interested in only the highest scoring candidates. So even if you think you are ready to “pass” <strong>psychometric tests</strong>, you should study hard and <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo">practice <strong>psychometric tests</strong></a></u> as much as possible.</p>
<p><em><strong>3. Not Recognizing Weak Areas, Ignoring Strong Areas</strong></em><br />
There are two common approaches to psychometric exams; the first one is a “shotgun” approach that hits a bit of each study area equally, the second approach focuses only on weak areas. Both of these approaches can cause problems, the first by not spending more time working on problem areas, the second by not brushing up on strong fields, just in case they aren’t as powerful as you remember. The best approach is to spend 80% of study time on weak areas, with 20% reserved for brushing up on your other skills.</p>
<p><em><strong>4. Using the Incorrect Tools</strong></em><br />
Understanding the methodology behind certain <strong>psychometric tests</strong> can go a long way towards knowing the right way to approach each test type. Going on gut feelings and common sense is most likely not the right approach; instead, you need a combination of experience and pre-test preparation.</p>
<p><em><strong>5. Ignoring the Details</strong></em><br />
The test should be arranged far enough ahead to give you time to prepare, as well as to gather information on the tests you are going to complete. As the test day approaches, ensure you have the tools, personal identification documents, instructions and driving directions to arrive at the test center in time and successfully complete your tests.</p>
<p><em><strong>6. Lack of Motivation</strong></em><br />
Trying to prepare for verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning or <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/abstract_reasoning">abstract reasoning</a></u> is a challenging task, one that can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have any help or support. You can stay motivated by joining a study group and keep interacting with others who can help you keep on track. Most importantly of all, maintain your drive and keep studying – right up until test day.</p>
<p><br />
<strong>Questions? Comment? Need FREE Advice? <a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us">Contact us</a> now!</strong></p>
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6 Reasons Why Candidates Fail Psychometric Tests
Psychometric test procedures are an important step towards qualifying for lucrative jobs in many fields. Approaching and preparing for these tests should not be taken lightly, as failing to pass one of the requirements may significantly affect your chances of gaining a great job. So here are the top reasons why candidates fail and how to overcome them: