Tips & Tricks

<p> &nbsp;</p> <p> OK, so you want to fail. Let&rsquo;s see what we can do to increase your chances. What can you do, short of not turning up for the test, to ensure failure?</p> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The first thing to try is not reading the question properly. This is guaranteed to produce results. If the question tells you there are 50 cows in a field, 20% are black, 20% are brown and the rest are mixed and then asks, &lsquo;how many are not mixed?&rsquo; you can easily miss the &lsquo;not&rsquo; and answer 30 instead of 20. Guaranteed to fail.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <p> In a similar vein, don&rsquo;t check all the answers. Often some of the wrong answers listed are a multiple of the correct answer, have the decimal point shifted or perhaps have digits transposed. Pay no attention to these; they will only serve to distract you and give you clues to the correct answer.</p> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Believe everything your calculator tells you. If a problem reduces down to a calculation of 118/1.2 and your calculator tells you the answer is 9.83 because you missed the decimal point &ndash; believe it. The whole point of using a calculator is so that you don&rsquo;t need to think. There&rsquo;s no point having a dog and barking yourself.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> &ldquo;To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail&rdquo; is a popular adage and certainly has a lot of truth in it. Stay away from websites and books that offer practice tests. These are dangerous and insidious places that will distract you from your goal of failure. Do not give a moment&rsquo;s thought to doing any practice problems at all.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Go to an all-night party the night before the test and get blind drunk. It&rsquo;s probably best is this is &lsquo;all night&rsquo; and you miss out on sleep altogether. A &lsquo;grade 2&rsquo; hangover or better guarantees failure (primarily because you can&rsquo;t even read the questions) but if you have to flee the exam room in a hurry for &lsquo;a biological necessity&rsquo; then this can give a copper-bottomed guarantee of failure.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Don&rsquo;t even make a guess at questions you can&rsquo;t answer. There is a chance that lady luck may be &lsquo;smiling&rsquo; on you and you may inadvertently get enough answers right by sheer dumb luck to pass the test. This would, indeed, be unfortunate if highly unlikely. Best not to take any chances and leave them blank.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> My last point, I think, is obvious but I&rsquo;ll state it anyway. You can mix and match any of these tips here, perhaps even use all of them. There&rsquo;s no point taking risks by doing things half-heartedly. Do the lot and make sure you fail &ndash; by a mile!</div> <div> &nbsp;</div>

<div> When interviewing for a job, candidates are assessed on their skills, experience, academic qualifications, and personality. Personality also translates into a candidate&rsquo;s attitude towards work, their co-workers, and organisational processes.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <img alt="Assessment Centre Secrets Revealed: Personality Questionnaires" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips9.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 312px; height: 250px; " />When interviewing for a job, candidates are assessed on their skills, experience, academic qualifications, and personality. Personality also translates into a candidate&rsquo;s attitude towards work, their co-workers, and organisational processes.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Most organizations prefer hiring candidates who have the potential of performing well in a team, compared to an individual contributor role. In such a case, <strong>personality questionnaires</strong> become an important component of <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">assessment centre</a></u></strong> interviews and help interviewers make an informed decision about a candidate&rsquo;s capabilities.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Most personality tests are very straightforward and simple. Candidates are given a questionnaire with multiple choice questions which they have to answer in a fixed time. The answers are then evaluated based on the key skills required for the job. Shortlisted candidates then usually proceed with <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars" target="_self">assessment centre</a></u></strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars" target="_self"> tests</a></u>.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>What Personality Tests Include</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Typically, most <strong>personality questionnaires</strong> are conducted as a part of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test" target="_self">psychometric testing</a></u> even though these questionnaires are rather different in nature. They include questions that provide an insight into the work style and professional attitude of the candidate, such as questions about career goals, professional capabilities, teamwork, and decision making skills.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> There is no fixed number of questions for a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/personality_inventory_profile_test_questionnaire" target="_self">personality test</a></u>. The number of questions depends on the role you are interviewing for and the skills your <strong>assessment centre</strong> is looking for. All personality tests are timed and it is important to answer as many questions as possible to increase your chances of moving to the next round of interviews.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Personality questionnaires</strong> are only a small part of a series of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> that organizations conduct.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Types of Personality Tests</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Most <strong>assessment centres</strong> and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">psychometric testing</a></u> centres have different kinds of personality tests &ndash; some test basic personality traits while others are customized for a specific type of job. Widely accepted industry standard personality tests include:</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> <strong><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/myers_briggs_type_indicator" target="_self">Myers Briggs Type Indicator</a></strong> test, which measures professional capabilities through a series of forced questions. Candidates are required to choose two possible answers for each question, with each choice reflecting opposite personality traits.</li> <li> <strong>SHL OPQ32r</strong>, which measures personality traits that are essential for optimal job performance.</li> <li> <strong>OPQ32r </strong>is a personality test that is a part of an <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">aptitude online test</a></u> and measures a candidate&rsquo;s performance in the test against key job skills for a particular role.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <div> Over the last few years, personality tests have become very popular as they have reduced the manual input required for assessing candidate skills, helping an organization save time and money spent in interviewing candidates.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Preparing for Personality Questionnaires</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> As a part of your <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">job test</a></u>&nbsp;preparation, it is important to take as many <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> as possible. You can find resources for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">free aptitude tests</a></u> as well as personality tests online. By taking these tests, you can reduce the time taken in the actual test and also work on your weak areas.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Spend time in researching about the organization and the qualities they look for in prospective candidates. By building these qualities, you can increase your chances of getting the job.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us" target="_self"><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Questions? Contact us for FREE advice on personality tests!</strong></span></a></div>

<div> Initially reserved for management interviews in consulting firms, case study exercises are gaining popularity in all industries. They are a quick way of determining a candidate&rsquo;s problem solving and strategic thinking skills based on a (usually) fictitious context that is presented in background documents such as e-mails, statistical charts, article clippings or any other kind of material. These exercises form an integral component of assessment centres and most management oriented interviews.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <img alt="Assessment Center Secrets Revealed: What Are the Case Study Exercises?" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips7.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 302px; height: 200px; " />Initially reserved for management interviews in consulting firms, <strong>case study exercises</strong> are gaining popularity in all industries. They are a quick way of determining a candidate&rsquo;s problem solving and strategic thinking skills based on a (usually) fictitious context that is presented in background documents such as e-mails, statistical charts, article clippings or any other kind of material. These exercises form an integral component of <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">assessment centers</a></u></strong> and most management oriented interviews.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> By using a combination of <strong>case study exercises</strong>, along with traditional interviewing methods, <strong>assessment centers</strong> are able to evaluate if a candidate is suitable for the job they are interviewing for. <strong>Case study exercises</strong> are popularly used in consulting firms where candidates from all kinds of business backgrounds are assessed on a specific exercise.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>What Case Study Exercises Include</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> These exercises follow a fairly simple format. Candidates are presented with a hypothetical business problem and are given time to prepare themselves, after which they participate in a discussion with experienced professionals who are employed with the company. These interviewers make notes about a candidate&rsquo;s abilities to think creatively, find solutions that are beneficial to the organization, and approach the problem in a meticulous manner.&nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The types of problems candidates need to solve depend on the role they are interviewing for and their professional qualifications.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Academic Qualifications</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Academic qualifications, while relevant, are not considered when evaluating candidates for <strong>case study exercises</strong>, therefore when assessing them for management or business consulting roles they may obviously come from any academic background.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><strong><span style="font-size: 16px; ">Companies That Use Case Study Exercises</span></strong></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Case study exercises</strong> are popular in the consulting, banking, professional services, tax and related sectors but are increasingly being used by <strong>assessment centers</strong> since they provide a greater insight into a candidate&rsquo;s skill set.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Before the process starts, speak with your recruiter and find out about the interview stages. This will help you in preparing yourself for any <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> or <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">psychometric tests</a></u> as well.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>Preparing for Case Study Tests</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Because the nature of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">assessment test</a></u> depends entirely on the company and the role you are interviewing for, it is always worth familiarising yourself with the terminology, jargon and overall &lsquo;language&rsquo; of the company and industry whose vacancy you are applying for. The best is to browse relevant websites&rsquo; annual reports, glossary, press releases and other materials that include such written materials. It is also helpful to read about the company itself, what they do, what kind of projects they handle, who their clients are and what is the nature of work so you can provide great references in the case study if the context and material warrants it.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> This type of preparation will help the candidate to have a fruitful discussion later in the <strong>assessment centers</strong> or with the interviewer after the <strong>case study exercises</strong>, as well as showing that they are serious about doing well during the job test.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <em><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Tips for Doing Better</strong></span></em></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> For the case study, make sure that you are fully aware of how much time will be allocated for the task. Make sure that you split this into units as follows:</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <ul> <li> 5% of the total time should be spent on reading the instructions and questions very carefully so as to avoid starting an essay or written answer that may not correspond to the expectations</li> <li> 15% of the total time should be spent on an initial quick read-through of the background materials so you become familiar with the context, key issues, facts, data and others &ndash; make sure to take notes while reading!</li> <li> 60% of the total time should be spent on drafting your answer while of course referencing each document, checking on the facts, finding further information and argumentation and supplying your essay with lots of great arguments</li> <li> 20% of the time should be spent on reading through your case study answer, correcting grammatical and spelling mistakes, factual check of all information you inserted and a final proof-reading of the entire paper to make sure it is top quality.</li> </ul> <div> With the above approach in mind, you will certainly score very well for the <strong>case study exercise</strong>!</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="http://www.careergym.com/how_to_ace_psychometric_and_aptitude_tests_free_webcast" target="_self"><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Still questions? Comments? Let us know or send us a message for FREE advice!</strong></span></a></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div>

<div>Yikes! Is it time for those <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self"><strong>assessment tests</strong></a></u></strong> already? Before you start to panic, read these tips and we promise you&rsquo;ll feel much better afterwards. First of all, it&rsquo;s just a test, one which you have hopefully spent some time preparing for. Regardless, these tips can help you focus and perform well on your next psychometric exam:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <ul> <li><strong>Manage your expectations: </strong>While ideally you&rsquo;d love to ace this <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/ability_test" target="_self">job test</a></u> and get an interview, there is still a long road ahead. So don&rsquo;t put all of your hopes into this one test, as there will likely be others.</li> <li><strong>Be down-to-earth:</strong> Many people think that reasoning and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> will be too difficult, the questions too hard to master. For the most part these tests have been designed to accommodate all types of skill levels, with answers that are straightforward and simple. The real challenge is rather the time pressure, not the difficulty of the questions themselves.</li> <li><strong>Develop a system: </strong>It can help your focus to have a system for answering questions, such as taking a first pass at all the questions, then coming back to the most difficult ones. You may also wish to read our other tips on each of the test types, test-taking ideas and more.</li> <li><strong>Ask questions: </strong>The test administrator or the computer on-screen tutorial will take you through the test instructions and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">practice questions</a></u>, but if you are unclear on any of the procedures feel free to ask.</li> <li><strong>Do the math: </strong>You will have a set amount of questions to answer within a set amount of time, use that to determine the maximum amount of time you should spend on each question.</li> <li><strong>Don&rsquo;t get stuck:</strong> If one question is bogging you down, don&rsquo;t let it take up your valuable time &ndash; move on and come back to it.</li> <li><strong>Rule out wrong:</strong> One useful tactic on aptitude and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/abstract_reasoning" target="_self">reasoning tests</a></u> can be to rule out answers that are definitely wrong; this will cut down the number of &ldquo;correct&rdquo; answers to choose from.</li> <li><strong>Difficult not worth more: </strong>Each correct answer is worth the same amount (this is not an <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/adaptive_test" target="_self">adaptive test</a></u>), so don&rsquo;t worry if you can&rsquo;t answer all the &ldquo;hard&rdquo; questions, just work on answering as many right as possible.</li> <li><strong>Worth a second look: </strong>If you still have time after completing all the questions on your aptitude test, consider going back and rechecking &ndash; particularly the first few questions where you may have not yet been fully immersed in the test.</li> <li><strong>Cut losses: </strong>Some test formats won&rsquo;t let you go back and retry questions, so you have to choose the best answer you can. Try not to spend too much time on these questions, as you are better off focusing getting a lot of right answers instead of worrying about the ones you may get wrong.</li> <li><strong>Visualise success:</strong> It can be hard to feel successful when you are stuck on a difficult question or feel like you don&rsquo;t have the hang of the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/ability_test" target="_self">job test</a></u> format &ndash; but you have to hang in there. Visualise the benefits you could gain from completing the test, such as a sense of accomplishment or a terrific employment opportunity.</li> </ul> <div>Once the assessment tests are completed, make sure you follow the instructions for handing it in. Pat yourself on the back; you&rsquo;ve done a great job!</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div><strong>Questions? Comments? If still uncertain about your chances, start taking a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">FREE online practice tests</a></u> now!</strong></div>

<p>Before you even consider the task of evaluating <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test">sample aptitude tests</a></u> before applying for a position, your first step is to attract the attention of a potential employer with a stellar <strong>CV</strong> and <strong>cover letter</strong>.</p> <p><strong>Tips for Professional CVs</strong></p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Proofread, and do it again</strong>: Having a <em>single</em> typo on your <strong>CV</strong> can eliminate your chance to be invited to an interview and to a <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=combo_psychometric_demo">job test</a></u>, so ensure your <strong>CV</strong> is absolutely perfect. Have someone else look it over from a fresh perspective.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Begin with experience</strong>: Outline your work experience first, and then include your education. Most employers will have more interest in relevant work-related experience and <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_battery">aptitude</a></u> over formal education.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Include specifics</strong>: Generalised statements simply don&rsquo;t have enough impact, if you are going to include your accomplishments, such as &ldquo;I have coordinated a sales team that resulted in a 56% increase in two consecutive quarters&rdquo;, so that you get specific about them.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Get numerical</strong>: Including percentages, award ratios, or rankings has a more impressive look. For example compare &ldquo;One of the best salesmen in the division&rdquo; to &ldquo;Top salesman award received 4 out of the last 5 years.&rdquo;</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Summarize</strong>: Capture an employer&rsquo;s attention by including a summary of who you are, why you are a great candidate, and any specifics that may make you a front runner right at the beginning of your <strong>CV</strong>.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Make it visual</strong>: Plain, boring <strong>CVs</strong> are difficult to read. You can improve the look of your <strong>CV</strong> by using columns, bold titles, and easy-to-read (sans-serif) fonts. Try to keep information in point form so it can be quickly scanned. The easier your <strong>CV</strong> is to read, the better chance you have that it will be thoroughly read by a potential employer.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>Go PDF</strong>: A PDF version of your <strong>CV</strong> will be easier to open and read than a Word or Writer file, so consider saving your <strong>CV</strong> as a PDF prior to sending.</p> <p><strong>Tips for Amazing Cover Letters</strong></p> <p>- The single most important tip for writing <strong>cover letters</strong> is to remember that an employer wants to know how exactly you are going to help them and how you can contribute to their own objectives. This means when you write about achievements, skills, and accomplishments you need to include how these in particular make you a better candidate and how these tie into the employer&rsquo;s offering.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px; ">- <strong>For example</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>&ldquo;I have an advanced engineering degree from the University of ----.&rdquo; would sound better as: &ldquo;My advanced engineering degree helps me understand complex processes so I can improve your company&rsquo;s operations.&rdquo;</li> <li>&ldquo;While completing an internship at ---- I learned how to market various companies.&rdquo; should rather be phrased as: &ldquo;Having learned about consumer marketing during an internship at ---- I am confident that I can put together complex and effective marketing campaigns for your company.&rdquo;</li> </ul> <p>- The <strong>cover letter</strong> should be <strong>kept to 10-15 sentences</strong>, any more and the employer may lose interest.</p> <p>- Remember that <strong>you want to lead them</strong> from the <strong>cover letter</strong> to your <strong>CV</strong>, so tie in the fact that your <strong>CV</strong> has further details.</p> <p>- Finally, thank the employer for their time and include contact information so they can call you for a <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/job_interview">testing interview</a></u>!</p> <p><strong>Questions? Comments? Try our FREE and Premium <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars">Job Test Prep Webinars</a></u> and ask for our experts&rsquo; <u><a target="_self" href="http://www.careergym.com/assessment_centre_training_webinars">Assessment Centre advice</a></u>!</strong></p>

<p>Even if you understand the need to prepare for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">psychometric tests</a></u> while job-hunting, there are still many common mistakes to avoid. By reviewing these issues you can ensure you are ready for your next testing interview, as well as what comes before and after to maximize your employment success:</p> <p><br /> 1. <strong>Thinking a few days is enough</strong>: Preparing to take <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">job tests</span></strong> can take longer than you expect. In fact, it may be a good idea to start practicing for the standard types of tests (i.e. <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_abstract_reasoning_demo" target="_self">abstract reasoning</a></u>, <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_verbal_reasoning_demo" target="_self">verbal</a> and <a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self">numerical reasoning</a></u>) already now to ensure you are fully prepared when it comes time to take them, even if you don&rsquo;t have a specific employer in mind yet.</p> <p><br /> 2. <strong>Assuming your skills / knowledge are enough</strong>: Even if you are exceptionally talented at math, you may still not have the experience or practice to succeed at <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/numerical_reasoning_test" target="_self">numerical reasoning tests</a></u>. One issue is that straight calculations do not take into account the &ldquo;reasoning&rdquo; part of the test &ndash; using the facts at hand to arrive at a logical answer. So even if you are a math whiz it can certainly be advantageous to take <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">practice tests</a></u> prior to the real thing.</p> <p><br /> 3. <strong>Rushing the process</strong>: Posting a competition, sifting through CVs, interviewing, testing, re-interviewing, and hiring may be a long process. In the meantime, you are sitting around without a job. Keep applying to other positions and continue <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">test practice</a></u> for future <strong>job tests</strong>.</p> <p><br /> 4.<strong> Too much competition</strong>: When someone sees a job they wish to apply for, the first thing that runs through their mind is &ldquo;so many people will apply for this job, it&rsquo;s not even worth my time&rdquo;. Sure, many candidates may apply, but they may not: i) have the experience, skills, education you do, ii) be able to successfully complete the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u>, or iii) have the personal skills to make a positive impression during interviews. You&rsquo;ll never know unless you try!</p> <p><br /> 5. <strong>Focusing on salary</strong>: Even though a job may not be &ldquo;perfect&rdquo; for you, you may be tempted by a generous salary. This may not be the best approach, particularly if the employer plans on assessing candidates for motivation and aptitude tests. These types of exams will clearly indicate what type of job you are suited for and determine the decision of the potential employer as well.</p> <p><br /> 6. <strong>Assuming you&rsquo;re under-qualified</strong>: Being surrounded at the job test by competition with more skills, experience, or education can make you feel like you don&rsquo;t have a chance, but it is well worth it to hang in there. Remember that most employers are focused on finding the &ldquo;right&rdquo; candidate, and may prefer someone they can really work with, rather that someone who <em>thinks</em> they already know all they need to know.</p> <p><br /> 7. <strong>Ignoring the future</strong>: Getting your CV noticed is the first step, likely <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">verbal or numerical reasoning</a></u> tests will follow. However, it is important to look at the future and be prepared. For example, if you are applying to a law firm you may need to prepare for a panel interview, while if you are working in communications, a written exam may be next. Spend your spare time now preparing and you will be much more relaxed and confident when it is time for the next step.<br /> <br /> <strong>Still lost? Try our <a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">FREE psychometric test preparation</a> and start practicing online now!</strong></p>

<p> Studying for hours upon hours, taking online practice tests, and for what? The slim chance of landing a good job? While it may not seem worth it now, studying for psychometric tests online is well worth it,&nbsp;both in the short and long run. Here are a few reasons why!<br /> &nbsp;</p> <p> <strong>Why Bother with Psychometric Prep?</strong></p> <p> Studying for hours upon hours, taking <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">online practice tests</a></u>, and for what? The slim chance of landing a good job? While it may not seem worth it now, studying for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">psychometric tests online</a></u> is well worth it, both in the short and long run. Here are a few reasons why:</p> <p> <strong>Reason One: Gain Knowledge</strong></p> <p> There are many things you will learn while preparing for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">assessment tests</a></u>: reasoning, mathematics, applied knowledge, writing skills, and more. While assimilating this information for the exam you are also enhancing you employability in the long run.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Two: Improved Research Skills</strong></p> <p> During your <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">psychometric test</a></u> preparation you will spend a lot of time browsing through websites to gather test materials and find practice exams, as well as searching for tips and tricks. Not only will you learn a ton during your prep, you will also be improving your research skills online and off, something that is highly valued by employers.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Three: Improve Your Reasoning Skills</strong></p> <p> All the practicing and testing has an additional advantage; it makes you smarter! You can use your advanced verbal or <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self">numerical reasoning</a></u> and mathematical skills and apply them to nearly any situation. Not only will you have improved self-confidence, but you will also do better on job tests in the future.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Four: Become a Time-management Expert</strong></p> <p> Choosing to prepare for <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> will mean adding a few more tasks to an already hectic schedule. Preparing for these types of tests involves intense study, practice, and review &ndash; meaning you have to make time and manage it. All this cramming will help you become a better manager of time, personally and professionally.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Five: Practice Drafting</strong></p> <p> Practicing and writing the essay portion of the test improves your drafting and writing skills &ndash; something that comes in handy nearly every day. It is also a good idea to prepare some sample essays before the test in order to memorise their major points and help to further enhance your ability to write clearly. All this practice will help achieve good marks on your test, but more importantly will help you become a better communicator.</p> <p> <strong>Reason Six: Become a Pro</strong></p> <p> All the multiple choice and written tests are merely a precursor to your job interview. Assuming you come out near the top of the candidate group, therefore you can expect to be called in to sit down for an interview. While you may also want to brush up with a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/common_interview_questions" target="_self">test interview</a></u>, merely practicing for psychometric tests will help to boost your confidence &ndash; something that will help you appear more polished and professional when meeting with employers.</p> <p> <strong>Questions? Comments? Try our <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">FREE online practice tests</a></u> today!</strong></p>

<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&rsquo;t just expect to cram in your studies &ldquo;when you have time&rdquo;: 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&rsquo;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.&nbsp; 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 /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Start time<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Allotted time for each section<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whether you can skip questions and come back to them (particularly important if you are doing multiple sections within the test)<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Permitted tools (pencil, paper, calculator, erasable slate, other)<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Scoring procedure and system<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Allocated time per question<br /> -&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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> <p>&nbsp;</p>

<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 &ldquo;real thing&rdquo;.</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 &ldquo;pass&rdquo; <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 &ldquo;shotgun&rdquo; 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 &ndash; 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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>