Tips & Tricks

<div> Numerical reasoning tests, also known as numerical ability tests, are used by assessment centres in business organizations to determine if a candidate is fit for the job they are interviewing for. These tests are used particularly for sales, marketing, and financial positions or for those who work with a large amount of data.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self"><img alt="Assessment Centre Secrets Revealed: Numerical Reasoning Tests" src="http://www.careergym.com/images/upload/image/cg_tips3.jpg" style="padding-top: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 15px; float: left; width: 178px; height: 250px; " />Numerical reasoning tests</a></u></strong>, also known as numerical ability tests, are used by <strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/assessment_centre_assessment_center" target="_self">assessment centres</a></u></strong> in business organizations to determine if a candidate is fit for the job they are interviewing for. These tests are used particularly for sales, marketing, and financial positions or for those who work with a large amount of data.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Many <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">psychometric testing</a></u> centres believe that these tests are an accurate representation of a candidate&rsquo;s number crunching and data interpretation abilities, though their use is rather wide as numerical tests measure a wider range of cognitive abilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>What Numerical Reasoning Tests Include</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Although the kind of questions vary depending on the position you are being recruited for, <strong>numerical reasoning tests</strong> are typically divided into two sections &ndash; speed tests and power tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Speed tests</strong> include mathematical and basic arithmetic questions which can be solved in less than 1 minute per question. Candidates are not expected to solve all questions. These tests assess a candidate&rsquo;s ability to think on their feet and their decision making abilities.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <strong>Power tests</strong>, on the other hand, have a wide array of questions which range from easy to very difficult.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Both speed tests and power tests are timed. Instead of focusing on answering all questions, candidates should ensure that they provide correct answers for the questions they attempt.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>The Format Of Numerical Reasoning Tests</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> The speed section of numerical <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u> assesses basic arithmetic skills. Questions include operations such as division, subtraction, addition, multiplication, percentages, fractions, and ratios. Some <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">recruitment tests</a></u> allow the use of a calculator but most prefer that candidates be able to solve these problems without the use of any external tools.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Power tests can include data interpretation and statistical questions. This is also a test of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_abstract_reasoning_demo" target="_self">abstract reasoning</a></u> abilities as a lot of thinking and logical skills are required to solve each question. A calculator can be used during power tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong><em>How Companies Use Numerical Test Scores</em></strong></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> Like with <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/abstract_reasoning" target="_self">abstract reasoning</a></u> and <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/verbal_reasoning_test" target="_self">verbal reasoning tests</a></u>, numerical test scores are aggregated and compared against an &ldquo;industry average&rdquo; score. This industry average is the score at which people working in that particular role have performed in numerical tests.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> This comparison helps interview test takers to determine if they are a good fit for the role in question.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <span style="font-size: 16px; "><em><strong>How to Prepare for Numerical Reasoning Tests</strong></em></span></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> With adequate practice, candidates can ace numerical aptitude tests in assessments. Take as many practice tests as you possibly can, especially if mathematics was one of your weaker subjects in school. By spending time in analyzing each question and understanding the logic behind problem solving, it is possible to perform well in <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometrics" target="_self">psychometric assessments</a></u>.</div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> <a href="http://www.careergym.com/test.php?hash=free_numerical_reasoning_demo" target="_self"><span style="font-size: 16px; "><strong>Need to practice more? Check our FREE numerical reasoning tests online!</strong></span></a></div> <div> &nbsp;</div> <div> &nbsp;</div>

<p style="text-align: justify; ">Are you just days away from taking your first round of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">assessment tests</a></u>? In many cases this is the time where candidates start to obsess and worry about how they will do on the tests, instead of focusing on preparation. To distract yourself from being nervous, focus on being prepared instead. Here are a few tips on getting ready:</p> <ul> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Sleep is vital to proper brain function &ndash; so get a solid 8 hours the night before your test.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Eat a good breakfast (or lunch) and avoid excess caffeine. Also avoid heavy carbohydrates, which can make you feel sluggish and tired.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Dispel initial-test nerves by taking <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">online practice tests</a></u>, specifically numerical reasoning tests as well as number, and word puzzles.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Get familiar with the various types of <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/aptitude_test" target="_self">aptitude tests</a></u>, no matter what type of test you are taking you can delve in without feeling like you are in uncertain territory.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">If possible, find out what <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self">test publisher</a></u> is being used so you can try online tests specific to that publisher, which should help make the test feel more familiar.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Find out when your actual test is scheduled, then take <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">practice tests</a></u> at the same time of day.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Avoid drinking more than one cup of coffee or water <em>during</em> the test, as bathroom breaks are normally not permitted. There&rsquo;s nothing more distracting than the need to go to the bathroom while you are trying to concentrate on the task at hand.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Have a small snack just prior to the test (fruit, nuts, granola bar, etc.) to raise your blood sugar levels and give you enough energy to keep you motivated for the duration of the <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/numerical_reasoning_test" target="_self">numerical reasoning test</a></u>.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Should you need any, ensure you have any disability aids ready &ndash; hearing aids, etc. The administrator should be notified that you may require additional assistance before the test begins. If you need to take an alternate test format due to a disability the employer / <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/assessment_centre_assessment_center" target="_self">assessment centre</a></u> should be notified well ahead of time.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">If you are taking multiple tests in a single day and have time, go for a brisk walk between sittings you get your blood flowing and help renew your energy levels.</li> <li style="text-align: justify; ">Make sure you know exactly where you are going and can give yourself enough time to arrive 30-60 minutes before you need to check in, to give time for unforeseen circumstances.</li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify; ">While it can be easy to let your nerves get the best of you during an important test, remember that it is just a test!</p> <p style="text-align: justify; ">Even if your first round of testing does not lead to an immediate position you have given yourself some valuable practice that will certainly come in handy. Get started today with <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_tests_online" target="_self">psychometric online tests</a></u> so you can ensure you are ready.</p> <p style="text-align: justify; "><strong>Need <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/faq_support" target="_self">FREE advice</a></u>? Check our 99 Career Tips E-book or<a href="http://www.careergym.com/contact_us" target="_self"> <u>contact the Career Coach</u></a> for expert insights!</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>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> For some, <strong>verbal and numerical reasoning</strong> tests can be very intimidating, and it can be hard not to think about how much depends on one particular test. However,&nbsp;<strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self">verbal and numerical reasoning</a></u></strong><u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/psychometric_test_types" target="_self"> tests</a></u> are the easiest types of tests to learn to master, simply because they don&rsquo;t need any specific prior knowledge. With a few tips you can learn to love these tests. Here is a handful of them:</p> <p> <br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><em><strong>Tips for Verbal Reasoning Tests</strong></em></span></p> <p> <strong>#1: Try a new technique</strong><br /> One tip in particular that seems to help many people manage verbal reasoning tests is to read the questions <em>before </em>reading the text. It will likely save you time as you won&rsquo;t have to return to read the text again, and will have the questions in mind when you are reading.</p> <p> <strong>#2: Extra time for unspecific questions</strong><br /> The most frustrating part of&nbsp;<u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/verbal_reasoning_test" target="_self">verbal reasoning tests</a></u> is the questions that appear to have no specific answer. In this case you have to choose the answer that &ldquo;best&rdquo; answers the questions. Take a few extra seconds on these questions to ensure you have the best answer.</p> <p> <strong>#3: Caution with verbal logic assumptions</strong><br /> There are usually at least a few questions that will try to trip you up by using words like &ldquo;might&rdquo;, &ldquo;likely&rdquo;, &ldquo;probably&rdquo;, or &ldquo;could have&rdquo;. Remember, just because someone &ldquo;might have become President&rdquo; does not mean that they actually did &ndash; do not make an assumption.</p> <p> <strong>#4: No real world data</strong><br /> A verbal reasoning test is testing your abilities <em>based on the information given in the test</em>. This means that you do not include outside information in your reasoning to select the best answer, only go with what has been given you.</p> <p> <br /> <span style="font-size: 14px;"><em><strong>Tips for Numerical Reasoning Tests</strong></em></span></p> <p> <strong>#1: Avoid confusion</strong><br /> The test can feel daunting at the start &ndash; all those numbers and figures! However, remember that for most questions you will only need a single figure for the answer, so try to exclude as many things as possible and focus on the relevant data only.</p> <p> <strong>#2: Avoid counting / calculating</strong><br /> In most cases the answers on a <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_glossary/numerical_reasoning_test" target="_self">numerical reasoning test</a></u> are spread far enough apart that you don&rsquo;t need to calculate the &ldquo;real&rdquo; answer &ndash; just know what ballpark it is in. This can save valuable time.</p> <p> <strong>#3: Check the table title</strong><br /> The title of the table of figures can offer valuable information about the type of questions it can answer. For example, if a table is entitled &ldquo;Auto Accidents in France in 2009 (thousands)&rdquo; then you know it won&rsquo;t answer questions about accidents in Italy; likewise, the information is not for 2007 or any other year, and if you do answer a question you need to take into account that the data is per thousand, so include the appropriate amount of zeros.</p> <p> <strong>#4: Understand the units of measurement</strong><br /> To succeed on a numerical reasoning test you need to be familiar with the different types of measurement, from litres (or liters) to metres (or meters), miles and tons. While most EPSO exams will focus on metric measurements, it is a good idea to understand non-metric measurements as well.</p> <p> <strong>#5: Practice!</strong><br /> The best way to excel at numerical reasoning is to put everything you learn into <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/live_webinars" target="_self">practice</a></u>. Doing so will keep you sharp, so the next test you take will be a breeze!<br /> <strong>Need FREE <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/psychometric_training_webinars" target="_self">psychometric practice tests</a></u>? Check out our <a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_free_demo" target="_self"><u>demo</u></a> and our <u><a href="http://www.careergym.com/online_test_packages" target="_self">free packages</a></u>!</strong><br /> &nbsp;</p> <p> &nbsp;</p>