Psychometric Testing
Most people leave their psychometric test with their head in a spin and wondering if they
themselves aren’t just a little crazy. Unknown people behind the scenes are crunching the
numbers, plugging them into a computer which will spit out a complete profile of your
personality, strengths and weaknesses and the results will ultimately determine your
suitability for employment.
So what exactly is psychometric testing? where did it come from?, what are they looking for
and can we influence the outcome?
Psychometric testing, according to the experts is the process of measuring a candidates
relevant strengths and weaknesses. With the emergence of the Human Resources
Departments airlines big and small are employing this technique with all new recruits
whether your interviewing for a check and training position, line pilot with the regionals or
cabin crew member. This form of measurement is primarily used to assess a candidate’s
employment suitability, including whether your personality will fit culturally within the
company profile.
When it comes to cognitive testing i.e. numeric and spatial reasoning there is no doubt that a
little preparation can improve your score. SHL, the organization responsible for conducting
most of the testing allows you unlimited practice via their website and we strongly
recommend taking them up on their offer. At the bottom of the page you will find a link to
SHL and the practice tests. You will start to recognize patterns and techniques and gradually
see an improvement in your scores.
When it comes to personality profiling trying to influence the outcome gets a little tricky,
why? Because the idea is that there is no right or wrong answers just personal preferences,
interests and motivations. The best way to complete personality assessments is by answering
without too much thought; just go with your first instinct. Once again just remember there is
no right or wrong answers, don’t get tangled up with trying to second-guess what the
employer is seeking.
Psychometric Testing consists of the five following tests.
Personality Test
Personality tests measure your behavioural style, opinions and motivators- for example
whether you prefer to work independently or in a group, whether you prefer to follow others
or take charge.
Options:
A Greatly reduces my motivation to work
B Tends to reduce my motivation to work
C Has no effect on my motivation to work
D Tends to increase my motivation to work
E Greatly increases my motivation to work
For example:
A B C D E
1 Being expected to take responsibility for tasks
2 Having to train a new member of staff
Aptitude Test
This is a timed test designed so as only 1-5% of candidates will finish. Each question will
have only one correct answer, and everyone can correctly solve all the test questions. The
only difference being how quickly each individual can solve the puzzle.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning tests are the most commonly used form of psychometric test.
A – True (The statement follows logically from the information or opinions contained in the
passage)
B – False (The statement is logically false from the information or opinions contained in the
passage)
C – Cannot Say (Cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further
information)
In the example below, give your answer to each question by clicking on either A, B or C.
You will be told whether your answer is correct or not.
“Many organisations find it beneficial to employ students over the summer. Permanent staff
often wish to take their own holidays over this period. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for
companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and so require extra staff. Summer
employment also attracts students who may return as well qualified recruits to an
organisation when they have completed their education. Ensuring that the students learn as
much as possible about the organisation encourages interest in working on a permanent basis.
Organisations pay students on a fixed rate without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or
sick leave.”
Statement 1 - It is possible that permanent staff who are on holiday can have their work
carried out by students.
Statement 2 – Students in summer employment are given the same paid holiday benefit as
permanent staff.
Numeric Reasoning
This test measures your ability to analyse, interpret and draw logical conclusions based on
numerical data presented in tables and graphs.
Newspaper Readership
Readership Percentage of adults reading each paper in
Daily Newspapers (millions) Year 3
Year 1 Year 2 Males Females
The Daily
3.6 2.9 7 6
Chronicle
Daily News 13.8 9.3 24 18
The Tribune 1.1 1.4 4 3
The Herald 8.5 12.7 30 23
Daily Echo 4.8 4.9 10 12
Question 1 - Which newspaper was read by a higher percentage of females than males in
Year 3?
The Daily
The Tribune The Herald Daily News Daily Echo
Chronicle
Abstract Reasoning
This test measures your lateral thinking capabilities, which are your ability to recognise
patterns in shapes, logical rules and data trends.
In the example below select from A,B,C,D or E the next shape in the sequence.
Question 1
A B C D E
Question 2
A B C D E
Tips
Remember, the night before your test get a good nights sleep and ensure you arrive
well rested. Arrive at the location with plenty of time to spare. If you are unsure of
any instructions be sure to ask your test facilitator.
Be careful to read all of the instructions provided and read each question carefully to
give yourself the best possible chance to answer as many questions as possible both
correctly and accurately.
Aim to complete all questions in the test however don't lose focus if your running out
of time. The tests are designed for only 1-2% of candidates being able to complete.
The most difficult questions in the aptitude test are typically placed at the end of the
test. However, every question in the aptitude test are worth the same number of
points. There's no bonus for figuring out a hard question.
Dont stop working until your allotted time is up. If you complete a test work back
through the questions you found difficult.
It is important to just be yourself- if you are the right person for the position the test results
will work in your favor!
For further information and sample tests we recommend the following.
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