1. Understand the Types of Psychometric Assessments that you need to complete:

The nature of psychometric assessments often do not allow candidates to prepare fully. This is because most psychometric assessments measure latent or inherent potential and specifically want to place you in an environment where you need to rely on your natural abilities and potential to solve problems or to answer questions.

However, most corporates or assessment firms will communicate the kind of assessments that needs to be completed. Some providers even have practise website where one can view similar assessments or even complete practise assessments in preparation for your session. A simple google search might also provide you with useful information about the assessment. While you will never be able to fully prepare and know all the questions upfront, just having a fair idea of the kind of assessments, may ease your nerves to some extent. If this information is not offered to you, do ask!

2. Make sure that the technology is on your side:

Unless you are doing a supervised in person assessment, you will most probably be required to do some online assessments. For this, you will require a fairly stable internet connected so ensure that your connection will not let you down during the assessment session. Some providers may also request you to test your computer compatibility before hand - do ensure that you comply. You really do not want to add any additional pressure on yourself by getting delayed by technological challenges. Most assessments work better on Google Chrome so do ensure to work on this browser from the start.

3. Ensure optimal focus and alertness

Regardless of the assessments that you will be completing, make sure you are well-rested and mentally prepared, as your mind will not be able to focus without enough rest and nutrition. You only have one opportunity to make it to the next round of the selection process. You need your body and mind to function at optimal capacity and this will ensure full focus for the duration of the assessment. If any recent events might impact negatively on your performance, make sure to inform the assessor and rather postpone until you are able to focus. Some assessments are valid for up to two or five years and therefore important that you try your best.

4. Stay Calm During the Assessment

Most people describe taking an assessment or applying for a position as nerve-wrecking. However, you are likely to perform better if you are able to remain calm. Remember that all candidates do feel nervous and try not to panic for any reason. If you are unsure or not able to answer a questions, do not allow it to impact on your emotions, move on to the next questions and come back to that particular question at a later stage, if possible. Try to work through the assessments systematically, one at a time, and do not worry about what still lies ahead.

5. Read with Understanding

Do not assume that it is just another assessment with instructions similar than what you have done in the past or assume that you will figure it out along the way. Read the instructions carefully. If you get stuck during the assessment because you did not read, it will most probably create a lot of stress and waiste valuable time. Remember that you may be more keen to miss or misinterpret information because of your nerves and therefore you need to read with extra attention and care.

6. Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management is a significant challenge in many psychometric assessments, especially aptitude tests, as these tests are designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Be aware of the time, but do not over-fixate on the timer. Rather invest your energy to focus on the questions.

7. Do not misrepresent yourself

Most good assessments have the ability to pick up on inconsistencies and misrepresentation. If this is picked up, the employer might doubt your results or even request a re-take. You therefore want to be as honest as possible in your responses. This will also be to your advantage as you do not want to find yourself in a role that do not fit you well or leave you frustrated when you are not a good fit to the culture of the organisation. It is generally a good idea not to overthink a question, or dwell on it for too long. Trust your instincts and move forward.

8. Constantly Sharpen your Skills

If you are trying to improve your aptitude or problem solving abilities for your assessment session - you are probably too late. Your capabilities and skills should be something that we work on improving daily. We should constantly work on the exposure that we get and challenge ourselves to keep on growing. Make reading and gaining knowledge a habit instead of an event. In such a way, by the time you get to a psychometric assessment process, it will just be a matter of applying your already acquired skills, knowledge and aptitude in display of our potential of competence.

9. Ask for Feedback

Not only do psychometric assessments provide a valuable opportunity to understand our own strengths and shortcomings, but understanding your results will set you up for either developing your shortcomings or understand how you can do it differently. If the company is not willing to cover the cost of the feedback, do investigate the possibility for you to cover your own feedback and get your results. This will also allow you to meet with an expert and understand what you can do different the next time around.

10. Stay Positive and Confident

Psychometric assessments are not meant to trip you up, but to gauge your natural skills, traits, and preferences. Approach the tests with a positive mindset and view them as an opportunity to showcase your strengths and abilities.