Before your interview: Psychometric tests and assessment centres
Most graduate employers in the UK have incorporated psychometric tests and assessment centres into the job selection process. Psychometric tests are particularly common: up to 75% of "The Times Top 100" companies already use psychometric testing.
What are psychometric tests?
Psychometric tests usually occur before the assessment centre or interview stage. The tests are usually timed, take place online, and are used by employers to assess your skills, knowledge, and personality.
There are many different types of psychometric tests, including:
- Personality tests
- Numerical reasoning tests
- Verbal reasoning tests
- Situational judgement tests
The test(s) you are asked to complete will depend on the role you are applying for. More information about psychometric tests
What is an assessment centre?
Many graduate employers hold assessment centres as one of the final stages of the job selection process.
An assessment centre can take place in-person or online. You may be asked to complete a variety of tasks, which may include psychometric tests, presentations, and interviews. More information about assessment centres
Get ahead: Do your research!
If you already have a clear idea of the sector or type of job you’re interested in, we recommend putting together a simple document/spreadsheet to research the application process for each potential employer.
You may wish to include:
- Name of employer
- Employer website
- Job title
- Job description: What will you be doing as part of the role? What skills/qualifications do you need?
- When applications open
- When applications close
- What does the application process include? (E.g.: job application, numerical reasoning + situational judgement test, online interview, assessment centre)
- Any other notes
This spreadsheet will help you determine if employers you are interested in use psychometric tests or assessment centres as part of their recruitment process.
We’re here to support you
As QMUL students, you have free access to Graduates First and Shortlist.Me which give you access to a range of psychometric tests. The Careers and Enterprise Team also run mock assessment centres to help you gain confidence in the selection process.
You can also find free practice tests on these websites: