Unlock your true potential: Mastering the art of psychometric assessments

Introduction

Hi, I’m Keegan, one of Omnicor’s psychometrists. In this blog, I will walk you through the purpose of psychometric assessments, assessment types, the assessment process, and essential tips to help you excel in your psychometric journey.

Imagine this: You’re on the brink of a life-changing opportunity, one that promises to unlock your true potential and lead you down the path of success. You’ve applied for your dream job, and the interview has gone well. You’re closing in on the final stages, so close to reaching the dream job that you could practically reach out and touch it. But then, BAM! You are told there is another high mountain to climb, another low valley to pass, and another wide river to cross in the form of psychometric assessments (I’m sure there’s a song in there?).

First, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “Can I fail psychometrics?” and the answer is NO. Employers use assessments as part of the selection process to highlight your strengths and development areas.

It is normal to feel nervous before assessments. By the time you finish reading this, you will hopefully gain some insights into the process and feel more confident about your upcoming assessments.

  1. Purpose of psychometric assessments, assessment types, and formats

Psychometric assessments are scientifically designed tools to evaluate various aspects of your aptitude, personality traits, cognitive abilities, etc. These assessments provide potential employers with objective data to make informed hiring decisions, ensuring the right fit for a specific role. In short, psychometrics helps to identify your strengths and areas of development.

There are different types of psychometric assessments, including:

  • Cognition: Measures your cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking.
  • Personality: Reveals your traits, behaviours, and preferences. These offer insights into how you are likely to interact with the people and tasks you are likely to face.
  • Leadership: Highlights your leadership tendencies and appetite for managing people.
  • Skills: There are a wide variety of these tools. They are generally aimed to identify your level of comfort and knowledge on various topics, such as project management, financial acumen, or a programming language.
  • Roleplays: These are simulation exercises aimed at how you would behave in a typical real-world scenario.

There are a wide variety of assessment formats to cater to different purposes and contexts. Here are some of the common ones that you may come across:

  • Timed assessments impose a specific time limit for completing tasks and evaluating your ability to work efficiently under pressure.
  • Untimed assessments, on the other hand, allow you to work at your own pace, promoting a more relaxed and comprehensive approach.
  • Multiple-choice assessments present you with various options to choose from, assessing your knowledge and decision-making skills.
  1. Assessment process: supervised and unsupervised

At Omnicor, we provide both supervised and unsupervised assessments.

  • Supervised assessments are often conducted via MS Teams, and a psychometrist will be present to guide you through the process.
  • Unsupervised assessments can be done until the cut-off date of your assessment process and allow you to break up the process over a few days.
  1. How can I prepare
  • Get a good night’s rest. Ensure you are well-rested to perform at your best cognitive capacity.
  • Eat breakfast. A nutritious breakfast fuels your brain and enhances focus.
  • Make sure that you complete assessments in an undisturbed environment. Find a quiet space free from distractions to concentrate fully.
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection. You do not want to be stressing about your connection on the day.
  • Make sure, in advance, that you are comfortable with MS Teams, have a working camera and microphone, and get used to navigating around MS Teams.
  • Ensure you have your ID, calculator, pen, and paper handy, as we will need to verify your identity. You may need these for your assessments.
  • If you feel uncomfortable taking tests, finding some practice examples on the internet may be worthwhile.
  • Remember that if you have a timed assessment, ensure you manage your time effectively.
  • Be honest and authentic with the assessment process. Try to answer truthfully to provide an accurate reflection of yourself.

Conclusion

Psychometric assessments are valuable tools for you and your potential employer. The assessments will help to highlight your strengths and development areas. Our reports and feedback will help to guide you in developing these areas and growing your career.

By understanding the purpose, types, and assessment process and following the essential tips, you can confidently approach psychometric assessments and present your true capabilities to potential employers. Remember, these assessments are not about passing or failing but rather understanding your unique strengths and how they align with the job requirements. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your abilities and find the perfect fit for your career journey. Climb that mountain, pass that valley, and cross that river! (Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell would be proud!) Best of luck!

 

Author:

Keegan Bell – Omnicor

Psychometrist