Are you interviewing for a new position? Have you been informed that an aptitude test is part of the recruitment process? Here are 10 tips to pass your aptitude test to help you land that next job.
If you do not know what aptitude tests are, consider reading this article first: What is an Aptitude Test?
1. Run plenty of practice tests
Regardless of how long you have been in your career and how much you think you know, it’s important to run practice tests to ensure your score is an adequate reflection of your working ability. Completing plenty of practice tests allows you to go into your aptitude test with an understanding of what to expect, so that you will be less surprised by the day’s demands. Complete as many practice tests as you can in the time you have to prepare, and you will be sure to do well. You will find many different types of aptitude tests here at Aptitude-test.com.
2. Be sure to read questions carefully
Many candidates rush through the questions on their aptitude tests, assuming they know the answers. However, some aptitude test questions are designed to test how well you are able to pay attention to the detail in the question, so be sure to read through them carefully so you can select the best answer. If you feel yourself rushing while you’re working, and if you are not limited on time, then take a deep breath and slow down.
3. Don’t waste time on a difficult question
Aptitude tests are designed to challenge you, so it is possible that you will get stuck on a question that feels impossible to answer. If this happens, be careful not to waste time lingering on the problem longer than required. It is far better to move on to complete more questions than to waste time on a question that’s impossible to solve. Most aptitude tests will allow you to go back and review unanswered questions. If you are allowed to do so, you will be told before starting the test. In this case, you can safely skip the questions you struggle with and return to them later.
4. Start early and manage your time well
Candidates often procrastinate starting their aptitude test practice, but it is better to start practicing as soon as you know you have to take a test. Regular practice really pays off, so be sure to create a practice schedule, then make a promise to yourself to stick to it. Be sure to manage your time even more carefully if you don’t have much time to prepare. Check out our tips on how to prepare for an aptitude test with limited time, if you need to take a test soon.
5. Sleep and eat well before the test.
Adhere to good, healthy practices in the days leading up to your test. While it might feel like staying up all night practicing might help you improve, it will lead to lower performance on the day. Being tired can reduce your ability to perform as well as you would on the job, so make sure you get a decent night’s sleep before the big day.
6. Don’t alter your schedule dramatically
As with sleep and diet, it is important that you stick to your usual routine to be at your peak performance. Make sure you don’t try anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Don’t eat foods that might upset your stomach, instead maintain a simple diet. Don’t indulge in anything that might put you off, such as alcohol, or caffeine, which can distract you. Practice good self-care as you work towards gaining your next job; celebrate later.
7. Maintain healthy mental habits
The recruitment process is a stressful one, so be sure to maintain healthy mental habits. An aptitude test can stress candidates out because they feel like they have to prove they have the ability and knowledge to do the job they most likely can already do well and are qualified to do. Remind yourself of this regularly. If you need to use them, positive mental affirmations can help you maintain a positive outlook. Practice mindfulness; don’t beat yourself up if you’re having a difficult time. Instead, take a practice aptitude test and work on boosting your strengths.
8. Do not be tempted to cheat
Today it is common for aptitude tests to be completed online, on your own computer or mobile device. In this case, it can be tempting to get a friend to help or have a second computer open to get aid from the internet during your test. Apart from being immoral, the risk of being caught is too large.
It is common practice to invite the successful candidates to a re-test at the employer’s office. If you underperform in this second test, compared to the first, your chances of being hired are slim.
9. Focus on the reward
Some people have a genuine fear of testing, which can put them off altogether or cause them to perform poorly. If you feel this way, try to focus on the reward of testing, not the act of aptitude testing itself. If successful, you’ll be another step closer to gaining that job that you’ve always wanted. It isn’t about the test itself, but you have to be willing to try to get that important job offer. Focus on the reward, and the process will feel easier.
10. Know your test
It is important that you know what test you are facing. Aptitude tests are not all the same—far from it. The tests can assess different abilities and can have different formats. The very best scenario is if you can discover what test publisher the company is using, and thereby, the exact test that you are facing.
If that is not possible, you should try to find out what type of test it is. You should not be afraid to simply ask the recruiter what type of test you are taking.
There are many different types of aptitude tests. Some of the most common aptitude tests are:
- Cognitive Aptitude Test
- Numerical Reasoning Test
- Abstract Reasoning Test
- Verbal Reasoning Test
- Critical Thinking Test
- Situational Judgement Test
- Mechanical Aptitude Test
- Inductive Reasoning Test
- Diagrammatic Reasoning Test
