"Ability Tests"

[Old Gregg]

I have applied for a job and have progressed to the 3rd selection stage, which involves a series of tests.

They are described as "ability tests" and the company states that they do not cover particular areas of technical knowledge, more the potential trainability of an applicant.


There are tests on numerical and mechanical comprehension, spacial awareness and recognition, and understanding technical information.

Now, I've paid for and downloaded a package of tests from an online training company and I'm going to spend a good length of time practicing. I have a reasonable idea of what I think I'm going to be faced with (I've done similar things before), but I was wondering if anyone had used any particular practice tests that they found useful for these type of exams - i.e, the practice content was similar to the tests on the day. I don't really want to focus my time and effort in the wrong area.


Any advice?

[Tyre Smoke]

Are these what used to be called psychometric tests?

I did a series of these when I was interviewed for Securicor many moons ago. I just put down the first answer I thought of (which I reckon is how they are configured to work) and managed to get employed!

[Old Gregg]

Tyre Smoke said:

Are these what used to be called psychometric tests?

No, I've actually already done a round of psychometric tests prior to these upcoming ones. I think the ones I face next will actually be specific maths/mechanical/visual questions, but I was just wondering whether there was any particular recommendations for practicing before I go.

You're right though, I think it's best not to over-think the psychometric ones. I tried not to dwell too long on them when I did mine, otherwise they drive you nuts.

[rhinochopig]

One classic test that gets used all the time is the gear test. Similar to q5 in this http://www.psychometric-success.com/faq/faq-free-m... A series of gears with one known direction of rotation and the question is which way does a specific gear rotate - as used by the FB.

Oh, and it's practise with an S, not with a C

[Old Gregg]

rhinochopig said:

One classic test that gets used all the time is the gear test. Similar to q5 in this http://www.psychometric-success.com/faq/faq-free-m... A series of gears with one known direction of rotation and the question is which way does a specific gear rotate - as used by the FB.

Oh, and it's practise with an S, not with a C

Thanks for that. If this is the kind of thing I can expect then I'm alright - I've done a few tests with questions like that one and always do well.


And apologies, Tyre Smoke.... it seems that these exams are indeed called psychometric tests The previous tests that I did (which the employer called psychometric) were more along the lines of:

"Put these statements in order of "best to worst" which most suit you as a person -

a) I am good at carrying out specific tasks "
b) I am good at understanding technical documents
c) I am good at interpreting data
d) I am good at carrying out hands-on tasks following instructions


I assumed that specific-question type tests weren't the same thing.



And I'm ashamed at spelling practise wrong - I know the difference, honest!