The different types of tests
Motivation questionnaires
These are designed to learn more about what drives you to perform well at work, like the energy you apply to a task, what conditions make you work harder and what situations decrease your motivation.
Interest inventories
These assess your personal preferences and opinions on different activities. For example, if you like working with people or if you prefer working outdoors.
Simulation exercises
These exercises give you a task where you’ll need to use the skills required for the job. These could be task prioritisation, groups, presentations, fact-finding and role-plays.
Assessment centres
These are not a place, but a process where several candidates will present and are assessed against a number of job skills and requirements. The exercises might be for you to do alone or with other candidates.
A few tips
- Take a look at some tests beforehand and have a practice session.
- Ask for feedback.
- Don’t spend too much time on one question - if you are stuck, move on.
- Don’t agonise over right and wrong answers – in these types of these there’s very often no such thing.