How to Prepare For A Psychometric Test - A Guide
With many new teachers and teaching assistants leaving the education sector, perhaps it’s time to thoroughly assess if you have what it takes to be an educator of the future.
Earlier in the month, we published a blog discussing the validity of psychometric testing as a more insightful way of recruiting suitable talent rather than using the more traditional methods of CV or application form submission. This can be viewed in the blog section of Senploy - click HERE.
We looked at the importance of assessing core values and intrinsic characteristics as being more accurate in identifying emerging talent, rather than reviewing experience and past work history as a measure of success. With recruitment into the education sector in crisis, perhaps it’s time to try something new. Is psychometric testing the answer?
Some schools and education recruiters are starting to use psychometric testing as part of the application process. If you are applying for a job and need to undertake psychometric testing, here’s some tips to help you feel more confident to perform better during the assessment:
1. Research the test: Start by finding out which types of psychometric tests are commonly used during the education recruitment process. This may include cognitive ability tests, personality assessments, or situational judgment tests. Your recruitment consultant will have this information and may even do some sample tests with you beforehand. Understanding the format and content of the tests will give you an idea of what to expect.
2. Practice sample questions: Look for practice materials or sample questions that are like the tests you will be taking. Many online resources offer free or paid practice tests, or ask your recruitment consultant to provide sample tests. Practicing these questions will identify areas where you may need to improve.
3. Sharpen your cognitive abilities: Enhancing your cognitive abilities, such as numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning, and logical reasoning, can improve your performance. Practice by solving puzzles, riddles, and brainteasers that can be found online or in books. Exercises to sharpen cognition skills will be helpful in preparing for the test.
4. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses: Consider the key traits and skills that are relevant to a job in education, such as communication, empathy, problem-solving, and organisational skills. Reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses in these areas. This self-awareness will help you showcase your strengths during the assessment and identify areas where you may need to improve. Identifying your weaknesses is a strength in itself, and presents opportunities for development in the future.
5. Manage your time: Psychometric tests will often be conducted within a time limit. During practice sessions, become familiar with managing your time effectively by setting time limits for each question or section. This will help to become familiar working within time constraints and prevent you from spending too much time on more challenging questions.
6. Stay calm and focused: It's important to remain calm and have a focused mindset. Make sure you get enough rest before the assessment and avoid unnecessary stress where possible. Take deep breaths during the test to help manage any anxiety and maintain your concentration.
7. Read instructions carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided for each test. Understand the rules, time limits, and any specific guidelines. Misinterpreting instructions can lead to mistakes or confusion.
8. Seek feedback and learn from experience: After taking a psychometric test, reflect on your performance. If possible, seek feedback from the recruiter or school. Learn from your experience and identify areas where you can improve for future assessments.
Psychometric tests and AI matching are usually just one part of the overall recruitment process and education recruiters often consider other factors as well.
Also focus on showcasing your skills, experience, and passion for education during interviews and other parts of the assessment process. Prepare to draw on real life scenarios to highlight your suitability for the role and reinforce your psychometric profile.
Starting a career in education takes time, effort, and commitment. Research the sector fully, speak to existing educators to understand their journey, weigh up the pros and cons of working in education, go into it with your eyes wide open and if you decide it’s still for you, go for it! Being a part of the education sector can be a career for life.