Most tests you face will be either abstract or practical. Others, like the Visual Logic test or the Form Recognition test, are of a type that is not so dependent upon prior knowledge. Some of these tests are looking for flexibility, perceptiveness or insight in your reasoning. This test, like other ‘reasoning’ tests, gives you a hint that the test may be searching for something deeper than the ability to add numbers.Therefore, the key overall rule for you to follow is that, having read the instructions and done the examples to a test, you should be clear about what the test is going to demand of you before you start it.
1. Problems ‘on your mind’
If something has happened to you that is absorbing your attention it is better to take the tests when you are in a more settled frameof mind. Such matters may be lack of sleep, poor health, or worry about other people.
2. Preparation
Check that you have everything you need before you start the test.If it is a paper-and-pen test, have you sufficient pencils? Have you an eraser? Have you got spare paper? Is there anything that might ‘put you off ’ or disturb you?
3. Reading instructions
Always make sure you are absolutely certain what you have to do before you start. The tests are strictly timed and you will lose out if you have to stop, go back and re-read the explanation.
4. Do not have preconceptions about how well you might do
You may think you are going to perform better on some tests than others. You may like some tests better than others. These thoughtswill be based upon your past experience, but have little relationship to what you can actually do. Therefore, try your utmost on all the tests, as you may be better on some tests than you expect.
5. Read the explanation carefully
Do any examples and make sure you understand any explanation. (If you are in a real test situation where you are being tested alongside others, do not feel rushed into starting before you are ready just because you do not want to look stupid. If you ask for an explanation, the chances are that others will also be glad to have an explanation of the same thing!)
6. Timing
Most of the tests are too long for you to complete in the time given. They are designed that way. Therefore, do not begin to rush if you think that time must be running out. Work at a speed at which you feel you are in control and are not having to guess.Do not be put off by a candidate who seems to be working very quickly. They might be leaving items out or they might be getting what they do wrong. If you are unsure, ask the invigilator if you should have a watch or clock to refer to.
7. Guessing
This is generally a waste of time because you are missing an opportunity to get something right. Also, having spent time on working on an item, you lose that time if you throw it away with random guessing. If you have a strong ‘hunch’ that you know the answer, it is better to make a choice than nothing at all, but if you do this too many times, your guessing will count against you. If you are ‘stuck’ on an item it is better to leave it and go on to the next as you will at least avoid getting a wrong answer, whilst also giving yourself the option to come back to that item later.
8. Marking the answer paper
Make sure your answer is clear, otherwise you will not get a score. Most candidates lose few marks just because they didnt mark the answers properly. In case of online tests your answers are scanned by computer (OCR). So be sure to have clarity in your answers.
9. Drawing on the answer paper
In a paper-and-pen test, do not worry about making marks, drawings or doing calculations on the page of tests .What is required is the correct answer, so tidiness is unimportant. Many people prefer to make jottings on the answer sheet itself rather than use spare paper, and this is perfectly acceptable and is not cheating! If you need to make a note or do a sum, it is often quicker to do any rough work in the margin than switch to spare paper. This is certainly true of the Analytical test, where it is helpful if you actually draw the figures as you work out the answer rather than try to hold all the information in your head. At the same time, you must not spoil test papers that may have tobe used again by others. Always ensure you have sufficient rough paper.
10. Be aware of your situation
Make sure that the invigilator is aware of conflicts or difficulties that may affect your performance. This might be something that happened during testing – for example, you realized at the end there was another sheet you had missed, you broke all your pencils and had to wait, and so on.
