So you applied for a job and you got past the first hurdles. Then you are told you now have to pass some numerical and verbal reasoning tests. How do I prepare for them I hear you ask? And isn´t my CV enough proof that I am a good person to recruit?
Preparing for aptitude tests or reasoning tests as they are also known may seem like a daunting task and you might not know how to go about. In the old days you had to buy books to prepare for these tests but things have luckily changed and it is a lot easier now.
Easier how you may ask? Well various test providers are now online and are offering their services to jobseekers.
The most common types of tests are numerical tests and verbal tests. These test the numerical reasoning skills and the verbal reasoning skills of the applicant. Examples of these test types are probability, percentage, number series etc. Examples of verbal reasoning tests are spelling, antonyms, sentence correction, statement and assumption and so on.
In addition there are also diagrammatic tests and logic tests or logical reasoning tests as they are also called. What these tests are trying to do is test your abilities in diagrammatic and logical reasoning and thus give the employer a glance at your skills in these particular areas. Examples of these tests are pattern completion, data interpretation, letter and symbol series, logical problems, analogies, verbal classification and the list goes on.
I hear you asking: Is this a fair way to assess me and my abilities? Well the answer to that is probably no but the employer has to have some way to test you and choose the best candidate out of perhaps hundreds of applicants. And there is no need to worry since there are various places on the Internet to practice for these tests.
All in all you should not be fearful of aptitude tests. They are actually an opportunity for you to show the possible future employer how good you are and that you have the skills to do any job you want. And since it is possible to practice for all these tests anyway there really is no excuse is there. Also I have to say, many of these tests are not as tedious as they might sound like. By doing these tests on your spare time every now and then you can (and this is proven) improve your mental arithmetic skills and reasoning skills hugely which will be useful in everyday life as well. If you do this then you do not suddenly have to start practicing for that upcoming test centre. You will already be ready.
Now get practicing and get ready.