The lowdown on Psychometric testing

Dr Mark Parkinson, business psychologist and author of the bestselling How to Master Psychometric Tests, explains: 'Tests are measuring 'maximum' performance (how good you are at something); whereas questionnaires are measuring 'typical' performance (what you're usually like). Of course, questionnaires do not have right or wrong answers, but they tell us something about how you might behave or act, or what your values, attitudes or interests might be.'

Some employers use the tests before interviews as a way of screening the best applicants while others employ them at the final stages when only a handful of candidates remain.

As Mark Parkinson says: 'Tests represent an impartial way of finding out about somebody. But, like exams, some people dislike doing them and interestingly, if an employer announces that tests are to be used as part of a selection process, up to 40 per cent of applicants will not turn up - a startling figure which shows just how many people fear formal assessments.

'Employers should bear exam nerves in mind when viewing results and because the tests are timed, any condition that slows a person down (dyslexia, poor shoulder/hand movement and eyesight problems) is likely to lead to lower scores.'

Of course, tests are only part of the process. 'Tests are applicable in most situations, but they are just tools,' emphasises Mark Parkinson. 'Employers shouldn't slavishly adhere to test results as sometimes the more creative individual, or indeed, some high-flyers, do not necessary get good results. Tests should be used as part of a more rounded selection process. The most common mistake is to select tests/questionnaires that don't assess the right things. Naturally, this isn't fair and could even lead to recruiting the wrong person.'

If you're about to go for a psychometric test, you can certainly prepare for aptitude questions. See if your local careers centre offers practice sessions or on the daily commute, try maths teasers, crosswords, word games and puzzles to give your brain cells a workout.

Speed and accuracy are both of the essence so bear that in mind too. If you Google 'psychometric tests', you will find numerous free tests which provide great practice material.

Lisa McGann, who recently sat psychometric tests for her current job, says: 'While it's not something you can revise, you can prepare yourself on what to expect and get a feeling of how the questions are structured and phrased.

'Also, you may find you're better at some things than you imagined. For example, you may not think you can do logical thinking but I could. And, because it's timed, just trust your intuition when the answer is not obvious!'