Aptitude tests: What to expect in an interview process

In the world of work today, organisations typically run multiple interview stages to make sure that the candidate they hire is the perfect person for the role. One of these stages may be an aptitude test. 

Here’s everything you need to know if you get asked to take part in an aptitude test for an upcoming job tole. 

What is an aptitude test?

An aptitude test is a way for employers to assess a candidate’s abilities through a variety of different testing formats. Aptitude tests will test your ability to perform tasks and react to situations at work. 

This includes:

• problem-solving
• prioritisation 
• numerical skills, amongst other things. 

The psychometric tests are multiple-choice and there is only ever one correct answer, your score is then marked and your level is compared against other candidates who have taken the same test as you.

Why and how do you take an aptitude test?

Aptitude tests are a great way for a hiring manager to gauge a candidate’s suitability to a role. They are a tool used to see how candidates might deal with the challenges of the role they are interviewing for.

Aptitude tests are usually done via an online platform, however, businesses may invite you into the office to take these tests too. This depends on their recruitment processes.

There are free tests online that you can take to gauge what sort of questions to expect when taking an aptitude test.

Types of aptitude tests

There are a number of aptitude tests that a business can administer to candidates.

• Diagrammatic Reasoning – Tests your ability of logical reasoning, using diagrams and flowcharts.
• Numerical Reasoning – Tests your mathematical ability through percentages, averages and the like.
• Verbal Reasoning – Assesses you on your ability to assess verbal logic.
• Inductive Reasoning – Tests your ability to see patterns and analyse data, in a pressurised environment.
• Situational Judgement – Tests your problem-solving ability. 
• Logical Reasoning – Tests your ability to recognise patterns, sequences or relationships between shapes and imagery.
• Abstract Reasoning – These are similar to IQ tests and assess general knowledge, and ability to utilise your knowledge in new situations.

Aptitude test questions

The questions that you will be asked in an aptitude test will vary based on the type of role you are applying for. They may ask you to identify a missing number, shape or image at the end of a series, or they might give you a written scenario that you will answer questions from. Verbal aptitude tests are formatted with ‘true’, ‘false’ and ‘can’t say’ as the answers.

Whether the questions are mathematical or problem-solving based, they are designed to test your ability to process information quickly. This can be useful for hiring managers who are looking for data analysts across all levels. 

Preparing for an aptitude test

The best advice we can give you if you know that you will be required to take an aptitude test is to practice beforehand. Ask your recruitment consultant or the organisation you are interviewing for what type of aptitude test it is you will be taking, then practice these online. 

It is never certain what questions you will be asked throughout the testing process, however, if you become familiar with the types of questions you will be presented with alongside the time constraints, we believe you will be best prepared to ace your aptitude test and land your dream job.

Read more:
How to succeed at a panel interview
How to make a successful career change
15 ways to prepare and succeed at virtual job interviews

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