How To Do Well In Tests
There are several things you can do to improve your performance when it comes to selection tests. If you bear the following in mind you'll give yourself the best chance of doing well. Please bear in mind that some of these tips will apply to the paper-based tests only (completed at the assessment centre stage):
Before the tests
- Read any relevant newspapers, journals, reports
- Do verbal problem–solving exercises (e.g. crosswords)
- Study tables or data
- Practise doing maths calculations and your mental arithmetic
- Get a good night's sleep
- If you have a disability, please contact the helpline beforehand to discuss how it might affect you when taking the test. We'll be happy to provide support you may need.
During the test
- Listen to the instructions
- Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about what is expected of you
- Make sure you understand the examples
- Work quickly but accurately
- If you find one particular question difficult, don't spend too much time on it – either come back to it or make an educated guess
- Mark your answers properly. If you are asked to fully blacken a circle, make sure you do so as some answer sheets are marked by computer. If your answer is not clear, you will lose marks
- For each test, there'll be a time limit. But don't panic if you don't finish all the questions, they're designed to be challenging
- Frequently, the best applicants don't manage to finish.
