Reasoning Tests

  • Most tests today are online assessments and dependent on the job you have applied for, you may be required to complete one or more. If you have more than one to complete, you do not need to complete them all in one sitting. However, each test should be completed in one session. Different tests will be different lengths but typically most are quite short – less than 25 minutes. The mental focus when taking more than one is very high so take a break between tests.

 

  • If you are completing them online, not at the company’s premises, you will be given a deadline to complete them. Ensure you choose a time where you are relatively relaxed and not too stressed. Also choose a time of the day when you feel more alert and focused. Reliable internet access ( Should a problem occur, make sure you have relevant contact details at both test and organisation ) and an environment that is quiet and disturbance free. You will be unable to pause part way through.

 

  • You will be provided with some practice questions before you start the timed test. Practice questions are not timed so make sure you are very clear about what you need to do. If the test is being administered to you by a person at an assessment Centre, if there is anything that you do not understand, make sure you ask about it before you start.

 

  • Pace yourself – make sure you know how much time you have for the tests. Try to answer most of the questions, but do not worry about not finishing them all as the test has been designed to stretch the most capable individuals. Remember you do not need to complete all the questions to achieve a reasonable score.

 

  • Do not get stuck – if you find a particular question difficult, do not spend too much time on it. Give the answer you think is best, but avoid simply guessing. If you have time, you may be able to go back to it at the end.

 

  • Concentrate – work quickly and accurately, do not get distracted. Understand both nature of the test and job to get the pacing correct. You do not want to rush questions where you might make too many errors, nor do you want to go too slowly where you end up doing only a few questions. However if a job is very much about quality, safety and precision, then you might want to just adjust it slightly towards accuracy rather than speed.

 

  • If you have a disability that requires special arrangements you should let the organisation that you have applied to know about this in the first instance. See Trilogy’s test policy.