h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As part of an upcoming interview process I have to undertake a psychometric test.

What should I expect?

What is the purpose of psychometric testing and how valid is it?

I preferred the imperial psycho tests, myself.

What they should be used for is to give people insight on themselves.

Whet they're often wrongly used for is to select people against criteria.

Mostly they're administered because selecters think they ought to do something vaguely scientific looking.

Suck it up. You just have to do the test. If you're reasonable sane and able you should be OK. It's not like they're able to peer into the dark recesses of your soul or anything,

Oh - and...

These tests used to be closely guarded secrets, so that nobody could learn the 'right' answers and cheat. Supposedly there aren't any 'right' answers to some of them...but this is personnel selection where they're misapplied.

A common one is Catell 16PF, which is *meant* to be used by clinical psychologists who discuss the results with the client afterwards. Tou'd be within your rights to refuse to do this...except you want a job.

http://similarminds.com/cattell-16-factor.html

Sometimes the Myers-Briggs test is used. It's a useful tool - but I was paid good money recently to explain why it has no place in selection:

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

More hard-edged - something like the Watson Glaser Test for Critical Reasoning. This gives you passages of controversial text on topics like prayer in schools and then asks which of various opinions ae supported by the text. (You're meant to be able to overcome your prejudices and say whether something is supported.) I'm sceptical of Watson Glaser having once scored 100%.

http://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/media/1344440/watsonglaser_form_ab_example_questions.pdf

That'll give you a basic idea of what to expect. If they're a sensible company they'll know that they'll get more by talking to you. If they're not - you don't want to work for the. Meh. Just tick some of their damned boxes.

During my recent spell of unemployment, I've found Watson-Glaser to be increasingly common. They often put it hand-in-hand with a numerical reasoning test. But we should assume (although it is often an invalid assumption), that HR know what they're doing and have tailored the testing to the role being interviewed. If you're good enough to get through to the interview stage, then the testing shouldn't hold any fears.

B

Psychometric testing?

This one is a Thomas Test - has anyone come across this one

Is that the one where you have to shunt three truck-loads of coal to the other end of Sodor, and switch passengers from Annie to Clarabel while avoiding the attentions of the Fat Controller?

B

No, it's the one where you cough.

They will offer you tea. After you have completed the test they will analyse the tea-leaves, check your handwriting and analyse your dress sense.

It's supposedly a test for a) team / independent / flexible work preferences b) honesty / dishonesty levels c) motivation and commitment d) independent thought e) social skills ...

I guess this is an interview that involves some form of management / customer interaction?

"No, it's the one where you cough."

I had to do some testing for a job interview recently. Some of the questions were odd. "Would you rather have a nice restaurant meal or start your own business?" It's a bit like apples and oranges, isn't it? They admitted the only reason they had to do it was because of the American owners of the company.

Particuarly confusing if your ambition is to open a nice restaurant.

I'm wondering if I choose B, does that mean I'm not allowed to eat in a restaurant untill my business is up and running?

"we should assume [....] that HR know what they're doing "

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