Online assessments and tests

Companies use a wide range of online tests designed to better understand how your brain works. As always, it’s important to find out, in advance, which online assessments you will face. Below are some common methods (this is not a definitive list).

Practice makes perfect

You can dramatically improve your performance by practising. This is vital. Cappfinity has online practice tests for Behavioural Assessments and Cognitive Assessments (Critical Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Diagrammatic Reasoning and Coding Potential). Another great place to practice and hone your skills is SHL’s website.

Gamified tests

These assessments use game-like mechanics or interactive elements (e.g. mini-games, problem-solving tasks and simulations). They're used to measure, for example, cognitive abilities, decision-making, behavioural traits and adaptability in a time-pressured environment. If you want to better understand gamified tests, head to Arctic Shores’ website or watch this video.

Personality tests

These tests are usually used to help determine if the candidate is a good fit. In other words, are you right for that company and that role? In theory, there’s no single “right” answer for a personality test question. In practice, it’s fair to say that different roles and industries value different traits. For example, a role in the Civil Service may favour structure, reliability and attention to detail, whereas a position in a tech company might prize adaptability, creativity and risk-taking. Below are some example questions:

Do you prefer to plan your work in detail in advance or adapt as you go?
Do you get more energy from social interaction or from working quietly on your own?
When solving problems, do you prefer tried-and-tested solutions or do you like experimenting with new ideas?
Do you handle deadlines better by working steadily over time or under last-minute pressure?
Do you enjoy taking the lead in group projects or do you prefer supporting others in the background?
Do you make decisions quickly, or do you tend to take time and consider every option?
Do you find change exciting and motivating, or do you prefer stability and routine?

Picture-based assessments

Sometimes pictures are used (e.g. as part of a personality test) because they tap into instinctive reactions rather than rehearsed answers. As before, there is no right answer, but think about the corporate culture. What do you think they will value the most? Below are some examples:

Image choices: You might be shown several pictures (e.g. a busy office, a quiet study or a group brainstorming session) and be asked: “Which environment would you feel most comfortable in?” This helps reveal your work preferences.
Picture-based scenarios: An image of a workplace conflict could be shown, and you could be asked: “What would you do in this situation?” This helps evaluate your problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Ranking pictures: Candidates may be asked to rank a series of images (e.g. a trophy, a handshake, a puzzle, a calendar) by preference. This highlights what motivates you most - achievement, teamwork, problem-solving or organisation.

For further “online assessment tests” help and guidance, head to Barclays LifeSkills.

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