Many South African employers, especially banks, large companies and graduate programmes, use psychometric tests to shortlist candidates. You cannot study for them like an exam, but practice makes you faster and calmer.
Common types
- Numerical reasoning: percentages, ratios and reading tables and graphs under time pressure.
- Verbal reasoning: reading a passage and judging whether statements are true, false or cannot be told.
- Abstract or logical reasoning: finding the pattern in a series of shapes.
- Personality questionnaires: how you prefer to work. There are no right answers; answer honestly and consistently.
How to prepare
- Do free practice tests online so the formats are familiar.
- Find out which test types the employer uses; the invitation often says.
- Take the test somewhere quiet with a reliable connection, and have a calculator and paper ready if they are allowed.
- Read the instructions carefully and keep an eye on the time.
Your rights
The Employment Equity Act allows psychological tests only if they are scientifically valid and reliable, applied fairly and not biased against any employee or group, and certified by the Health Professions Council of South Africa or another body authorised by law. If you need an accommodation, such as extra time for a disability, ask before the test.
Avoid: asking someone else to take an online test for you, which is dishonest and can be checked at a later stage, and guessing wildly where wrong answers may count against you.