• Improve your test taking technique by sitting practice tests under timed conditions. As well as improving confidence and response times, this can also help you spot where you might be going wrong.

• For numerical reasoning tests, revisit the basics including percentages, ratios and formulas as well as addition, multiplication etc. The ability to interpret information in the form of graphs, charts and tables is often tested. Graduates First has video tutorials on numeracy basics like percentages, ratios and exchange rates. These can really help you interpret basic data quickly.

• Assessors look for both speed and accuracy.  Working quickly will be a key factor in your performance. Eliminate as many wrong answers as possible, for example using a quick estimation. If you are stuck on a question, leave it and move on.  Don’t worry if you don’t finish the test, they are designed to stretch even the most able candidate.

• Try and identify the employer’s test provider. Practicing tests with the same supplier should help you perform at your best. Always complete any practice tests offered by the company.  Graduates First lists some of the most common test providers.

• Always follow instructions and familiarise yourself with the process before starting the test proper.

• Graduates First gives access to a range of verbal, numerical and logical reasoning practice tests.

• Look out for some of our numerical reasoning practice aptitude tests.

• Practice Aptitude Tests has free reasoning tests you can try.

• JobTestPrep has a range of free aptitude tests.

• BBC Skillwise – Maths has some basic videos and worked examples.

• Research the organisation. What does this employer value? What do you know about their culture and values?

• Research the role. What skills, values and qualities are required? This should give you important clues to what behaviours and approaches are important.

• On the day, get ‘in role’ and apply what you know about the company, role, its values and preferred behaviours when answering the questions. 

• Don’t try and second guess what they are looking for but apply common sense based on your understanding. Draw on your own experiences  and strengths.

• When answering questions, think about the impact of your behaviour.  It’s also about knowing how not to behave. Think carefully about what you choose for your ‘least preferred’ option for a question.  

• Graduates First example to show competencies the test was looking for and how your answers compare.

• Assessment Day free practice SJT with detailed worked solutions.

• Practice Aptitude Tests has free situational tests.

• JobTestPrep offers a free SJT practice.

• Situational Judgement Test has 3 free test trials (with feedback).

• Take the game seriously. While it might feel like fun, games are designed to measure a range of qualities such as staying focused, reading emotions in others and approach to risk taking.

• Make sure your environment is set up. Can you focus your attention? Will you be free of interruptions? Are batteries fully charged? Once you’ve started you can’t stop the test!

• Don’t try and second guess what the game is measuring. The best advice is to be yourself

• Make sure you're clear about what’s required. Is it worth reading the instructions again before clicking start? Always complete a practice game if offered.

• Familiarise yourself with some GBAs so you know what to expect if asked to sit one.

• Graduates First has three practice games which give feedback on your performance plus insights into what is being assessed.

• Artic Shores has advice for candidates. The company develop GBAs for a range of companies including Deloitte and RBS.

• Check out the TargetJobs Guide to Gamification.

• Sit some practice tests to better understand the process and reflect on your strengths.

• Don’t try and second guess what you think the employer is looking for - be honest.

• Many questionnaires use impression management scales to uncover whether you are trying to impress rather than giving an honest assessment. For example, have you never disagreed with anyone?

• Remember there isn’t a right answer – this is about you and your fit with the organisation/job profile.

• Get into the right frame of mind and keep your focus throughout. Make sure your environment is all set

• Stay calm and don’t rush. Read all the options before answering.

• Graduates First has a work personality questionnaire.

• JobTestPrep and AssessmentDay have examples of personality questionnaires.

Employers understand the importance of awarding extra time and making reasonable adjustment when appropriate. If you do not feel that you can give your best performance in the conditions available, do tell the employer as soon as possible. Be clear on the adjustments  you need – extra time, additional equipment, a different test format. The British Psychological Society’s Test Takers Guide contains general information for people with disabilities.

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to have studied mathematics at advanced level to do well in numerical tests. Revisit some of the basics of data interpretation including how to work out percentages and ratios and do currency conversions. There are short videos and practice tests on Graduates First. We also run Employer Numerical Reasoning practice sessions with the Department of Mathematics. BBC  Skillwise – Maths has some videos and basic worked examples to get you started.

Falling down in one area of the recruitment process is not uncommon and tests are used to screen out large numbers of candidates. Review your performance on the day. How were you feeling? Was your set-up adequate? Had you prepared? There are many reasons why a candidate might not be successful on a specific test or with a specific employer. If you have any concerns about testing, speak to a career consultant.

While some recruiters may take concerns about level of English into account, others will be less flexible. Remember that good English language ability will be important to organisations recruiting into UK based positions. Reading and summarising articles can help improve your English language comprehension and help you better perform in timed tests.

The best way to manage your test nerves is to prepare and practice. This means finding out as much as you can about the tests being used and trying our recommended practice test sites. Practice will take away some of the unknowns, often the biggest cause of stress during tests, and test familiarity should in turn improve your response times and confidence. 
Graduates First has some useful video tutorials. Think about what you can do to improve your performance on the day. Simple things like a good night’s sleep and making sure you are not distracted can make a difference.

There’s a wide range of testing resources available online, depending on the type of test you are being asked to sit and what you want to practice. Graduates First is the best resource for getting started. The main test providers like SHL, TalentQ and Kenexa all have example tests on their websites. Graduate websites Targetjobs and Prospects both provide useful overviews and links to practice tests. Remember to always sit any practice tests offered by the employer.

Some universities ask for GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) scores. Tests are used to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and sometimes, subject specific options. Each section is scored separately with percentile rankings to supplement university entry requirements. The official GRE site has some useful preparation tips and Kaplan has a free full length practice test. The official GMAT website, MBA.com has advice on how to prepare and you can take a free practice test with Crack GMAT.

While many employers use standard tests from the main test providers, some sectors and employers use specific tests to measure particular, often technical, skills sets. Many law firms use the Watson Glaser test and IT companies such as IBM, a Kenexa reasoning test. Start with the organisation's website to see if you can find out more about the tests they use. Graduates First has information on the types of tests used by over 100 employers. Assessment Day gives information about tests and recruitment processes used at over 60 large companies.

Watson Glaser is commonly used in the legal field where precision and reasoning is critical. It is a 30 minute critical reasoning test assessing your ability to reason through an argument logically and make an objective decision. Here are some sample questions. You can also practice the test via the LSE's subscription to Graduates First.