Employers choose to use psychometric testing during their recruitment process to help give a better overall evaluation of candidate’s and their suitability for the job that they’re applying for. Psychometric testing could help to gauge the future performance of candidate's and also improve employee retention by making successful hiring decisions.
The most common way for employers to use aptitude tests such as critical thinking tests, is online. Traditionally, aptitude tests have taken the form of pen and paper but due to benefits such as saving valuable time and money, online testing is used more and more frequently. Undertaking aptitude tests is usually the follow-up action after an employer has accepted your CV or initial job application form.
If you pass the online test in some cases you are invited to an assessment centre, which is usually done by larger employers. The term assessment centre is used due to the fact that employers conduct these extended assessment in a single centre, either an office of the employers themselves or at a third party venue. The assessment centre is often (but not always) a day that constitutes the final stage of the application process. At the assessment centre they will ask you to sit a repeat test at the assessment centre to verify your earlier test scores, therefore don’t get your friends or family to help you out during the online test!
Preparing for an assessment centre or online aptitude test can be stressful due to the fact that you don’t know what to expect. The best way to familiarize yourself is with practice aptitude tests that mimic the tests used by employers and recruiters. Assessment-training.com has prepared thousands of candidates for their assessments and aptitude tests by offering realistic test simulations with fully worked solutions.
The most commonly critical thinking test is the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (W-GCTA in short), published by TalentLens. This test predicts judgment, problem solving, creativity, openness to experience and more. Critical thinking regards the ability to logically and rationally consider information. These skills are necessary in many professions. Employers find it important due to the fact that individuals who engage in “quality thinking”, tend to make better decisions. In professions such as law, consultancy or accountancy, where you must be able to make decisions with limited supervision and independently make judgements, you must be able to evaluate evidence thoroughly before making a decision.