How to prepare for an assessment

A few months ago I applied for a job at E&Y. Even before the first job interview I had to make an assessment first. Companies are using different kinds of assessments to see if you are a good fit and capable of working at their company. This is very common these days and they have a good reason for it. More than 50% of the applicants are not telling the truth on their resume. To prepare as good as you can I want to share you my thoughts!

1. Find out what is tested.
There are dozens of different tests which vary from psychological tests to aptitude tests. It is always a good idea to ask the recruiter what is tested and how you can prepare for the specific test. Companies like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and E&Y are often using a combination of tests.

2. Find out how you are tested.
The way in which an assessment is presented can differ a lot. There are all kind of methods. Questionnaires are used a lot, for example to measure personality, interests, motives, culture or behavior. But agencies can also use practical assignments, simulations on the PC,  interviews, self-assessment and peer reviews.

3. Find out what kind of organisation is creating the test
Often the assessments are not created by the company you applied. A few well knows organisations are:

• Kenexa
• Cubiks 
• Talent Q
• SHL
• Saville

4. Practice, practice and practice more!
Practice makes 'perfect'. If you have a psychometric test, an aptitude test or a cognitive test there are several great options to practise online. One of my personal favorite are these free online assessments.
These tests require you to answer questions based on statistics, figures and charts:

• Verbal reasoning 
• Numerical reasoning
• Intray exercises
• Diagrammatic
• Inductive reasoning tests
• Cognitive ability tests
• Watson Glaser tests
• Abstract reasoning tests
• Error checking tests

5. If you are answering personal questions just stay close to yourself. There is no such thing as 'the right answer'. What you think the company wants to hear can be something way different then they are actually looking for.

6. Rest well the day before the assessment and make sure where to go and how you it will take to get there.

Good luck!