I had to take some tests yesterday. Nothing to be concerned about (until I find out how I did, of course) and related to employment but the process I undertook highlighted how easy it is to become very anxious if you are not prepared.

The tests were psychometrics on verbal, numerical and logical reasoning and not something that I have ever had to do before in a formal setting, i.e. going for a job. I have administered tests in the past and provided practice tests to students whilst working at a university a long time back, but doing them for myself was tough.

Thankfully there was an option for practice and also a lot of information on how to approach and take these tests online, so I spent as much time as I had – not a great deal – attempting a few of these practice tests and getting to grips with the question types, the ‘race against time’ that these tests are, plus trying to ensure I was as prepared as possible.

The testing process is very important in hiring decisions and has been used with great success for many years, predominantly as a support to the deeper process of interviewing and assessing competencies of candidates. If I had been presented with these tests yesterday, say, just following an interview and with no time to practice, I would have been in real trouble and it rammed home to me how important it is to be as prepared as you can be for the things that we get thrown at us in our lives.

I did not think at this stage in my career that I would be asked to do a raft of psychometric tests but the fact that I did has shown how crucial it is to never get complacent or think that you have all the bases covered. Be prepared for ANYTHING that can come at you. Take some time to step back and look at the bigger picture. Think about what’s on the table in any particular instance. What am I going to need to do in order to get over the line and make a success of this?