Games-based Assessments
Gamified testing is still a relatively recent development in psychometric testing and it’s estimated about 10% of major graduate employers are using this form of assessment.
Gamified tests look like computer games and offer a more fun form of assessment. They often involve playing short-response games (like memorising number sequences, sharing winnings – or not, taking risks) or playing longer interactive scenarios. Testers claim they provide more reliable measures of personality as they collect thousands of data-points about your responses over a number of different games providing a clearer indication of how you really behave rather than your reported behaviour via a questionnaire. As some may also assess additional skills such as abstract reasoning, numerical ability and decision-making, it’s worth reading about all types of tests via our website.
These tests involve playing short rapid-response games (like memorising number sequences, sharing winnings – or not, taking risks) or playing longer interactive scenarios.
Testers claim they are more reliable measures of personality as they collect thousands of data-points about you over a number of different games providing more of an indicator of how you really behave than relying on what you say about yourself in a questionnaire.
Our tips:
- Get into the right frame of mind - It’s not easy to predict what each game is looking for, but it may be exploring qualities like how you approach problems, whether you plan ahead, your determination to succeed, your ability to stay focused, how you process information, your memory and your ability to read the emotions of others.
- Try not to second guess it – unless you have really researched the company. Do they want you to be competitive and maximise profits or are they really more about collaboration and trust? It will be hard to know – so be yourself.
- Turn off notifications – and ensure no distractions mid-game. Text alerts, calls and updates will be a real problem, so turn them off in advance. Make sure your battery is charged and no-one will disturb you. You can’t restart.
- Are you clear? – maybe worth checking the instructions one more time before you click start?
- Blog post from Graduates First Games assessment, who uses it and how to improve your performance.
Best places to practice:
- Graduates First have 3 practice games that you can have a go at – see under “Games” in their left menu including feedback on your performance and an insight into what is being assessed.
- Arctic Shores Provide tests for RBS, Deloitte, Vodafone, Standard Life.
- Pymetrics Provide tests for Unilever & have a few samples online.
- More tips on games-based assessment from WikiJobs