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Psychometric tests: how to prepare

The types of psychometric test banks and consultancies use, why strong candidates fail them, and where to find practice material.

Psychometric tests are the least predictable part of your application and the stage at which some of the best candidates fail. They require long-term preparation to succeed, and a level of effort that most aren't willing to put in. I would recommend preparing thoroughly for the roles that you really want. Preparation for one firm transfers well to all other firms. Within an industry, most psychometric tests are similar.

There is no way to prepare for these tests other than practice. If you can, purchase test prep material for the firms that you really want to work at. A healthy salary will be worth this small investment.

Types of test

  • Quantitative/mathematical: most common for investment banking and consulting
  • Verbal/critical reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning/logical
  • Situational judgement: work-based scenarios

Resources

Check out forums and ask your friends to figure out what type of test a specific firm uses. Look on The Student Room and Wall Street Oasis.

The CV review scores your CV against what banks and consultancies screen for.

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Questions

What psychometric tests do investment banks and consulting firms use?

The main types are quantitative/mathematical, verbal or critical reasoning, non-verbal or logical reasoning, and situational judgement. Quantitative tests are the most common for investment banking and consulting.

How do I prepare for psychometric tests?

There is no way to prepare other than practice, and it takes long-term preparation. If you can, buy test prep material for the firms you really want to work at.

How do I find out which test a firm uses?

Check forums such as The Student Room and Wall Street Oasis, and ask your friends who have applied.

Do I need to prepare separately for each firm's test?

Not really. Within an industry most psychometric tests are similar, and preparation for one firm transfers well to the others.

Who wrote this

I worked at BCG and Bain in London, and at Bain I worked recruiting events and interviewed candidates. I’ve had offers from Citi, Bank of America, BCG, Bain, McKinsey, Oliver Wyman, Strategy&, L.E.K. and OC&C. I’ve since scored and marked up more than 175 banking and consulting CVs by hand. The CV review on this site uses the same criteria.

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