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Pre-Testing Jitters

As part of our recruitment process, JP Smith Recruitment & HR offers our employers a full selection of administrative computer based tests as well as the Psychological profiling and speed and accuracy tests.

Although you may not believe it, these tests are not designed to scare you, as the candidate, absolutely senseless. They are simply designed to ensure that you will be a right match with the organisation and the role you intend to work in. 

With that in mind, try to attend your testing in as calm and relaxed a state as possible so that you achieve the most accurate and positive results. Some tips to help you achieve relaxation can include: 

  • Sleep: A good night's sleep will keep you functioning properly and fully alert during your testing during the next day. Most people need 8-9 hours of sleep to feel completely energised throughout an entire day.
  • A good breakfast: Avoid unhealthy items such as cake, doughnuts, and pastries, they may be tasty but your body will very quickly absorb the sugars causing your morning “buzz” and your heart rate will drop causing you to feel drowsy and tired during your testing. Eat high carbohydrates like cereal or toast as your body will absorb these slower.
  • DO NOT medicate: Do not take any medicine other than what you are prescribed to take. Cold medicines, recreational drugs, alcohol and caffeine tablets can affect your mind and concentration levels. They may also cause you to ‘hit a wall’ half way through the test.
  • Breathing Techniques: If you start to panic, close your eyes and breathe deeply and evenly. Keep yourself focused on this for a short pause, then think about something that makes you happy (whether is being at the beach, your favourite ice cream, your favourite song etc).

This is not the sort of test you can prepare for. All you can do is try to remain calm and do you best. 

One other pearl of wisdom is that most people do well under pressure. You may feel that being nervous is a bad thing but it actually elevates your heart rate and makes your blood race which in turn makes your mind work just that little bit faster. So realistically, being just a little nervous can sharpen your focus during a testing situation. 

Above all else, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. It is only a test and you are much more likely to get better and more accurate results if you are able to remain calm. 

Adapted from https://www.ehow.com/

Jamie Smith

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