Numerical Reasoning Tests

TFleming

TFleming

TFleming

Associate
Joined
6 Feb 2009
Posts
2,127
Location
Redcar, Cleveland
I'm applying for graduate positions having graduated last year. I have a good degree and good experience, but I really, really, REALLY struggle with these numerical tests I keep getting asked to do. It takes me wayyyy too long to answer each question, if I get them right at all. I've always struggled with maths and I absolutely despise the subject and have steered away from it throughout my life (probably why I am so bad at it). I can't see how I'm ever going to progress past this stage as nobody even looks at you as an individual until you've completed these tests to an acceptable level.

I've practised but I'm still just far too slow. I've just had one with SHL asking me to do 18 questions in 25 minutes, it takes me around 3-5 mins a question on most :rolleyes:.

Has anyone else been in a similar situation? Are there any good materials available online which could help me improve my speed and accuracy?

Thanks
 
Yes, the problem is the mostly the time limit. If they gave me unlimited time, for example, I could do them all eventually. It's the process of reading the question, understanding what it requires me to do and focussing in on the relevant information on the screen, thinking of the correct method to answer it, then doing the maths to reach the answer which is taking so long. I must be missing a trick and doing them the really long way due to my amateur skills. Just wondering if there are any resources dedicated to this kind of area?

These are for industry positions.
 
You most certainly can obtain a good degree without being strong at maths. In fact, I have done several maths modules at uni and achieved very good grades, but only through good tutoring and lots of revision, not because I'm naturally good at the subject.

The problem is that I've forgotten all of my basic maths and the quick methods of doing them which I knew in school.

My question is, without resitting all of my GCSE stuff, is there a dedicated resource available specifically focussed on these numerical tests we come across when applying for jobs?

And yes, I appreciate the relevance of these tests as a means of sifting through the 1000's of application they get. But really, in the real world, if I was stuck on a question like this, there are many ways you can get answers with modern tools such as the internet, and over the course of a career, having to Google some things early doors isn't going to impact hugely when you consider how long you'll be at the firm, and the specific and tailored training you have in these types of roles.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the replies guys.

The latest test was given through applying for a job at ABF. The job roles I've been applying for are in various fields of business management schemes/supply chain/operations/IT. Practically any grad scheme in most areas require you to sit a test, I believe.

Funnily enough I have a decent amount of experience in fairly difficult data analysis at a blue chip. But in that I was trained in the maths I needed to do, so it was just a rinse and repeat case. I can do some of the harder stuff but struggle with the simple stuff :p. Sounds paradoxical, but there you go.

Giving up isn't an option. I know I would be good in the roles I'm applying for, and I didn't try so hard in my degree to give up on some pre screening numerical test...

The type of questions are generally, you're presented with a graph or two with lots of information on it (not all relevant to the question asked) then you're asked to get find an answer which requires isolating the relevant info and doing several calculations (which is where I struggle in terms of time limit). Or you can be presented with something which resembles a riddle and you have to convert etc. E.g:

A baker filled a measuring cup with ¾ cup water. He poured ½ of the water into the batter, and then spilled 1/8 of the water on the floor. How much water will the baker need to add to what is left in the cup to have 50% more than what he started with?


a. 1/8 cup b. 3/8 cup c. ¼ cup d. ½ cup e. 7/8 cup

That's one of the easier ones whith less to do as it's on the example questions, and they're way easier for some reason. You get scored on accuracy and speed for each question, and it's the speed which really drags me down. I'm obviously missing quick ways to do it, because you get around 1min20~ per question.

I'll try do some reading and make some sort of pack which I can learn from if there isn't anything online, I guess.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom