Preparing for aptitude tests for placements is the very first step that is followed by most companies in the market. Students usually have to appear for aptitude tests organized by the companies usually by visiting the company’s office before the pandemic but nowadays most of the company are providing the test virtually and the candidates have to complete it in the stipulated time. Having sound communication skills and all possible knowledge in the particular field is not enough and you might also struggle to give the aptitude tests for the campus placements. It is a time taking process and needs a lot of pf practice as candidates have to finish in a particular time frame so it is always advisable to start early and with 6 to 8 months of proper planning and execution cracking the test can help you land in your dream company. A pre-knowledge about the process can help you understand the expectations of a company and help you prepare in that direction.
What is an aptitude test?
Aptitude means the ability and skills to perform a particular task with success. An aptitude can be a psychometric test that covers everything from skills, knowledge, personality, ability, attitude, and professionalism. In this article, I have mentioned the strategies that a candidate should follow to prepare for the aptitude tests for the placements and how you should approach them.
1. Planning on how to prepare for the aptitude test
Every candidate has the potential to score well on the aptitude tests for the placements but they should be confident about it. Starting the preparation will help them to make a good strategy which will increase the chances of passing these aptitude tests. Here are a few tips a candidate should keep in mind before they start preparing for it:-
- Speaking to your seniors will help you because they are experienced and most probably have appeared for the test in the past. This will help you know the test pattern according to the companies and help you crack it easily.
- Another easy method is to consult your college placement cell for the preparation of the aptitude test. They have all the information that which all companies take the aptitude test. This will help you prepare in advance and understand an employer’s requirements before the placements start.
- All the tests are distributed in different sections then make a strategy and focus on completing a section in which you are most comfortable.
- Prepare a list of courses and mock tests both free and paid so that you can take it up for practice and reference.
2. Refer to books and mock papers
Aptitude tests are mainly conducted by companies to filter the candidates. If you want to crack the test then you need to understand the pattern and cover the syllabus in depth. A good way to prepare for the test is to refer to the best-selling aptitude test books and practice papers as much as possible. An aptitude test contains the following types:-
a. Quantitative Aptitude
- This test is numerically based and the questions are inevitable. Strengthen your numerical skills and decrease your time in calculations.
- Try your 100% in solving the questions and when you feel that can be solved finally then look at the answer and understand it thoroughly.
- Make a list of all the important topics and make them your strong point. Solve old aptitude papers which will help in better preparation.
- Practice as much as you can
b. Verbal ability
- Make a habit of reading English newspapers daily
- Practice verbal ability daily for your aptitude preparation
- Improve your grammar by making your basics strong, writing articles, and reading blogs that will help you understand the overall structure of the English language.
- Practice speaking in English with your friends.
- Practice arrangements of sentences, synonyms, antonyms, comprehension passages, and grammatical errors in sentences
c. Logical reasoning
- Logical reasoning consists of questions related to, series, blood relations, and more. You have to understand each topic in depth to become an expert in solving these types of questions.
- You can learn different tips and tricks to solve different questions in order to save time.
- Practice every day which will help in increasing your speed and don’t spend too much time on one question mark it and solve it later.
- Focus on topics that are repeated
d. Technical aptitude
- Technical aptitude tests the technical competency of a candidate. In order to crack one must be good in engineering subjects.
- Software companies that visit for engineering placements ask questions related to programming.
- One must be good in data structures, algorithms, and OOPs principles.
3. Improve your technical skills and practice virtual interviews
These are equally important and integral parts of your placement test preparation that one must focus on. The weightage given by the companies for technical and nontechnical depends upon the organization and the position you are applying for. Go through the job description and prepare accordingly.
If we talk about virtual interviews and to clear you to need to make sure that your answers are sensible and clear to the interviewer. You practice your communication skills more so that you can be fluent and clear. Carefully listen to the question asked by the interviewer and then pause to give the answer. You should go through the common interview questions asked during an interview so that you can practice and be clear with your answers.
Related:- Virtual Interview Tips
4. Test how much you have learned
By this time you must have acquired good knowledge about the syllabus, companies the tips and tricks to pass the aptitude test. Now it’s time to test your knowledge. Start this by giving mock tests and try to solve them as fast as you can. Keep a timer clock so that you can know how much time you are taking and then improve yourself for it.
5. Relax and unwind
The best way to prepare for any test is by relaxing and eating healthy. You do not have to do it all one night before the exam as it will make you tired and as a result, you will not able to concentrate on your test. The preparation should be light before the exam and get some good sleep.
