Gamification in graduate recruitment

Game-based assessments combine traditional psychometric tests with game-based elements in an attempt to create more engaging and data-rich assessments. 

Employers can choose to incorporate game-based assessments into their recruitment processes, so there’s a chance you may come across them when applying to degree apprenticeship, placement/internship and graduate opportunities.

Able to collect thousands of data points on each candidate, gamified tests are thought to provide useful insights into your personality and cognitive processes. With this, companies hope to be able to identify the right people for their organisation by predicting future behaviour and performance.

“Our games assess things such as creativity, learning agility and resilience, as well as many other areas” – Colas Rail

What can I expect from a game-based assessment? 

If you’re struggling to imagine a game-based assessment, think psychometric test but in a computer-game-style format. (You might like to get familiar with psychometric testing in graduate recruitment before we dive into gamified tests.)

There are several different types of psychometric tests, but all measure some form of cognitive ability or personality. The format of traditional psychometric tests can vary depending on what is being measured – and this also applies to game-based assessments. 

Gamification can come in the form of points, leader boards, audio and storylines, and tests can be gamified to varying degrees. For some, the tasks may be very similar to those in a standard psychometric test, but the response-process might be more interactive – for example, you may have to drag or circle the correct answer. 

Alternatively, you might have to complete a single task, or a series of tasks, in a game format. Some employers go so far as to immerse you in a virtual office, characterised by the company's brand and culture; often in these simulations, several traits and skills are assessed at once. 

What are the advantages to gamified tests?

There are several reasons why an employer might prefer to use game-based assessments instead of traditional psychometric testing methods. Firstly, psychometric tests often follow a predetermined list of questions which requires candidates to answer authentically and with a high level of self-awareness. Alternatively, game-based assessments often feature dynamic questions and situations, where employers can observe a candidate's behaviour in action. For this reason, gamified tests are considered to provide more reliable data – and more of it. Rather than a simple yes or no answer, employers using game-based assessments can receive information on a candidate's reaction time, behaviour patterns, risk-taking tendencies, adaptability and more. 

“Game-based assessments allow recruiters to objectively measure how applicants naturally approach problems and react to changes in requirements, risk and uncertainty” – WSP

Providing an accurate picture of your personality and behaviours is an advantage to both the employer and to you, as it increases your chances of finding a role that is well suited to you, and that you can excel at. Moreover, you can gain a level of self-awareness otherwise very difficult to acquire – so be sure to ask for feedback. This will not only help you identify future opportunities that are a good match for you, but also to sell your strengths during interviews and assessment centres. 

And finally, candidates have claimed that incorporating game-based elements into psychometric tests makes them more engaging. Helping you stay focused and immersed in the task at hand, gamified tests are partly designed to reduce anxiety, making the test more enjoyable.

Be immersed in the test – and have fun with it!

How can I prepare?

If possible, it’s a good idea to complete a practice test beforehand. This will ensure that you aren’t thrown by the test format and will allow you to navigate the real assessment with confidence.

We recommend asking your recruiter which test you will be taking, and whether there is a practice version you can complete. Alternatively, your careers service may be able to provide information and point you in the direction of some useful online test resources.

Make sure you are in a quiet setting, free from distraction, where you can concentrate on the task at hand.

You don’t want to have to leave your computer screen during the assessment – particularly if it is timed – so remember to gather any necessary equipment beforehand.

It’s important that you don’t try to second-guess what the employer is looking for. You want to find a job in which you can utilise your strengths and progress your career, but if you try to manipulate your natural responses during the test, you could end up in a role that is not right for you. 

Allow yourself to be immersed in the test, respond in a way that feels natural to you, and have fun with it! It’s not every day that you get to show your skills to recruiters through a computer game.