In today's competitive job market, standing out is more difficult than ever. With companies, such as Standard Chartered, increasingly using Pymetrics games as a step in the hiring process, job seekers must understand this modern approach to recruitment. You might have seen these games mentioned in a job posting or received an email inviting you to play them after applying to a position. Pymetrics games assess soft skills using behavioral science and AI, offering a fairer and more dynamic way to screen candidates. But how can you prepare effectively? This article walks you through the methods to practice, perform, and shine in your next Pymetrics assessment. Click here to learn more.
The hiring process, as it stands today, is often flawed. Nearly 99% of applicants are rejected, and almost half never receive feedback. Pymetrics aims to change this by prioritizing soft skills over resumes, which are poor predictors of future job performance. Research shows that while hard skills can be taught, soft skills such as emotional intelligence or generosity are much harder to instill. That is why many hiring professionals are now leaning on data-driven assessments like Pymetrics to make better, more inclusive hiring decisions.
So, what exactly are these Pymetrics games? Developed by a team of behavioral scientists, these interactive tests measure a candidate's personality traits and soft skills using engaging tasks rather than traditional quizzes. Let us say you apply to be a waiter, short-term memory would be essential, and Pymetrics can assess that by showing you sequences of numbers or words to recall. The beauty of this system is that it evaluates qualities that would never show up on a resume but are crucial for job success.
Over time, Pymetrics has identified key soft skills that can help predict workplace performance. These include altruism, attention, cognitive flexibility, decision-making, emotional regulation, effort, fairness, learning, and risk tolerance. However, not all roles require the same combination of these skills. For instance, healthcare workers might need a high level of altruism, while a marketing coordinator would benefit from being frugal and detail-oriented.
Let us take a few real-world examples. A systems engineer might score high on multitasking and generosity, while a digital marketer might be more methodical and focused. On the flip side, a data scientist may not need strong emotional awareness. To succeed at Pymetrics, candidates should align their strengths with the skills that best match their target role— something you can start by researching online and listing the relevant soft skills associated with your desired position.
From there, match the job-specific traits with Pymetrics' core skill categories. For instance, if you are applying for an investment banking role, qualities like frugality, critical thinking, and calm decision-making would be ideal. This isn't about gaming the test— it is about being mindful of how you are evaluated and minimizing distractions or stress that could negatively impact your performance.
Photo: Thoughtful Manger Working Late (Freepik)
Once you have mapped the key skills, it is time to practice. While you can not drastically improve soft skills overnight, regular engagement with brain-training apps can help you feel more confident and prepared. Apps like Elevate, Peak, and BrainGamer offer targeted exercises to sharpen memory, focus, and processing speed. While not perfect replicas of Pymetrics games, they are excellent tools to warm up your brain and get used to working under time and pressure.
Of these apps, Peak stands out for its alignment with Pymetrics' skill focus. It offers personalized training in areas like cognitive flexibility, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving. BrainGamer is a solid desktop option, while Elevate offers broader skill training, making it useful for general mental sharpening. The key is not to overtrain but to practice enough to boost your comfort and performance level.
Environment plays a big role in test success. Prepare the day before by clearing your schedule, cleaning your workspace, and ensuring you are mentally fresh. Take the test during your prime time— perhaps early in the morning when your mind is sharpest. Avoid multitasking, and let others know not to disturb you. Start the day right: hydrate, get some fresh air, and go into the game focused and undistracted.
When I played the Pymetrics games myself, I was impressed by how mentally engaging they were. After completing the assessment, I received a breakdown of my results across all nine soft skills. Interestingly, I scored highest in focus, generosity, and effort—indicators that could make me a strong fit for roles requiring dedication and collaboration.
Pymetrics games represent a fascinating shift in how companies evaluate candidates, focusing more on potential than paper credentials. I hope this article helped demystify the process and offered practical steps to help you prepare. Whether you are new to Pymetrics or facing it again, remember: it is not about perfection— it is about being your best self. If you have taken the games before or have questions, feel free to share your experience via email to vacancies@ssatenacity.co.ke. Let us help each other succeed in the ever-changing world of job hunting. Click here to learn more.
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