A battery test assesses your ability to perform functions specific to the job for which you're applying. For example, math skills will feature prominently on your test if you're applying for a position in the banking industry or you'll have to prove that you can type at a certain speed before becoming a court reporter. You'll need to know the job description prior to taking the test so that you can hone the proper skills. As is the case with any test, start preparing as soon as possible so you have adequate time to resolve any weaknesses.

Consult your job description for a list of functions you'll be expected to perform if the company does offer you employment. If you're applying for a financial analyst position, for example, ensure that your math skills are up to par. You'll need to be comfortable with a variety of word processing programs if you're applying for an administrative position.

Take practice tests in your area of concern to assess your ability before the test (see Resources). Grade your tests and take note of areas where you need to improve but try not to study the test problems themselves--by doing this, you focus on the specifics of a test you'll never have to take, rather than on the fundamental skills you must acquire in order to pass another similar to it.

Practice and hone your skills. For example, if you recorded 37 words per minute on the typing test but your job requires 40, you can practice transcribing short newspaper articles or back-cover book summaries to increase your speed. If your math needs work, try paying bills or balancing your checkbook on paper without the use of a calculator. If you have difficulty formatting business letters, browse through mail you've received from companies to ascertain what the document's basic features are.

Get a good night's sleep and eat a proper breakfast before going to the exam. As was the case with tests in school, being well-rested and fed optimizes your body and brain for testing. Additionally, you're less likely to daydream or lose focus if you're not distracted by hunger or fatigue.

Don't stress out during the test. If you don't know an answer, move on to the next question. After you've finished all the questions that come easily to you, you can allocate time to work through those problems that initially stumped you. You might find that the relief you feel, having completed most of the test, allows you to understand the harder questions.