Passing A Personality Test To Get Hired

Join us as we talk about…

In this week’s episode…

• You’ll learn about why more and more employers are using personality tests to screen applicants
• Next, you’ll learn 5 things you can do to prepare for these tests
• Finally, you’ll why its important to take these tests seriously

The Harvard Business Review reports that more than 75 percent of large companies have adopted assessment tools, including aptitude and personality tests, to screen job applicants.

Employers increasingly rely on personality tests that ask candidates to rate their agreement with statements such as “You have confidence in yourself” or “You are always cheerful.” Proponents argue that these tools help assess organizational “fit” and can be fairer than considering factors like the candidate’s educational background, which may be influenced by economic status or race.

Others believe that while these questions may be suitable for casual conversations, they become problematic when used as a basis for job interviews. Beyond personality tests, other hiring tools include resume screeners, sentiment analysis tools, and game-based tests. So, how do you handle these tests? Can you study for them? There are 5 keys to taking these tests.

First, Take it seriously. As a job candidate, you should approach assessments with seriousness and professionalism, as their results can significantly impact your chances of securing a job.

Second, understand the test’s purpose and how it relates to the job you’re applying for. Different assessments measure different qualities, so knowing what the employer is looking for is crucial.

Third, prepare. Yes, you can prepare. You can prepare for assessments by practicing sample questions, taking mock tests, and familiarizing themselves with the format and types of questions commonly used in assessments.

Fourth, make sure you plan your time. Managing time during assessments is essential. You should aim to complete all questions within the allotted time, avoiding the tendency to spend too long on a single question.

Fifth and finally, if possible, seek feedback on your performance in assessments to identify areas for improvement and enhance their future test-taking abilities. Also, be sure you understand the instructions for each question.

Misunderstanding or rushing through instructions can lead to incorrect responses. You should also stay calm and focused. Don’t overthink your answers during the test. Trust your instincts and respond naturally. You’ll also want to avoid extreme responses.

Most personality tests are designed to identify candidates who fall within a typical range of traits. This brings me an important point I always like to mention – employers are looking for the safest candidate, not the most skilled, the most innovative, or the one who stands out. They want to know you’ll fit in and get along. Yes, you’ll want to differentiate yourself from other candidates in the right ways but a personality test is a test evaluating your ability to fit in, so take it with that in mind.

Personality tests are now a common component of the hiring process, designed to help companies identify candidates who align with their values, culture, and job requirements. While these tests may seem daunting, they can be navigated successfully with the right approach.