More employers are using personality tests to evaluate potential candidates. As a person pursuing a science career, you can appreciate the discipline involved in such test taking. They basically seek to predict if your personality will dovetail with the needs and culture of an organization. In today’s hyper competitive job market, employers want to weed out as many “square pegs” as early as possible.
Some candidates try to beat the tests, but the tests are not designed to be beat. You simply have to answer the questions honestly and as completely as possible. Each question has subtexts that you may not be aware of. The purpose of the test is to reveal more than a resume or in-person interview ever can. In answering these questions, you shouldn’t have to over-think or analyze them; simply provide the first thing that comes to mind. If you exaggerate or try to “fake it,” you may be disqualified for the job or end up getting placed in a job that will make you miserable.
From what I’ve read, recruiters like to screen candidates with personality tests early in the screening process—before the in-person interview. Before taking one of these tests, you should do some soul searching to identify what you really want out of a job, your life’s goals and your basic values as they pertain to achievement and work. Many of the questions will deal with situations outside of the work environment, asking you how you would address certain challenges and “what if” scenarios.
Here are some of the most commonly used personality tests currently in use by employers:
The Sixteen-Personality Factor Questionnaire
This test indicates 16 attributes of personality and four additional second-order attributes. Test takers respond to more than 100 situations by selecting any one of two or three options provided.
Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness (DISC)
This test classifies four aspects of behavior by testing a person's preferences in word associations relating to control, power and assertiveness; social situations and communication; patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness; and structure and organization.
Caliper Profile
This test measures an individual's characteristics, potential and motivation using over twenty-five personality traits to evaluate how someone will perform in a specific role.
For an added perspective, check out this video:
If you have any thoughts on personality tests, feel free to share them in the comments section.
Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients. Please see more of his blogs and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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