How to Pass a Pre-Employment Personality Test

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At some point in the process of applying for work, a job seeker may be faced with the request to take a pre-employment personality test. This is essentially a series of questions that ask the candidate to identify certain values relating to the world of work. The personality test may seem like just part of the regular application or it may be presented as a separate document or online questionnaire.

What are Pre-Employment Personality Tests all About?

While it may seem intrusive, a good many employers use personality tests to ‘weed out’ candidates who may not be a good fit for the job or the corporate culture. Personality is closely tied to on-the-job success. For example, an employee who is socially outgoing may be better suited to certain types of jobs that require strong interpersonal skills, while an introverted employee may be better suited to more analytical or behind-the-scenes tasks.

In a nutshell, personality tests are tools used to better understand candidates who are coming in, so the hiring manager can make better decisions for specific job placements. Keep in mind that recruiters do not use personality tests to make their final decision on whom to bring in for an interview. They also do not hire people based solely on personality types. Pre-hire personality tests are just one of many resources that are used to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for a particular role.

Getting Past the Personality Test and to a New Job

It’s important to note that there is no way to 100 percent guarantee that you will get hired for a job because of the way you answer a personality test at the pre-hire stage. You will also need to have a strong work and educational history, have the skills and qualities that the hiring company needs, and interview well in order to increase your chances of getting hired.

However, we can advise you on ways to help increase the odds you will make it past the personality test, with these guidelines.

#1 – Give Yourself Plenty of Time

When presented with the questions that indicate a personality test is about to take place, grab yourself a glass of water and relax first. You want a clear mind and focus when you take this part of the application. Give yourself time and don’t rush through the questions.

#2 – Be Honest with Answers

Personality test results are more accurate when you answer all questions with complete truthfulness. This means being honest with yourself but using common sense in your answer choices. If you are truthful, but keep in mind how your answer applies to the workplace, you will be good to go.

#3 – Don’t Change Your Answers

It’s natural to want to go back through the assessment and make changes to some of your responses. However, if you do this, you will only appear to be uncertain in the final results. Instead, go with the first answer that comes to mind and don’t second-guess yourself.

#4 – Be Consistent with Test Answers

In a personality test, it’s common to encounter similar question that are worded slightly differently. This is actually a way for the assessment to give qualitative data to the hiring team. It solidifies your personality results and shows you have consistent values and attitudes about work.

#5 – Stay Confident in Your Abilities

A personality test may leave you wondering if you have the skills and experience to do the job well, which is a real confidence buster. Instead of worrying about this, remember that you would not have gotten this far in the process without having the skills and abilities that an employer wants. Take heart knowing you have successfully completed a personality test and now it wont be long before you get an interview.

Follow the above tips and you’ll be soon in front of a hiring manager where you can prove your worth and get hired.