RSS Feeds »
Surviving the Personality Test
They’ve seen your resume. You’ve spoken on the phone. You’ve interviewed once. Things seem to be going well. Now they’re asking you to take a personality test! Take a deep breath and follow these guidelines to help you with the test and its results.
Ask Questions-Ask how they plan to use the results. Are they actually using it as part of the hiring process, or is it just something they do to have on file for the future?
Don't Stress-A personality test isn't the only tool used during the hiring process--most of the time, it's used in conjunction with a face-to-face interview. Managers want the people they hire to succeed and for candidates to be placed in a job that they'll enjoy.
Be Honest-The personality test is part of the entire hiring process, so treat it as you would the actual interview, says Robert Hogan, president of the testing firm Hogan Assessment Systems. Don't try to game the system by giving answers you think the managers want. The tests are designed to find those people.
Ask For Feedback-The companies that design the test provide HR managers with a report saying what the result is. Find out what yours said. It's just like asking for feedback after an interview.
Another Position?-If the personality test helps the HR manager decide you're not right for the position, ask if there's something else available for you at the company. There might be a better fit.
(Adapted from Surviving the Personality Test, Tara Weiss, Forbes.com 2/22/07)
