How to Pass a Pre-Employment Personality Test

Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Career Reload Team

Imagine this: you’ve just landed an interview for your dream job, but there’s one more hurdle to clear—a pre-employment personality test. These tests are becoming more common in the hiring process. In fact, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management, around 22% of employers use personality tests as part of their hiring strategy.

So, why do employers use these tests? They want to ensure that candidates not only have the right skills but also fit well with the company culture and work environment. Personality tests help employers assess traits like teamwork, leadership potential, and how you handle stress.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what pre-employment personality tests are, why employers use them, and the common traits they assess. We’ll also give you tips on how to prepare for and succeed in these tests.

What are Personality Tests?

Personality tests are tools that measure various aspects of your personality. They come in different forms, such as multiple-choice questions or situational judgment tests. Some of the most popular types include:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on preferences in how they perceive the world and make decisions.
• Big Five Personality Test: Assesses five major dimensions of personality—openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
• DISC Assessment: Focuses on four personality traits—dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness.

Why Employers Use Them

Understanding these aspects of pre-employment personality tests can help you see why they matter to employers and how you can approach them with confidence.

• Assessing Cultural Fit: Employers want to ensure that your personality aligns with the company’s culture. A good cultural fit can lead to higher job satisfaction and better teamwork.
• Predicting Job Performance: Certain personality traits can indicate how well you might perform in a job. For instance, a high level of conscientiousness often correlates with strong job performance.
• Reducing Turnover: By hiring candidates whose personalities match the job requirements and company culture, employers can reduce the likelihood of turnover. Happy employees are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

Common Traits Assessed in Pre-Employment Personality Test

• Conscientiousness: This trait indicates how reliable, organized, and hard-working you are. Employers look for high conscientiousness as it often means you’ll be diligent and dependable.
• Agreeableness: This measures how cooperative, kind, and friendly you are. High agreeableness can be crucial for roles that require teamwork and customer interaction.
• Openness to Experience: This trait shows how open-minded, creative, and curious you are. Jobs that involve problem-solving or innovation often look for high openness.
• Emotional Stability: Also known as neuroticism, this trait assesses how well you handle stress and pressure. High emotional stability is desirable for roles that are high-stress or require quick decision-making.
• Extraversion: This measures how outgoing, energetic, and sociable you are. Jobs that involve a lot of interaction with others, such as sales or customer service, often seek high extraversion.

Preparing for the Test

Before taking a pre-employment personality test, it’s essential to research the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Start by understanding the company culture. Visit their website, read their mission statement, and check out their social media profiles. Look for clues about their values, work environment, and what they prioritize in employees. Are they a highly collaborative team, or do they emphasize individual initiative?

Next, identify the key traits that are important for the job. Carefully read the job description and note any specific qualities mentioned, such as attention to detail, teamwork, or leadership. Knowing what the company values in a candidate can help you understand which traits might be assessed in the personality test.

Self-Assessment

Take some time to reflect on your traits and behaviors. Think about your strengths and areas for improvement. Consider how your personality aligns with the traits that the company is looking for. This self-awareness can help you answer test questions more confidently.

To get a better sense of your personality, use free online personality tests for practice. CareerReload offers a free personality test that can give you insights into your personality traits. Practicing with these tests can also help you get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might encounter.

Review Sample Questions

Familiarizing yourself with the format and types of questions on personality tests can give you a significant advantage. Many personality tests use similar question styles, such as multiple-choice or situational judgment scenarios. Look for sample questions online and practice answering them. This practice can help you understand what to expect and reduce any anxiety you might have about the unknown.

Strategies During the Test

Be Honest

When taking a personality test, it’s crucial to be honest. Authenticity is important because employers use these tests to get a genuine sense of your personality. Trying to game the test by giving answers you think the employer wants to hear can backfire. Not only can inconsistencies be flagged, but you might also end up in a job that’s not a good fit for you. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers—just be yourself.

Stay Calm and Focused

It’s normal to feel some anxiety before taking a test, but there are techniques you can use to stay calm and focused. Practice deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques to help reduce stress. Make sure you’re in a quiet environment free from distractions. Take your time and don’t rush through the questions. Maintaining your concentration will help you provide thoughtful and accurate responses.

Understand the Questions

Take the time to read each question carefully to understand what is being asked. Avoid overthinking or second-guessing yourself. Often, your first instinct is the most accurate reflection of your personality. If you try to read too much into the questions, you might end up giving answers that don’t truly reflect who you are.

Consistency is Key

Consistency in your answers is crucial. Personality tests often have built-in mechanisms to check for consistency, so make sure your answers align throughout the test. For example, if you rate yourself highly on a question about enjoying teamwork, ensure that your responses to related questions also reflect this trait. Being aware of this can help you stay consistent and avoid any red flags that might arise from contradictory answers.

Post-Test Actions

After completing the test, take some time to reflect on your experience. Consider what went well and what you could improve next time. Did you feel prepared? Were there any questions that caught you off guard? Reflecting on these aspects can help you perform better in future tests and interviews.

Following up with the employer after the test shows professionalism and genuine interest in the position. Sending a thank you note or email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a positive impression. Mention something specific you learned about the company or the role during the process to show your engagement.

Personality test results might influence the questions you get during the interview. For example, if the test highlighted that you are highly detail-oriented, the interviewer might ask you to provide examples of how you’ve demonstrated this trait in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss any strengths or weaknesses identified by the test. This preparation can help you address potential concerns and highlight your suitability for the job.

Conclusion

Personality tests are just one part of the hiring process. They help employers get to know you better, but they don’t define your entire worth as a candidate. View these tests as an opportunity for self-discovery and a step toward finding the right job for you. Practice and preparation will boost your confidence and help you showcase your true self.

Sara Duerr

Sara has been in the career development field for over 10 years and has a wealth of knowledge to share. She covers topics such as resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, career planning, and more. You can connect with her on LinkedIn. She has curated our free downloadable resume templates for Word and resume templates for Google Docs.