Have you finished polishing up that resume for your “dream job?” Great, but keep in mind it’s only part of the equation. Those pesky H.R. departments are throwing a whole new monkey wrench into the interview process with the dreaded personality test. Oh yes. From now on, you don’t just have to look the part you have to act it too! Why? With so many people chasing jobs, it helps employers deduce if someone is a good fit based on qualities you can’t see during an in person interview like morals or work ethic. Luckily we’ve got some great strategies to make sure your “attitude” is in line with what employers are looking for.
Understand What You’re Up Against
First of all, it’s important to understand what exactly a personality test is. Similar to those SAT scantrons we filled out back in the day, they typically include at least 200 multiple choice questions. Personality tests have also been known to use sneaky tactics to see if you’re a “perfect fit.” Imagine seeing a statement that says “I take a different way home every night,” followed by a YES/NO selection. Sounds weird right? But it’s actually used to judge creativity and your willingness to take risks.
Murray Barrick, a Texas A&M University human resources professor, believes the written Q & A is another psychological ploy. “It leads to more honesty when you’re sitting down with a piece of paper,” he said in an interview with Forbes. “If you’re looking someone right in eye you’re not going to say, ‘I give my best 90% of the time.’ ”
There Is No “Perfect Answer”
Knowing the personality test format is one thing, but surviving it is a whole other monstrosity. The most important thing to remember is, answer everything honestly. Though it may not seem like it, these tests are specifically designed to weed out the truth-stretchers. It’s also important to read between the lines when answering questions. Google, for example, has been known to throw out some ridiculously bizarre brain teasers. How would you answer this question if you were interviewing in the Silicon Valley? “You are shrunk to the height of a nickel and thrown in a blender. The blades start moving in 60 seconds. What do you do?” Yes, that is an actual Google question.
The Aftermath
Just like those high school exams, the first thing you think about after completing a personality test is, “How did I do?” That’s actually a very important question and something the hiring team should address whether or not you ultimately get the gig. Follow through is an essential part of the job hunting process and it helps illustrate your eagerness to employers. Often times, companies may still use your personality test to see if you’re a fit for other positions that are better suited to your strengths. Make sure to let them know you’re interested and you may wind up doing something you love even more.
What It All Means
Ok, now that we’ve prepared you for the worst, we can ease your fears a little bit by stating that not every company administers these tests, even though it is a growing trend. Believe it or not, it’s actually quite expensive for companies to administer personality quizzes, up to several hundred dollars per applicant. But the good news is, if you do get asked to take one than you’re probably at the top of the hiring heap. And if you can let your true winning “personality” shine, it may make up for any resume shortcomings.