Utilizing Personality Tests In The Hiring Process

By Author: William Hauselberg
Total Articles: 816
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Given the high rate of unemployment, there are plenty of qualified applicants for most positions. Hiring the best person to fill a vacancy in this climate is actually harder than most people think. The reason is, having the right skill set is no longer the most significant way to differentiate candidates.

Finding a person who will transition into the position quickly and effectively is now at the top of many hiring managers list. Identifying these candidates can be very difficult using traditional interview methods. Fortunately, there are career personality assessment tests that can make it easier.

How a Career Personality Assessment Works

Many personality assessments available to employers can be administered online. Candidates answer several questions and the responses demonstrate certain character traits. The more answers that correspond with a particular trait, the more likely that person is to demonstrate associated general behaviors or communication styles.

The DISC test is one of the more popular career personality assessment tools. DISC stands for dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness. ...
... In general terms, the assessment will identify how open or guarded a person is. It also places individuals on a scale of assertiveness versus passiveness.

One reason the DISC test is so popular is because the AMA, American Psychological Association, has certified the test method as valid. The time required to complete the test is not significant and the results can be quickly compiled.

Applying a Career Personality Assessment Effectively

Understanding what personality traits the ideal candidate will posses is important. This can often be determined by looking at the team they are going to join. Perhaps there are certain traits that need to be avoided in order to promote harmony in the working environment.

Often the leader or manager of the team can provide critical insight regarding the most desirable personality traits for the new team member to possess. Another method is to have each member of the current team complete the same personality assessment the candidates do. Then it can be determined if there are personality traits that would make for a more balanced team.

It is important to remember that career personality assessment tools cannot predict how a person will behave in every situation. They will point out a person's tendencies, how they are most likely to respond. The information gained from these tools can greatly improve the odds of hiring a person who will quickly assimilate into the new team.

Career personality assessment plays an important role in finding the right candidate. There are plethora of career personality assessment tools available out there as well.