Why Employers Use Online Personality Profile Tests

January 5, 2019

Occasionally, you may have an employer request that you take a personality test as part of the interview process. While this may confuse or concern you at first, don’t worry. There are no right or wrong answers, and the test is simply a tool to help the interviewer get a better understanding of who you are, how you communicate, and your perceptions. These tests help to narrow down the candidate pool.

The Questions

Most of the questions on the test are statements involving behaviours or opinions. You then select which of the options apply to you. The amount of questions varies on each test depending on what each employee is looking for.

The Goal

The interviewer uses your answers to help better gain an understanding of whether you will be able to perform well in the position they’re hiring for. The test also helps the interviewer and company learn about who you are, what you believe, and your communication style. A personality test is sometimes used by a company to assess their current employees, often during a reorganization of the workplace or to determine where the employee can further develop their skills or move their career forward.

Why an Employer Uses Personality Tests

To See If the Potential Employee Fits with The Company Culture – Each company has a workplace or office culture, and it’s important to be sure that new hires will fit in. If the company has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, individuals who are serious and strict may not do well. On the contrary, someone with an easy-going personality may find it difficult to work in a tense, high-pressure environment. Keep in mind that the goal of this test isn’t to find someone that fits in to a very narrow and particular profile, but rather to get a general sense of your values.

To See If the Potential Employee Fits the Role and Team – Depending on the role that you’re applying for, certain personality traits may be useful, or a particular attitude is required. For example, individuals in sales roles must have the ability to deal with rejection and be able to meet the pressures of achieving sales quotas. Completing a personality profile lets the interviewer see if you will thrive in the position based purely on your traits.

To Determine A Potential Employee’s Communication Style – Having good communication is important no matter where you work. If you’re applying for a management position or one where you primarily interact with customers, being able to communicate effectively and efficiently is key. Taking a personality profile test shows what your communication style is.

When an employer is bringing on a new hire or developing their current staff, they want to be sure that these individuals are the right fit for the company and can help them achieve success. The best way to do this is with the help of RightFit Plus. Our personality profile assessment services allow employers to make better management and hiring decisions. For more information about our testing services, contact us at 905-604-4951 or toll-free at 1-888-604-4951.