Which super hero are you?
I took a particularly interesting personality test recently that named me “SuperGirl –feminine, lean, honest and a defender of the innocent.” I feel so…..empowered!
Seriously, though. How many personality tests have you taken throughout your career? I’m not talking about the Cosmo or People versions. I’m talking about the ones that really drill down and identify aspects of your (duh) personality that are correlated with your preferences, attitudes and probable actions.
I love them. Where else can you see a snapshot of your psyche spelled out in no uncertain terms - splayed across a results page? Whether a field marshal or field mouse, personality reports render us fairly naked. It’s one of the reasons why so many companies favor them for hiring.
The American Psychological Association says they’re just as effective at predicting outcomes as medical tests, without the clinical aspect of course. Harris Interactive® says 32 percent of U.S. workers agree that personality tests can help determine if a prospective employee will fit in with company or organization, yet 44 percent say personality tests are not fair assessments of actual personality. I believe that means they’re great for the employer, but do not for a moment think that I’m taking that test!
The law says that prospective candidates don't have to complete personality assessments as part of an interview process. Refusing, however, gives the impression of secrecy. The question begs to be asked: is it better to answer truthfully or based on what the company needs. From my perspective, I can’t imagine something more exhausting than pretending to be an alternative personality type – for the lifetime of a job.
As for the company, could mean they just made a hire that’s not suitable. Bad news all the way around.
I say, have fun with personality tests and profiles. Here are some for fun:
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