Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I have recently secured an on-sight interview with an engineering company. Through research of this company (speaking to employess) I have found that there will be a personality test. How does this test effect my chances of being hired if at all and what is the purpose in using this test? I for one believe that common sense is not always so common, if that is what the test is designed to gauge.

Any suggestions you may have will be appreciated. I thank you in advance.

From: T. Keith Riggs


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

While personality testing was very much in vogue in the '70s and '80s, its popularity has diminished in the recent tight job market. The tests are based on the premise that certain personality types are more likely to be successful than others in specific areas of work. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is based upon this body of research and places you in one of 16 personality types (based upon your type in each of four categories).

Most personality tests are used as comparison tests (i.e. Would you rather be reading a book or flying a kite?). It is important to note that you should NOT try to "fool" the test by slanting your answers toward what you think the company is looking for. First of all, you may be a highly creative engineer, but you feel the company is looking for straight numbers types. Either way, in trying to fool the test, you will lose. First, if you are highly creative and they are looking for someone that is NOT creative, it's probably not a good employer fit for you. Second, you will likely NOT be able to "fool" the test, since there is often a validity factor built into the test (i.e. ASo take the test to show them your true colors. They're not looking under the skin for ax-murderer tendencies, just to see if you're a cultural fit for the company. Answer the questions as you are, not how you would like to be. This will produce the highest validity and the best indicator of your potential fit.

Some companies also conduct a one-on-one personality evaluation with a behavioral psychologist, although typically not at the entry level. Again, best advice is to just be yourself, but be yourself at your best. A little tightness in this psych interview is OK and expected.

This being said, note that the personality test is only a portion of the overall evaluation. Personality is only one factor in potential fit (the other factors include aptitude, interests, values, work ethic, and others). Most companies use personality tests only as a final validation of those they are interested in hiring, so just getting to that point is a strong positive.

If you would like to do a little advance personality testing, go to the Prep page at our site at http://www.CollegeGrad.com/prep and click on the Myers-Briggs link. Taking the MBTI in advance will give you a preview of what to expect.

Just do your best. No one should ever expect anything more from you. And you should never settle for anything less from yourself.

Do you have a question that you would like to have answered here in this forum? Send your question direct to Brian Krueger.

All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.