What are personality assessment tests for jobs and how can you tackle them?

Want to know how to pass a personality test for a job? The good news is that there are no wrong answers for a personality assessment, so you can’t fail one. However, we get that facing an online personality test before a job interview or at an assessment centre can still be intimidating. Plus, employers do use your answers to inform their hiring decisions. So, we’ve put together a handy advice guide covering:

• What are personality tests and how do they work?
• How to navigate personality tests

Personality tests are a type of assessment intended to measure people’s traits. Some employers will use them in the recruitment process to figure out if somebody will be the right fit for the role and suit the company culture.

For example, a personality test can measure how analytical, flexible, influential, team-oriented and conscientious you are. The measurements are usually made by how you respond to different questions. Typically, job application personality tests will consist of several statements (ie. “I like to identify new business opportunities.”, “I’m likely to make decisions based on facts and figures alone.”). As part of the test, you’ll have to record how much you agree or disagree.

While there are no right or wrong answers, employers use your responses to see how you’d feel or act in certain situations and assess whether your personality will fit the job. So, if you answer that you strongly disagree with the statement “I make decisions quickly and independently”, you probably won’t suit a role that requires making tough choices alone.

Recruiters will be looking for the competencies they believe will make you right for their organisation and the work you’ve applied to do. However, don’t just say what you think the employer wants to hear. It’s better to respond with your instinct. After all, you don’t want a job that’s a bad fit for your personality!

When it comes to responding to a personality assessment test for a job, you can’t game the system. If your personality isn’t a good fit for the role, it’ll show, and that’s OK. You might not suit that one job, but there will be a better match out there for you.

Unlike other types of recruitment tests, like numerical or verbal reasoning tests, you can’t revise for a personality assessment. However, there are still things you can do to help you handle the test well.

Our top tips for job application personality tests are:

The idea of revealing the hidden sides of your personality can be uncomfortable. But if you feel nervous, remind yourself that there’s a strong chance you’ve got the qualities the employer is looking for – and the results of the test should show that.

Personality questionnaires usually don’t have time limits. So, feel free to take your time, think about your answers and respond truthfully. That said, if you’re taking your test in an assessment centre or if your timings are being recorded, taking too long could suggest you’re indecisive. Plus, the longer you deliberate, the more you might doubt your choices. There’s no need to overthink. Select the answer that feels the best fit, even if it’s not a perfect fit, and then move on.

Every position will have a framework of key competencies. For example, if you want to work as a financial analyst, you’ll need analytical skills. So, an ideal candidate would likely “Highly agree” with the statement “I enjoy analysing data and am confident in spotting patterns.” However, that doesn’t mean you should say “Highly agree” if you don’t.

Answering appropriately to questions that assess the key areas will help you build the right profile for the right role. If you don’t feel you can honestly agree with statements that relate to key qualities, it could be that you’re not suited to the job. It’s better that both you and the potential employer know that up front. A personality test can help you understand yourself and what you’re looking for.

Exaggerating your behaviour on a personality test won’t necessarily improve your profile, so be careful. Consistently picking “Highly agree” over “Somewhat agree” might make you a less appealing candidate (depending on the statements).

For example, expressing high levels of assertiveness could imply that you get your way through domination rather than diplomacy. It’s better to be honest rather than exaggerate.

As tempting as it might be, don’t put the answer you think the employer wants to see.

If you’re right for the job and the employer is right for you, you’ll do fine. If the employer isn’t looking for people with your personality, it’s better to find out sooner rather than later.

Personality tests can be lengthy. Because of that, they demand focus and introspection. Although they’re usually less stressful than other aptitude tests, they can still be taxing. It’s tiring to spend so long thinking about your behaviours.

To answer personality test questions accurately, you need to keep your concentration levels up. After all, your personality profile will give recruiters in-depth information about you that could lead to a dream role. So, if you’re taking an online personality test for a job interview in your own time, make sure you’re energised and give every statement your full attention. Don’t try and rush it while you’re watching TV.

You can’t learn how to pass a personality test for a job because you can’t fail one either. Employers use personality assessment tests for jobs to find candidates whose personalities will best match the role and company culture, but there are no right or wrong answers. If your personality isn’t a good fit with the role, it’s a good thing to find that out during the hiring process.

The best way to approach job application personality tests is to be honest. While your answers will depend on your personality, you can help yourself fill it in accurately by giving yourself the time you need and recognising the importance of honesty.

Whether you’re about to take an online personality test at home or are expecting to face one at an upcoming in-person assessment centre, we wish you the best of luck. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself – and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!