Advice and Tips on Personality Questionnaires
Advice and Tips in Personality Questionnaires
Personality Questionnaires, which measure personality traits, used in graduate assessment and
selection, are commonly referred to as Personality Tests; however unlike most tests there are no
right or wrong answers! Personality Questionnaires, which focus on personality types, are used
for personal development and can also be referred to as Personality Indicators or Inventories.
Personality 'Tests' for Graduate Recruitment
What are Personality tests?
Psychometric tests are designed to measure whether you have specific abilities or appropriate
personal qualities in relation to a job specification. In the case of personality tests, they can
identify certain personality traits that may be important for certain types of jobs. Personality
tests aim to describe aspects of a person's character that remain stable across different
situations; by categorising personality traits employers are using a test that claims to be able
to predict which candidates will fit the job best. In an extremely competitive job market,
employers will see many candidates with similar qualifications; personality tests give a more
in-depth look at your personality than standard interview questions.
Why are tests used?
Personality tests are used as a fair, objective and cost-effective method of understanding
personality and behaviour in a wide range of settings. They are used to gain an insight into what
kind of a person you are and give a better understanding of your preferred style of working.
By using personality tests early on in the interview process an employer can quickly identify the
most relevant candidates for the job by finding out key information about their working
behaviour, such as:
- How they will fit in with the working environment
- How effectively they work as part of a team
- How closely they match the key competencies required for the role
- Where their strengths lie and where they will need more development.
How are Personality Questionnaires used?
Most organisations will use the questionnaire in conjunction with your application form, interview
and other information to make decisions rather than in isolation. Unlike some other psychometric
tests, they are not usually timed.
Can I prepare?
There are no right or wrong answers, its all about HOW you work. Don't think too long about your
answers, in this case your first reaction is often the most accurate. Employers will already know
what kind of candidate, in terms of an ideal personality profile, that they are looking for;
therefore it is up to you to meet their expectations. However, this is not to say that you should
try to answer what you think they are looking for, as this may result in a mis-match between your
values, interests and preferred style of working and those of the employer. In addition,
questionnaires usually have some type of internal checking where the same question is asked
with different wording early and late in the test to try to detect dishonest answers.
Fundamentally, there is little point in trying to be the kind of employee a company is looking for
if you and the company are not right for each other.
What happens to my results?
Once you have completed your test someone qualified in psychometric testing will score it. The
results, (usually called your profile), are compared with results from the population (a 'norm
group'). Some companies will use this information, in order to select candidates for interviews,
others use it along with performance in other selection exercises, such as interviews,
presentations, or group work to select you for the job.
The results are usually held by the recruiting agency and the recruiting organisation; depending
on the company you may have the opportunity to get some feedback, however this is not always the
case. The results are usually destroyed or kept on file for two years, where confidentiality is
assured.
What are the different types of Personality Questionnaires?
Graduate recruiters use a variety of personality questionnaires. The most common look at
personality traits and behavioural responses or situational judgment. The latter can consist of
theoretical scenarios which the applicant has to address at the beginning of the application
process; this type of test is commonly used by the Civil Service and multinational organisations.
The usage of these tests has increased over 300% in the last five years.
Personality questionnaires can also be used outwith graduate recruitment and selection;
for example, in personal development, in careers guidance or as a training tool for developing
teams or managing change in organisations. These focus on personality type (rather than traits)
and are looking at qualitative (cannot be measured), rather than quantitative results. The Myers
Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an example of this type of Personality Questionnaire. You can
sign up for an MBTI Personality Type workshop from the
'What's On' tab on the Careers Service
website.
For more information and online examples to try, check out the following:
Any Further Questions?
A Careers Adviser is normally on duty every week day for quick queries. Check our website for the
Duty Adviser Timetable. You can drop in at any point during these times. It is always advisable
to check times beforehand through Reception 01382 384017, especially if you are travelling any
distance.
Good Luck!
Update: Summer 2011
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