“You have a wonderful personality” Those are some fine words to hear not only during your daily travels, but also during a job interview. As bizarre as it may seem, certain employers do require a personality test.
There’s nothing the nefarious behind the purpose of the test. The company just wants to make sure you are the right fit personality-wise to work there. So, in order to get the job, you have to do well on the personality test.
“Beating the test” requires deliberate action to improve perceptions of you. No, this doesn’t mean you must elaborately fool the interviewer like the Replicants in the movie Blade Runner. You just need to follow a few bits of advice to do well on the test and the predictive index.
1. Practice for the Test
Personality tests, like all other tests, can potentially be “aced” when you practice for one. Finding examples of personality test shouldn’t be all that difficult. Tons of resources exist out there.
Read over different examples of these tests. Look into what types of answers cast you in a positive light.
Whatever you do, don’t show up for the interview and test unprepared. That would be a disaster.
2. Stay Positive and Upbeat
Who likes to be around a negative, downbeat person? Not too many people including potential employers.
Naysayers in the office are a nuisance. Displaying anything less than upbeat behavior during the personality test probably will sink it.
No, this does not mean you act phony. Just do yourself a favor and try to come off as a positive person.
3. Diminish Your Negatives
Are you a loud and boisterous person? You probably wouldn’t want these traits to come through during a personality test.
The moderator could think you may turn out to be a bit too aggressive for the office. Sad to say, certain traits are a turn-off and work against you on the predictive index. This is why those traits must be dialed down in the workplace.
Try not to allow any negative traits to come through during the personality test. Negatives don’t help.
Doesn’t this seem like this violates the previous tip about avoiding coming off as phony? Well, many people realize their personal behaviors don’t translate well to the workplace. Therefore, at the office, they embody professionalism.
A professional demeanor isn’t necessarily needed in the home. You aren’t blatantly be attempting to be someone you’re not. Rather, you let your professional demeanor show.
4. Figure Out the Corporate Culture
Google is known for its incredibly relaxed work environment. Brokerage firms on Wall Street, however, would be appalled if asked to institute Google’s policies.
Different companies have different corporate cultures. Company personality tests intend to find out if you fit into the culture among other things.
You should see if you fit in as well. Learn how employees and management interact with one another as well as what rules govern office behavior. Doing so should enlighten you about what to expect on the test.
