For medium and large companies, personality assessments and other psychometric tests are standard phases of the job application process. If you are taking a test designed by Hogan Assessments, a leading test developer, ask your prospective employer about the role of the test in the hiring process. Stay calm and remember that a psychometric test is only part of an application. Ask for feedback and, if you don't get the position, try to look for opportunities for personal improvement.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare for the Assessment
Step 1. Review the desired qualities listed in the job description
The employer will use the Hogan assessment to look for the indicated personality traits. In addition, you will also have to communicate in the interview that you have these qualities.
- Interviews carry more weight than personality assessment. Study the job description and think of examples that show how you've put your desired personality traits into practice.
- Let's say a company is looking for a salesperson who is confident, outgoing, and has initiative. In your interview, speak confidently, mention a project you completed independently, and describe how you honed interpersonal skills in previous jobs.
Step 2. Ask the employer about the role of evidence in the decision process
You may be informed about the assessment earlier in the hiring process, such as during the first interview. Ask the interviewer or hiring manager about the importance of the test, how they use it, and if you will be able to see your results.
- Ask 1-2 questions in a polite and professional manner so you don't seem paranoid or eager to take the test.
- If the interviewer doesn't respond, ask if they use the test to make hiring decisions. Some companies only apply personality tests to register them, but for others they play a key role in the early stages of the hiring process.
Step 3. Avoid asking obvious questions about your desired qualities for the position
When discussing personality traits with the interviewer, do not ask for information that you might find in the job description and in the "About Us" section of their website.
For example, instead of asking, “What personality traits are you looking for?” You could say, “When did you first include evaluation in the hiring process? Has this improved your ability to form a workforce that represents the values of the company?”
Step 4. Take practice tests online
There are no right or wrong answers on a personality assessment, so you can't prepare like you would study for an aptitude test. However, taking practice tests will let you know what to expect. In this way, on the day of the test, you may be less nervous and answer the questions without stress.
- Some example questions might be: "I prefer to do things quickly rather than perfect" or "I like all the people I know." The available answers will be yes or no, or on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree or less correct) to 5 (strongly agree or more correct).
- Search online for "Hogan Personality Inventory Practice Test." This resource is a good starting point:
Step 5. Prioritize studying aptitude tests if you are going to take any
In addition to personality assessments, companies often require aptitude tests to measure job-specific skills. Since these tests do have right or wrong answers, spend more time preparing for them rather than stressing over the personality assessment.
- Some examples of aptitude tests include critical thinking, circumstantial judgment, typing, math, and verbal reasoning assessments. You can find practical tests for each category online.
- Practicing the GRE, SAT, and ACT tests are also good ways to prepare for tests of critical, numerical, and verbal reasoning.
- Also, brush up on industry-specific skills, such as programs or programming languages.
Method 2 of 3: Succeed on Test Day
Step 1. Try to get a good night's sleep before testing
You may take the test during a second interview. Being well rested will improve your chances of having a successful interview.
Getting a good night's sleep is also important if you have to take demanding fitness tests
Step 2. Get there about 10 minutes early
Leave home early in case of traffic or to avoid other unexpected delays. If you arrive 10-15 minutes early, wait in the car or take a ride before heading to the test.
It's best to show up 10-15 minutes before an interview or any other appointment related to a job application. Being late is unprofessional, and showing up too early can be inappropriate for the company
Step 3. Relax and try not to overthink your answers
Personality tests are straightforward, rarely timed, and typically last around 15 minutes. Remember that the personality test is not the only factor that your potential employer will use to make a decision.
If the company feels that you may not fit into their culture, it's better to find out sooner rather than later. You don't want to spend months in a work environment that you hate
Step 4. Answer the test questions honestly, within reason
Hogan personality assessments are designed to detect inconsistent responses and deception attempts. In general, don't try to be too smart on the test or answer what you think the employer wants to hear. While it is true that you should answer the questions honestly, it is not recommended that you make yourself look like undesirable.
For example, responding "I would do anything to progress" with "Very successful", "Strongly agree" or "5 out of 5" could indicate that you are willing to take any unethical or illegal action
Step 5. Answer the “always” or “never” questions realistically
The absolute questions are designed to test your self-awareness and sense of realism. Saying that you always or never do something could signal to the employer that you have no adaptability or that you are unrealistic.
For example, questions might include "I have never told a lie" or "I am always on time." Stating that you've never lied or that you're always punctual could show that you don't like to acknowledge your weaknesses or that you have an unrealistic perspective
Method 3 of 3: Get Employer Feedback
Step 1. Review your results with your interviewer
After the evaluation, find out if the team or hiring manager can provide feedback. If possible, analyze your results regardless of the success of the application.
- If they gave you the job, ask what aspects of your evaluation report helped them choose you, as this will give you a clear vision of how they perceive you and what they expect of you.
- If you don't get the job, take the opportunity to assess how your personality type fits with your career.
Step 2. Ask about other vacancies if you don't get the job
Find out if your personality type might fit better in another department. For example, ask about a product design vacancy that you would be qualified for if you didn't get the job in sales.
- Let's assume that your scores for energy and interpersonal skills were lower than what the company wants in a salesperson, but that your seriousness and creativity were high. In that case, these traits could fit the design team.
- Even if the design position has a lower salary, you will learn about the company's products and may also have more opportunities to demonstrate the qualities that the company looks for in a salesperson. You could end up at the head of their commercial team in the future.
Step 3. Look for opportunities for personal improvement if you don't get the job
Use your results to assess your personality type, how others perceive you, and your career goals. Additionally, the results may help you develop essential skills in your major.
- Although the company might be looking for specific traits for its culture, you may need to work on the qualities that most companies want to see. Reviewing your results will help you to know which traits are particular to that company and which ones are sought throughout the sector.
- Companies in your industry may be looking for a competitive and outgoing salesperson, but you may be introverted and eager in your personality assessment and in interviews. In that case, you could work more on your security and sociability by attending public speaking classes or joining an association.