Are Personality Tests Good Predictors of Job Performance?
Have you ever been asked to take a personality test as part of a job application? Recently, I found myself in a similar situation when applying for a position that involved working closely with a CEO. According to the American Dictionary of Psychology, a personality test is any tool used to evaluate personality or measure personality traits. These can range from self-report questionnaires to projective tests that measure both conscious and unconscious aspects of our personalities.
I'll admit that it took me a couple of days to muster the courage to take the test. Why? Because while self-discovery is important, facing your weaknesses head-on is never easy.
This got me thinking: Are personality tests actually good predictors of job performance?
According to the NeuroLeadership Institute, the answer is no, at least not entirely. They suggest that while personality tests can offer some insights, they should be used cautiously in hiring decisions and only as a tiny part of evaluating a candidate’s overall fit for a role.
But what about the perspective of the person taking the test? I found my results to be surprisingly accurate. And while it was initially daunting to see my weaknesses laid out on paper, it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. In fact, it opened my eyes to aspects of myself I had been overlooking.
Recently, I’ve been reflecting on these weaknesses, trying to understand their origins, and exploring ways to improve. I’m also considering how these traits might impact not just the hiring process but my actual ability to succeed in the role I’m pursuing.
It also means paying greater attention to the role’s responsibilities, reading reviews from current and former employees, spending more time on the company’s website, and even researching the history of its leaders. I find myself looking at all of this and asking, 'Am I a good fit here? '
Ultimately, personality tests are merely tools, not definitive judgments. They can provide valuable insights, but they don’t define who we are or determine our potential. The real growth comes from what we choose to do with the knowledge they provide.
Below is the link for the test I did, it’s free, so give it a try:
