So, are employers using these tests just to screen out people with
undesirable characteristics? The answer is very definitely not.
Whilst personality tests are used to screen out the dishonest and
the unstable, employers are also looking for some very specific
qualities in their employees.
Motivation
The single most important of these is motivation. In the western
world he cost of employing people has risen out of all proportion
to other business costs. Technology, equipment, communications and
even real estate have all become relatively cheaper, but the cost
of employing anyone has increased dramatically. This is why it is
worth the expenditure and upheaval to move jobs offshore to
countries where labor is cheap. Consequently, the days when
organizations could ‘carry’ employees who were giving less than
100% effort are long gone. Employers now expect staff to be
totally committed to the organization and to getting the job done.
You should agree or strongly agree with questions of this type.
-
Work is the most important
thing in my life.
-
I admire people who work long
hours.
-
People who know me say I work
too hard.
-
I am nearly always happy to
work late or over a weekend if needed.
-
Employees should be expected to
work extra hours to finish a job on time.
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You should agree or strongly agree with questions of this type.
-
I know many people who work
themselves too hard.
-
Work can be an addiction just
like gambling.
-
I really look forward to my
annual vacation.
-
I know many people who work
themselves too hard.
-
I feel sorry for people who put
in long hours at work.
-
Vacations are very important to
me.
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You need to be seen as the employee who will go the extra mile
every time. Determination, persistence and the willingness to do
whatever it takes to achieve your goals are the things that
employers are looking for.
Extraversion
There are some jobs which have become synonymous with extrovert
personalities. Sales is one example, it is difficult to imagine a
successful sales person who is not naturally extroverted. The
qualities associated with this personality trait; friendliness,
gregariousness, assertiveness, cheerfulness, and a high activity
level are all qualities associated with successful sales people.
For employers to look for these qualities when recruiting sales
people makes sense and is exactly what you would expect. However,
for almost all jobs, not just sales, employers prefer extroverts
over introverts every time. The reasons for this are twofold;
Firstly, even people in highly technical jobs work in teams for
much of the time, they need to get on with people and get them to
cooperate to get the job done. Secondly, most employers take a
long term view of the people they employ. The person employed
today to input figures into spreadsheets could be working as a
supervisor or manager in a couple of year’s time and it is better
if they appear to have some of the attributes that will be needed
in the future.
Obviously, there is no point in trying to ‘fake’ that you are
highly extroverted if you are not. Psychologists believe
extroversion/introversion to be the most difficult personality
trait to consciously change. However, you most definitely do not
want to appear to be too introverted.
You should strongly disagree with all of the following types of
questions.
-
I almost never feel bored at
parties.
-
I am usually described as an
outgoing person.
-
It's easy for people to see my
moods.
-
Almost none of my friends are
quiet and reserved.
-
I find it easy to keep a
conversation going.
-
In social settings I enjoy
introducing myself to an unfamiliar person.
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You should strongly agree with all of the following types of
questions.
-
I am usually quiet and reserved
at social gatherings.
-
In conversations I like to let
the other person do most of the talking.
-
I do not enjoy chatting with
strangers.
-
I find it more productive to
work alone than as part of the group.
-
I avoid being the center of
attention whenever possible.
-
I sometimes try to avoid
meeting new people.
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Leadership
Leadership qualities in professionals at all levels of
management play a key role in business success and there has been
a increasing interest in the qualities that make someone a leader
rather than just a boss. Many of the graduate and management
selection tests try to determine your leadership qualities.
Whatever type of job you are applying for, showing some of these
qualities is probably a good thing. Once again, there is no point
in trying to ‘fake’ that you are natural leader if you are not,
but you don't want to give the impression that any sort of
leadership is beyond you.
You should strongly disagree with the following types of
questions:
-
I have a strong set of personal
goals.
-
Every person has the potential
to be creative at work.
-
People can become more
successful through the right motivation.
-
The great figures in history
always looked at least five or 10 years into the future.
-
Many managers focus too much on
details and not the big picture.
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You should strongly disagree with the following types of
questions:
-
I rarely have a strong set of
personal goals.
-
The majority of people are
already inspired to do their best work.
-
Nothing motivates employees
more than money or fear of losing their job..
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