Personality Testing

    LONDON, ENGLAND, March 25, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Your CV is first-class, your interview skills are impeccable and you've researched the company inside out and back-to-front, but there's one further hurdle you may need to overcome before that job is yours - the personality test.

Employers are increasingly incorporating pre-set personality tests into the interview process to quickly establish a candidate's suitability for the role and compatibility within the larger organisation.

Personality tests tend to follow a standardised format of quick-answer, true-or-false or multiple-choice questions (up to 500 in some instances).

Answers and results are correlated according to the context of the role on offer and are designed to assess the 'big five' personality traits: intellect, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability.

While jobs are by-and-large awarded on the strength of experience, reputation, CV and competency; a range of tests are employed to additionally screen candidates for ultimate suitability.

Facing into a personality test, where the results are assessed by someone other than your good self, might seem a daunting prospect, but there are some key tips to consider before you tick any answer boxes:

- Be honest - don't try to dictate the outcome of a personality test with contrived answers, inconsistencies will appear

- Take your time - ask questions if you're unsure, but trust your instincts also

- Familiarise yourself with the area - take a look at sample personality and psychometric tests online

- Arrive well fed and in a good mood - both can affect how you answer tricky questions

- Be confident - you best know your mind and confidence will show through in the end

- Dress comfortably - your concentration will be better

- Ask for feedback - the test is about you and provides a valuable learning opportunity

Website: http://www.michaelpage.co.uk

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