Personality tests are made up of a series of carefully structured questions, designed by psychologists, to reveal the kind of information about you that might not come across in an interview. For example, can you stay calm under pressure? Are you a good team player? How motivated are you?
If you are going to an interview the employer will tell you beforehand if you are to undertake any tests. This might seem daunting, but remembe these tips.
If you're going to be tested:
- Be prepared - Get a good night's sleep and arrive in plenty of time, so that you're physically and mentally ready to sit the test.
- Ask questions - Make sure you're absolutely clear about the testing process and what it will involve. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
- Stay calm - There are no right and wrong answers - even if it seems that way. Have confidence in yourself and answer how you see fit.
- Think fast - The key to getting the most from these tests is to follow your initial reactions, rather than pondering each question. Go with your gut instincts.
- Don't guess - You could spend ages trying to work out your answer based on what you think the employer is looking for and still get it wrong. Only make educated guesses if you're 100 per cent sure they're right.
- Be yourself - It's easy to lie but, if you're not true to yourself, you're more likely to be rumbled in the interview. It's best to be honest.
- Be realistic - Remember that these tests are designed to find a very specific person. If you're not selected, it doesn't mean there's something wrong with your personality - you just weren't the personality they were looking for. That could well be to your benefit, too.
- Get feedback - Organisations should give you feedback on your test - use this constructively to do better next time round. It will also make you feel more confident.
There is tons of information about these tests on the web, many versions of the tests can be taken on line, and can actually be great fun. They can tell you things about yourself that you didn't know. Check the links on the right and learn something about yourself.
Please be aware these tests do not contain right or wrong answers. They have been developed to measure people's personalities, abilities, aptitudes, learning styles and so on. Many of the companies will ask you to register and may offer a basic version of their test to try out. Usually the full tests cost money.
There may be many tests available on the web which are basic or could give misleading results.
Useful Links
www.advisorteam.com
www.queendom.com
www.shldirect.com
