For medium and large companies, personality assessments and other psychometric tests are standard steps in the hiring process. If you have to take a test developed by Hogan, one of the leading companies in the industry, ask your prospective employer about the importance of the test during the hiring process. Keep calm and remember that a psychometric test is only part of your application. Ask about your assessment, and if you don't get the job, try to find opportunities to improve yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Evaluation
Step 1. Read the desired qualities listed in the job description
The employer will use the Hogan test to search for candidates with those characteristics. You will also need to communicate in the interview that you possess those qualities.
- Interviews are of greater importance than personality assessment. Study the job description and think of examples that demonstrate that you have practiced the desired characteristics.
- Imagine that a company is looking for a self-confident, self-motivating and outgoing salesperson. Speak confidently during the interview, mention a project you completed on your own, and describe how you have honed your interpersonal qualities in previous jobs.
Step 2. Ask your employer about the importance of the test in the decision-making process
You will likely be advised that you need to take the test early in the hiring process, for example during the first interview. Ask your examiner how important the test is, how they will use it, and if you will be able to see the results.
- Ask a question or two politely and professionally so you don't seem paranoid or anxious about taking the test.
- If the examiner doesn't explicitly say so, ask if they will use the test to decide whether to hire you. Some companies take the tests just to keep them on file, while in other cases they are instrumental in the early stages of the hiring process.
Step 3. Don't ask trivial questions about the qualities you want for the job
When discussing your characteristics with the examiner, do not ask for information that you can find in the job description or on the company's website.
For example, instead of saying "What traits are you looking for?", You can ask, "When did you start including the assessment test in the hiring process? Did it allow you to create a workforce that reflects the company's values?"
Step 4. Try online test
There are no right answers in a personality assessment, so you can't prepare as you would for an aptitude test. However, practicing these tests lets you know what to expect. On the day of the exam you will feel less nervous and will be able to answer questions with less stress.
- For example, the questions will be like "I prefer to do things fast rather than perfect" or "I like all the people I meet". The available answers will be yes or no, or on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree or not correct) to 5 (strongly agree or more correct).
- Search the internet for "Hogan personality test". This website is a good place to start:
Step 5. If you are also taking an aptitude test, prioritize it
In addition to personality assessments, companies often require aptitude tests that measure specific qualities for the vacancy. Since these exams have right and wrong answers, spend more time studying to pass them instead of worrying about the personality assessment.
- Examples of aptitude tests include critical thinking assessments, situational judgment, writing, math, and verbal reasoning. On the internet you can find sample tests in all categories.
- Practicing the GRE, SAT, and ACT tests is another great way to prepare for critical thinking, numerical, and verbal reasoning exams.
- Also, review skills specific to your industry, such as programming languages.
Part 2 of 3: Doing Well on Test Day
Step 1. Sleep well before the test
You will likely take the exam during a second interview. If you are well rested, it is more likely that everything will be fine.
Sleeping well is also important if you have to pass a difficult aptitude test
Step 2. Arrive about 10 minutes early
Leave home taking into account traffic and other unexpected delays. If you arrive earlier, wait in the car or take a walk before entering to take the test.
It is always best to arrive 10-15 minutes early for an interview or other appointment related to an application. Arriving late is unprofessional and showing up too early can create problems for society
Step 3. Relax and try not to overthink the answers
Personality tests are simple, usually have no time limit and only take 15 minutes. Remember that this exam is not the only aspect that will determine whether you will be hired.
It is best to know right away if you are not suited to the culture of the company you are applying for. It wouldn't be pleasant to spend months in a workplace you hate
Step 4. Answer the test questions truthfully (within common sense)
Hogan personality assessments are designed to detect inconsistent responses and attempts to cheat. In general, don't try to slyly pass the test or give the answers you think the employer wants to receive. However, also avoid introducing yourself as a patently undesirable candidate, while still trying to be honest.
For example, responding with "Very correct", "Strongly agree" or "5 out of 5" to "You would do anything to gain an advantage" may indicate that you would be willing to commit immoral or illegal acts
Step 5. Realistically answer questions with "always" or "never"
These questions are meant to test your awareness and realism. Saying that you always do or that you never do something could make your employer understand that you don't know how to adapt or that you are not sincere.
For example, among the questions you can find "I've never lied" or "I'm always on time". Claiming that you have never lied or are always on time can show that you don't like admitting your weaknesses or that you have an unrealistic image of yourself
Part 3 of 3: Knowing the Employer's Opinion
Step 1. Discuss the results with your examiner
After the assessment, ask the hiring team if they have any comments for you. If possible, discuss the test results regardless of the success of your application.
- If you landed the job, ask what aspects of your assessment helped your hiring. This way you will better understand how you are viewed by the company and what they expect from you.
- If you haven't landed the job, use the opportunity to figure out which career is best for your personality type.
Step 2. Ask if other positions are available if you have not obtained the job
Ask if your personality makes you a better fit for another department. For example, if you didn't get the job as a salesperson, ask if there are any open positions in the product design department you are qualified for.
- Imagine that your energy and interpersonal skills scores are lower than those required by the company for a salesperson. However, you have achieved excellent results in reliability and creativity. Those qualities can make you an ideal candidate for the design team.
- Even if a design job offers lower pay, you will learn about the company's products. You may even have the opportunity to demonstrate the qualities the company looks for in a salesperson and eventually lead the sales team.
Step 3. Find opportunities to improve yourself if you haven't gotten the job
Use the test results to assess your personality type, to understand how you are perceived by other people and to reconsider your career goals. The results can help you develop fundamental skills for your field.
- While the company you turned to may seek out specific traits based on their culture, you may be working on the qualities that most companies want to see. Checking the results allows you to understand which characteristics are particularly important only to one company and which are desired by the entire industry.
- Maybe companies in your industry are looking for competitive and outgoing salespeople, while you were introverted and anxious in the test and interview. You may be trying to become more confident and sociable by taking a class that teaches public speaking or by joining a club.
