Home » What if you fail a job interview personality test? – Jobsmaa

What if you fail a job interview personality test? – Jobsmaa

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What should you do if you fail the job interview personality test? Can you still get a job? How can you make sure you don't fail such a test? Let's get some clarity on this tricky subject.

A true story

“I scored zero in philanthropy.” I couldn't believe it when my client told me this. For several years he worked at B-Corp, which he joined because he was as passionate about its socially responsible work as the company he was interviewing for. It was also clear to me that he cared deeply about his direct reports, one of whom praised him enough to write a glowing LinkedIn review about how he supported their career development. To me, his life clearly demonstrated “the practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the welfare of others” – the very definition of philanthropy.

Am I biased in favor of my client? Maybe. But I always believe that I can best serve my clients by balancing my support with clear vision and objective feedback. If I believed that this person was less than altruistic, I would not have been so adamant in my assertions that the experiment was wrong. I would not have been tempted to write this post.

What to do if you fail the interview

Here's the advice I gave this client, and it applies to you.

  • Realize that these personality tests are not accurate.
  • If you don't think the result is accurate, learn from the experience: If possible, review the test questions and see if you can spot how your answers gave the wrong impression, so you can do better on similar tests in the future.
  • Realize that these tests are usually not the most important part of the hiring process. Interview carries more weightage.
  • In an interview, it's best not to dispute test results until the interviewer hears your thoughts. Going out of your way to raise the subject can be considered defensive.
  • Instead, focus on demonstrating qualities that the test fails to detect, among other relevant strengths and skills. For example, give examples rather than arguing, “No, I'm too altruistic/motivated/whatever.” Give them some Proof!

How to Pass Job Interview Personality Tests

Online counseling can be very contradictory in this regard. For example, you'll find sites instructing you on the one hand to answer all questions honestly and reliably. In my opinion, this should be your #1 rule, not only because it's ethically correct, but also because these tests are designed to detect dishonest answers.

You'll also find suggestions like: “DTo keep your answers relevant to the work environment and the specific role you're applying for, think about how you behave in a professional environment rather than personal situations. Unfortunately, my client tries to do just that, whether she realizes it or not: She thinks they want to see a more bottom-up approach, not realizing that they're testing altruism.

Some will advise you to avoid selecting extreme options (such as “Strongly Agree” or “Strongly Disagree”) too often. This advice is also a bit dangerous because it can lead you to give answers that don't reflect the truth.

You may be advised to maintain consistency in your answers. Personality tests often have the same questions worded differently. Random answers may suggest that you are trying to game the test. However, a conscious effort to be consistent is one way to play the test.

My advice is this:

  • If you change your answers to follow strategic advice such as consistency or avoiding extremes, Make sure your answers are still true.

Also:

  • Read the questions carefully.
  • Unless there is a deadline, Take your time.

Don't let these tests drive you crazy!

Job searching can be very frustrating. The system is broken in many ways. No matter how high the stakes are, don't take anything personally. Be kind to yourself and persevere.

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