Personality test - yikes!

Strapped

So, I have made it to final interview stage for a job with the council, and they sent me a psychometric test (the personality-testing sort) to do online, which I did this morning.

Anyone got any pointers on what type of "weaknesses" this might reveal that will be talked about at interview? The test involved 4 statements, and you had to pick the one which was most like you, and least like you - quite difficult in places, as sometimes all of them were like you or sometimes none at all, yet you still had to pick one (the lesser of 4 evils lol).

cazziebo

Any idea what it was called? The forced choice of four is a method common to a number of tests.

Really the focus shouldn't be on weaknesses - personality tests (when used properly!) should give a reflection on peoples' preferred styles. the idea is that no one is better than anyone else - just different. And remember, it's a self report - you've answered the questions so it is your perception.

Now if the test was to come up with the finding that you were not a detail conscious person, and the job required a high level of attention to detail, then the job probably isn't suitable and if it's contrary to your preferred working style then you wouldn't be happy in it. But I'd assume you're going for the job because you think it will fit your experience, skills and aspirations.

If it's a reputable test done properly then there shouldn't be many surprises. What weaknesses do you think might come up?

The best way to counter any is to turn it into a positive. ie the test shows that you don't react well to working under pressure. "yes, I recognise that and I try to deal with that by being organised and prepared, so that when it does come to deadlines, I've removed as much pressure as possible"

I used to do quite a bit of testing. It's always really interesting for both the person giving feedback and the person receiving. No matter the outcome of the interview, best practice for the main test suppliers stipulates that feedback should be offered so take it.

Wee story - one of the first tests I did showed that I "reacted poorly to negative criticism". My immediate reaction was "No I don't!". Erm, very red faced when I realised what I said! With hindsight correct response should be "Yes I know. I do try hard to succeed in whatever I do so find it difficult to hear that kind of criticism. However I do know I have to take all feedback on board in order to improve what I do. I think you can always learn from any criticism, even when you think it's unjustified"

good luck with the interview!