Reducing Anxiety Surrounding Personality Profiles

Reducing Anxiety Surrounding Personality Profiles In today’s competitive employment landscape, many companies have added another dimension to the hiring process: personality profiles. Sometimes called “personality tests,” these are typically given to discover more information about a person and to evaluate whether or not that person will “fit in” with the company’s culture. I prefer the term “profile” to “test,” as there are really no right or wrong answers. At previous workplaces, I have taken the following profiles: Myers-Briggs, DISC, and Insights. These are some of the more popular formats today, but there are many others. For the most part, these profiles provide you with a letter combination, color, or dominant trait that describes your personality style. Not only are these personality profiles interesting, they offer wonderful insights into your own personality and assist you with learning how to communicate better with others that have differing personality traits. For most employers, this is only one part of the hiring process. There are many factors which play a role, and the personality result is simply one of those factors. Some employers utilize these tests during the interview process, while others provide them to their employees after they have been hired. In the past, I have had clients ask about taking these personality tests. Many people become nervous and worry about the results. Personality is a really difficult thing to change, so I always recommend taking the personality test honestly. And, avoid trying to answer the test how you think the employer wants you to answer. Besides, there are good and bad points to all types of personalities. It is more important that you recognize your own strengths and weaknesses. If you can do that, then an employer will notice and want you as part of the team. Instead of becoming nervous and anxious about your next personality profile, take the opportunity to learn more about yourself and your own personality traits. Utilize this experience as a way to learn both the good and bad components to your personality. Furthermore, recognizing your own positive and negative traits will allow you to be a better communicator and an improved employee.