Personality profiling

Personality profiling is increasingly popular among employers. But how accurate is the test and should you agree to take one?

"The process of answering questions about yourself can be very beneficial because it makes you stop and reflect on your behaviour"

So, what's it all about?

Personality profiling provides you with a description of your personality, how you react to certain situations and what your specific strengths and weaknesses are. It's supposed to be primarily about who you are at work. Sometimes they can seem uncannily accurate, but there's no scientific research proving how conclusive they are.

What does the test involve?

It usually involves a series of questions about how you handle certain situations, with multi-choice or true/false answers. You can take a test online, but it's more beneficial if you do it with a qualified coach who'll explain the findings to you. Myers-Briggs, DISC and the Keirsey Personality Test are some of the most common tests.

Why might I take a personality profile test?

Profiling is often done in the workplace, on training days or at interview stage, and can be used by employers to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their staff. You could also choose to take one yourself to help you determine what kind of career would suit you.

How can it help me?

The process of answering questions about yourself can be very beneficial because it makes you stop and reflect on your behaviour. The results, when discussed at length with a qualified coach, can also help you to identify areas that you find challenging and address any weaknesses.

What about the negatives?

While these tests can give you an idea of your personality, it shouldn't be seen as a label by which you live, a character you need to fill, or an excuse not to try new things. Nor should your employer judge you by the results, or try to pigeon-hole you.

Carol Wilson, managing director of PerformanceCoachTraining.com, explains how seeing your profile as set in stone can become a barrier to success: "I spend my whole working week making presentations and public speaking, but my actual profile says that I'm an introvert. If I'd had the profile done when I was younger I would've assumed I couldn't become a coach and speaker, and wouldn't now be running my own company," she says. "It's so important that if people have profiling done they discuss the findings with a coach, and realise that it's not a complete profile of your character, or your potential."

What if I don't want to take the test?

Ask your employer why they want you to take it, and what they're looking to find out. If it's part of a simple training and team-bonding exercise, and they have a coach there who will administer the test and talk through the results with you, there is no reason to be worried. Make sure that the results will be kept confidential; you are not obliged to share or discuss your profile with colleagues. If you feel strongly that you don't want to be tested, share your concerns with your employer. Some employers may require you take a test as part of the interview process, but once employed you can't be forced to undergo personality profiling.

Should I put it on my CV?

You may find taking a test gives you a better understanding of yourself and a stronger vocabulary to describe your personality, but be wary of announcing on your CV that you're a certain type. (It's of no benefit and a future employer may not understand the particular profiling system you're using.)

Where can I take a test?

You can take a test either online, through your employer or with a qualified coach. See What next? for details.

Written by Emma Mills

Did you know?

Philosophers and psychologists have been trying to label our personalities for thousands of years – e.g. the Greek doctor Hippocrates believed bodily fluids control our moods. He devised four personality types based on this theory: Melancholic (depressive and artistic), Choleric (forceful and arrogant), Sanguine (inspiring and fun) and Phlegmatic (friendly and accommodating). We still use these words to describe personality types today. You can take a test to find out which of Hippocrates four types most describes you.

If you would like to be profiled and are employed, speak to your employer and ask if they'd be interested in you getting a profile done.
If you're interested in getting tested but not at work, visit associationforcoaching.com and search for a coach. The normal cost is around £50 but some coaches provide free charitable services.
There are many free tests available online, but the test based on Carl Jung and Isabel Myers-Briggs typology is the most widely known
If you just want help defining your skills and interests, Directgov offers a test which helps you identify your skills.
If you have done a personality profile at work, schedule a chat with your line manager about how you can both work to make the most of your strengths and weaknesses.

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