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Personality traits are stable (in the workplace too!)

Sunday 24 April 2022

It was once thought that significant life events, like the birth of a child or diagnosis of a serious illness, or greatly changed people’s characters or have a direct influence on one’s personality. Recent scientific research has shown that, in fact, personality is actually very stable and is not determined by life events. People generally have a fixed personality with which they go through life, which is why insight into their traits is certainly valuable. This is especially true for employers interested in learning more about their employees’ personalities.

What is a personality test?

Personality tests are designed to reveal the character of an individual, or, in the case of business, of a future employee. This is because a person's personality plays a major role in future employment behavior. A good personality test may give employers insight into the personality profile of the candidate, helping them decide whether someone is the right fit for the job. The test also saves an immense amount of time, effort, and money.

Personality tests continue to gain prominence. Their popularity has actually increased by almost 63% since 2001. Virtually every major company is taking advantage of the valuable insight bestowed by administering such tests.

Personality is stable

As mentioned, data shows that personality is stable and not subject to random change. This makes the information from a personality test even more valuable. The insight obtained is valuable in the long run, so such a test will not need to be administered more than once. The results can therefore not only inform whether a candidate is the best fit for a job, but also whether that same individual possesses the ideal personality to take on a promotion or other role change.

The Big Five personality test

The most widely used personality test by employers is the Big Five personality test. It was developed using the theory that human personality is made up of 5 character traits (hence, the Big Five).

Together, these traits form the main component of the candidate's personality. The Big Five is a very valid and reliable instrument that, by using innovative techniques, can also detect socially desirable responses and dishonest answers.

Taking a personality test

Do you also want long-term and stable insight into the personality of a candidate or employee? The Bridge Personality, based on the Big Five theory, is the most used and trusted test among recruiters, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs. It asks relevant questions and measures whether the candidate has answered honestly.

Want to know more about personality tests? Contact the professionals at TestGroup directly. If you decide to order The Bridge Personality test, the candidate can start within just 30 minutes.

This is what our satisfied customers say about us

“The Bridge Personality is a very nice tool to start the conversation with each other.”

Jessica Kuijper, senior P&O policy staff member

ROC Horizon College