The Wall Street Journal ran a story that finds even the jaded Barometer shaking its head.  Many employers, lured in by consultants, have their job applicants take personality tests. The tough questions on this test? “You have to give up on some things that you start.” “You would like a job that is quiet and predictable.” and “Any trouble you have is your own fault.” The answers? “Strongly agree,” “Agree,” “Disagree,” and “Strongly Disagree.” The test and the retailers’ preferred answers made their way onto the internet where job applicants studied them so that they could perform well on the “test.”
The companies should be ashamed for using such a silly screen. And when you impose silly rules and requirements on employees (or potential employees), they cheat. The applicants should be ashamed for not knowing enough to understand that the stores were looking for shopping channel personnel: go, go, go, sell, sell, sell, up with America etc. Did the retailers ever think that perhaps those who tend to be thoughtful and would fail the silly test might just be what they need in an employee? The Barometer has an idea for a screening test.Pose a few ethical questions to the youths applying to be clerks. Ask them if they ever took anything from a store and then what they did with it. Ask them if they have ever lied to a friend to avoid doing something with or for them.  Ask them if they have ever faced an ethical dilemma and how they resolved it. Ask them if they have ever downloaded a copyrighted song without paying. Ask them if they gave back the change if a clerk gave them too much. Then, sit back and watch the personality unfold.Â
Never judge a book by its cover or an applicant by a personality test. If you want thoughtful employees, delve into their thoughts. “Strongly agree” answers and a green score on a test that is posted on the internet may not get you the insight you need. But you will get the employees you deserve.