Personality tests are used in over 60% of large employer selection processes. Unlike cognitive ability tests, there are no 'right' answers, but there are definitely answers that align better with the role you're applying for. Understanding what these tests measure and how to approach them authentically is a crucial part of assessment preparation.
The Big Five Framework
- Openness to Experience: Curiosity, creativity, and willingness to try new things. High scores are valued in innovative roles.
- Conscientiousness: Organisation, reliability, and attention to detail. Consistently the strongest predictor of job performance.
- Extraversion: Sociability, assertiveness, and energy in social situations. Important for sales, leadership, and client-facing roles.
- Agreeableness: Cooperation, empathy, and trust. Valued in team-based and customer service roles.
- Neuroticism (Emotional Stability): Tendency to experience negative emotions. Low neuroticism is generally preferred in high-pressure roles.
- For a trait-by-trait breakdown, scoring, norm groups and the Big Five vs MBTI vs DISC comparison, read our complete Big Five (OCEAN) guide.
| Publisher | Questions | Time | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHL OPQ32 | 104 questions | 25-40 min | N/A | Forced-choice format, 32 personality scales |
| Hogan HPI | 206 questions | 15-20 min | N/A | Measures bright-side personality |
| Saville Wave | 216 questions | 40 min | N/A | Measures motives, talents, and preferred culture |
| Thomas DISC | 24 questions | 8 min | N/A | Fast, simple, measures 4 personality dimensions |
Most personality tests include a 'social desirability' scale that detects if you're trying to present yourself too positively. Extreme scores on this scale can invalidate your results.
How to Approach Personality Tests
- Read the job description carefully: Understand what competencies the role requires and reflect on how your genuine personality aligns.
- Answer as your 'best professional self': Think about how you behave at your best in a work context.
- Don't overthink individual questions: Your first instinct is usually most accurate. Overthinking leads to inconsistency.
- Be consistent: If you change your answers based on how you think the question 'should' be answered, you'll create inconsistencies the test detects.
Familiarise yourself with OPQ32, Hogan, and other personality test formats with MakingMoves.ai.
Explore Practice TestsIngmar van Maurik is the founder of MakingMoves.ai and Assessment-Training.com. With 10+ years in psychometric assessment design, he has helped over 1 million professionals prepare for job assessments.