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The Future of Job Hunting: Personality Tests Taking Over Resumes
By the time Gen Alpha enters the workforce, they might never have to write a traditional resume again. Instead, they could be taking personality and skills tests as part of the hiring process. This shift is being driven by employers who are looking for faster, more accurate ways to identify top talent. Companies like Olive Garden, FedEx, and Sweet Loren’s are already using pre-employment exams, and many of the top 500 companies in the U.S. are following suit.
For generations, job seekers relied on resumes and cover letters to showcase their qualifications. But this method is becoming outdated. In fact, about 76% of employers now use some form of skills test when evaluating job candidates, according to a recent report from TestGorilla. These assessments range from personality tests like the Hogan Assessments or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to cognitive ability quizzes and soft skills evaluations.
Employers are finding that these tests offer several advantages over traditional methods. For one, they reduce the time it takes to hire the right person. A majority of employers—84%—say they are satisfied with the quality of hires made using these tests, compared to 80% of those who rely on traditional methods. Additionally, 71% of employers believe that testing is a better predictor of on-the-job success than reviewing a resume. Many also report that employees hired through skills tests tend to stay in their roles longer.
The Benefits and Challenges of Skills Testing
One of the main benefits of using skills tests is that they help verify a candidate’s abilities and ensure they possess the right mix of hard and soft skills. Employers say that these assessments allow them to rank candidates based on objective scores, making the hiring process more efficient. They also help identify potential red flags, with two-thirds of employers reporting that tests have reduced the number of mis-hires.
However, not all applicants are thrilled with the idea of taking personality tests during the hiring process. Some describe the questions as bizarre, such as asking how they would feel about grabbing pizza before others. These experiences can make candidates question the effectiveness of the tests. Despite this, personality and skills tests are not a new trend—they have been used for decades to gain an edge in the competitive job market.
Ryne Sherman, chief science officer at Hogan Assessments, explained that these tests provide valuable insights into a candidate’s character and potential. “Every little extra edge I can get, if I can get a bit more extra information, and apply that to my entire workforce, that can have a huge impact on the overall productivity,” he said.
Real-World Examples of Companies Using Pre-Employment Tests
Several well-known companies have embraced the use of personality and skills tests. Olive Garden, for example, uses a test developed by Paradox.ai, which features a blue alien named Ash. Candidates must answer more than 60 slides featuring this character, which has led to some mixed reactions. One applicant described the test as “blatantly prejudicial” after receiving a score that suggested they “tolerate mediocre work from others.”
FedEx also faced criticism for using a similar test, which went viral online. While some see these tests as innovative, others argue that they may not accurately reflect a candidate’s true abilities.
On the other hand, companies like Sweet Loren’s take a different approach. The refrigerated cookie dough company uses the CliftonStrengths quiz, developed by Gallup, to evaluate candidates. CEO Loren Castle emphasized the importance of hiring passionate and positive individuals, especially given the small size of her team. “We have less than 30 people on our team, and we run a profitable business,” she said. “So we really need smart, passionate people on the team—you can’t kind of hide.”
The Growing Trend of Skills Testing
According to a 2023 report from Deloitte, around 80 million Americans complete employment-related quizzes each year. About 80% of the top 500 companies use personality tests, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Employers are increasingly relying on these tools to find the best fit for their teams, especially as AI begins to handle more of the routine tasks in the workplace.
While some tests may seem unconventional, they are designed to provide a more comprehensive view of a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. As the job market continues to evolve, it seems clear that skills and personality tests will play an even bigger role in the future of hiring.
