There are many different personality assessments that are used to assist in the selection and development of individuals and employees. 

Personality assessments can be used as tools that assist in the following areas:

• Selection of suitable employees for roles
• Assessment of an individual's potential
• Analyse strengths and weaknesses
• Analyse development areas for a role
• Analyse suitable career paths
• Analyse team types
• Analyse leadership style
• Analyse sales ability
• Analyse motives and values of individual’s

Personality questionnaires tend to have no time limit, however it is recommended you do not over think the questions and that you go with your first response when answering.

When it comes to Personality Assessments there are different types based on how the tests are developed:

Forced Choice Assessments

Forced choice assessments are where you are required to select out of a group of statements which is most and which is least like you. The number of statements you get to select from may vary from 2 to five items.  An ipsative personality assessment example is as follows:

For each group of 4 statements, select 1 which is most like you and 1 which is least like you, leaving 2 items blank.  In Question one we have filled in the answers to show the is.

Sample Of How to Answer (select only 1 most and 1 least)	Most	Least
I prefer mornings to afternoons	X	1
I do not like the Opera	1	1
I am healthy and fit	1	1
I like working in a team	1	X
Question One	Most	Least
I go to parties to meet new people	1	1
I have my desk tidy at all times	1	1
I do not enjoy analysing things	1	1
I like being the centre of attention	1	1
Question Two	Most	Least
I am an even tempered and calm person	1	1
I find it hard to trust people	1	1
I am often the leader in a group	1	1
I am a bit of a worrier	1	1

Answers:

There are no right answers to a personality questionnaire.

 

Normative Assessments

A normative assessment asks you questions that you give an answer to, but unlike forced choice, all statements are answered and you give a rating for each.  The format may be a True/False format or give you a rating scale something like the below:

Select “SD” if the statement is definitely false or if you strongly disagree.

Select “D” if the statement is mostly false or if you disagree

Select “N” if the statement is about equally true or false, if you cannot decide, or if you are neutral on the statement.

Select “A” if the statement is mostly true or if you agree.

Select “SA” if the statement is definitely true or if you strongly agree.

Questions	SD	D	N	A	SA
1. I shy away from crowds
2. I am a very warm and friendly person
3. I prefer to work on my own
4. I like solving puzzles
5. I am an optimist
6. People say I am independent
7. I think through decisions carefully before making them
8. I always follow through with my commitments.
9. I like lots on and variety in my day.
10. People often come to me with their problems

Answers:

There are no right or wrong answers in personality questionnaires.