Why Personality Matters: The Importance of Personality in the Hiring Process
When it comes to finding the right talent for your company, most hiring managers focus on experience and skills. However, those aren’t the only things that define a candidate’s ability to succeed in a role. More and more companies are realizing the importance of personality in the hiring process.
What is Personality?
Personality refers to the set of characteristics that define an individual’s behavior, emotions, and thought patterns. It’s what makes us unique and different from others. Personality traits can be broad, like extroverted vs. introverted, or specific, like being detail-oriented or analytical.
How Does Personality Affect Job Performance?
Research shows that personality traits can significantly affect job performance. For example, a study published by the American Psychological Association found that employees who scored higher on personality tests were more likely to have better job performance, higher job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. Specific traits, like conscientiousness and emotional stability, were particularly important predictors of job success.
Why Should Companies Consider Personality in the Hiring Process?
There are several reasons why companies should consider personality when making hiring decisions:
1. Fit with company culture: A candidate’s personality can play a big role in whether they will fit in with the company’s culture. Hiring someone who has the right personality traits can lead to better team collaboration and overall job satisfaction.
2. Predictive of job performance: As mentioned earlier, personality traits can be good predictors of job success. Hiring managers can use personality tests to identify candidates who are likely to perform well in a particular role.
3. Reduces turnover: Hiring the wrong person can lead to high turnover rates and costs for the company. Considering personality during the hiring process can help mitigate this risk.
How Can Companies Assess Personality?
There are several ways that companies can assess a candidate’s personality. Some common methods include:
1. Personality tests: There are several personality tests available that companies can use during the hiring process. These tests can provide insights into a candidate’s personality traits and how they might perform in a particular role.
2. Behavioral interviews: Asking specific questions about past behavior and experiences can give hiring managers a sense of a candidate’s personality.
3. References: Asking for references from previous employers or colleagues can provide insights into a candidate’s personality traits and how they’ve performed in the past.
Conclusion
Personality matters in the hiring process. Hiring someone who doesn’t fit with company culture or lacks the right personality traits can lead to poor job performance, high turnover rates, and costs for the company. By considering personality during the hiring process, companies can identify candidates who are more likely to succeed in a particular role and contribute positively to the company’s culture.
