Ashley Velez

BY ASHLEY VELEZ

Halfway into 2022, the phenomenon known as the Great Resignation continues. (This is the elevated rate at which U.S. workers quit their jobs, beginning in 2021, according to investopedia.com.).

Increased wages and job fulfillment are two of the driving forces behind the movement that’s causing significant shifts in the labor market, particularly for millennials and Generation Z. These shifts have caused hiring teams to reevaluate hiring practices, to find the right candidate who not only will check the boxes in job descriptions, but who also will align with their organization's values and culture.

Some organizations aren't convinced that personality tests are helpful in hiring. But, if you incorporate personality tests into your hiring process as a tool to accompany your overall hiring practices, they can provide insights into who the candidate is as a person and how they operate at work.

There are dozens of tests out there, and it can be challenging to know which one will provide the most valuable insight. Here are four favorites that I've taken or used to find talent for my teams: • Myers Briggs. Arguably one of the most popular tests used to determine a job seeker's personality, this test groups the findings into one of two tendencies in the following categories: extraversion or introversion, intuition or sensing, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving.

• DisC Profile. Companies use the DisC profile to learn more about a potential candidate's professional behavior style and ability to work as part of a team. The four primary factors are dominant, influential, steady and compliant. Results for this profile include fears, values and tendencies for each type. • 5 Voices. An assessment designed to help individuals discover their leadership voice and be empowered to use it effectively, its results can help transform teams and organizations when members use their own voice and learn to appreciate the voices of others. • CliftonStrengths. Formerly known as StrengthsFinder, this assessment outlines an individual's top talents, with a detailed report featuring definitions of each talent that is specific to you. The assessment focuses on your greatest opportunities for development and success rather than weaknesses.

Tip: Don't wait for a job application to use personality tests to your advantage! Taking them now can help you better understand others, identify your likes and dislikes at work, and offer insights into your strengths, weaknesses, thinking styles and leadership ability.

Ashley Velez is a digital marketing strategist, freelance writer and company culture advocate. She's a proud resident of Woodstock, where she lives with her family.