Top Five Pre-Employment Personality Tests (and What They Reveal About Job Candidates)

If you’ve ever conducted a candidate search or hired anyone, you know that there is no magic wand that can guarantee you’ll make the right decisions or that everyone you hire will click into place like a well-cut jigsaw puzzle piece. As the geographic boundaries and technological limitations that once defined hiring fall away, you have a potentially greater candidate pool than ever, with more tools at your disposal and endless professional research articles to guide you. All our innovations and increased options are supposed to make things easier, aren’t they? But sometimes hiring seems more complex and difficult than ever.

 

Enter the pre-employment personality test – personality inventories and screenings that help you learn more than ever before about your job candidates. A résumé reveals experience and skills, but what about the ineffable “cultural fit” and the alignment of values that are important to your company? What about personality factors that will make someone a great addition to an existing department or team? Or the best person to create an entirely new division within your company? References can help, as can interviews, but the idea of screening dozens of candidates early in the hiring process with a simple test is tantalizing for busy HR departments, hiring managers, and CEOs.

 

Pre-Employment Personality Tests for Hiring

Most of the pre-employment tests commonly used during the hiring process are personality inventories that are intended to reveal aspects of character, temperament, and work-related factors such as leadership, collaboration, and communication styles. Some hiring tests look at cognitive functions and processing speed. 

 

The most famous personality test, Myers-Briggs, was developed specifically for use in HR departments, not for hiring, but for job placement and career development. This test is still widely used as originally intended, though increasingly in hiring as well. Other tests, such as the Wonderlic, were created as a hiring tool and have added significantly to the pre-hire personality test landscape.

 

Having data from a pre-employment test can support the interview process, as long as the hiring team is careful not to let personal feelings about personality types cloud their objectivity.


Top Five Pre-Employment Tests and What They Look For

Five of the most popular personality tests for employers are the Hogan Personality Inventory (HPI), the DISC assessment, Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT), the Clifton StrengthsFinder, and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).


  1. Hogan Personality Inventory – According to the Hogan website, the HPI “describes normal, or bright-side, personality,” revealing information about people when they are at their best. The five areas of focus are adjustment (emotional stability), openness to experience, sociability (level of extraversion), likeability (agreeableness), and conscientiousness. The HPI was created to predict job performance and they recommend its use in hiring, leadership development, and succession planning. Advertised as “the science of personality,” the HPI seeks to rapidly quantify aspects of human nature previously discernable only with the familiarity developed over time.
  2. DISC Assessment – The letters in the name represent four personality indicators: dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance (or conscientiousness), which blend and balance uniquely for every person. (Interesting fact: these same qualities were identified as the four humors by Hippocrates in c. 400 BCE.) Scoring the DISC Assessment involves plotting test-takers’ answers on a graph to determine the relative weight of each aspect of the personality. Employers use these results to assess how well employees will interact as a team, manage, and communicate. Knowing their own and their colleagues’ DISC type also helps team members build effective work and customer relationships.
  3. Wonderlic Personnel Test – The Wonderlic assessment is more of a cognitive ability test than a personality test. Unlike other tests on this list, the WPT is a standardized, timed test of general intellectual ability used specifically for hiring purposes. It is promoted as a test that can reduce employee turnover by correctly identifying the best candidates prior to hiring, based on their motivation, processing speed, and cognitive strengths.
  4. Clifton StrengthsFinder – The StrengthsFinder assesses behaviors and patterns of thought, categorizing them into themes. The 34 themes fall into four overarching categories: executing (e.g. achievement, consistency, and focus), influencing (e.g. competition, self-assurance, and command), relationship building (e.g. adaptability, positivity, and empathy), and strategic thinking (e.g. analytical, futuristic, and learning). Initially intended as a team-building tool, StrengthsFinder is being used to support hiring, specifically to discover how a candidate’s strengths work together and sync with the strengths of the team.
  5. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – Probably the most well-known personality assessment, it is also the most widely used in hiring. Test-takers fall into one of 16 personality types, indicated by the combination of four either/or pairs or groupings: introverted/extroverted, intuitive/sensing, feeling/thinking, and judging/perceiving. This test is helpful to both potential candidates and businesses seeking to hire. A MBTI personality type reveals what kind of career and work environment suits the candidate, and whether a candidate will align with workplace culture, job requirements, and expectations. When using Myers-Briggs for hiring, businesses are looking for how and in what capacity an individual will fit best.


Test to Hire – A Strategic Piece of Smart Recruitment

Personality tests for hiring are becoming increasingly common. These tools benefit both candidate and company by making it possible to begin the new relationship based on transparency about strengths and areas of challenge, and encouraging honesty on both sides.  


A personality test can:

  • Paint a good picture of a candidate to reveal cultural fit
  • Show managers how a potential hire would fit and interact with the existing team
  • Encourage honesty in the interviewing process since these assessments do not have right or wrong answers
  • Help recruiters decide between two candidates with similar skills and experience
  • Encourage authentic job objectives for new hires based on what aligns with the strengths and weaknesses revealed by the test
  • Reveal ideal placement within a company, division, or team


There are pitfalls to be aware of. For example, when using a personality test for employee hiring:  

  • Candidates may feel vulnerable to judgement about qualities and traits they have no control over.
  • You could screen out candidates who would actually be good hires.
  • The results may be flawed if the test-taker tries to anticipate desired answers rather than responding honestly.
  • The process may raise legal red flags around bias. These can be avoided as long as you can show the need for this kind of assessment and that you have not discriminated against anyone based on results.


Bottom Line

When pre-employment testing is conducted thoughtfully, these assessments can help businesses avoid discrimination in hiring, reduce turnover, increase loyalty, and recognize candidates who will align with the company’s culture, perform well, and find job satisfaction.


When looking for personality tests for employees and recruits, remember to determine what you want from the test, research your options thoroughly, and approach the process with complete transparency. 

By Effie Zimmerman August 13, 2026
Chief Operations Officer ABOUT THE COMPANY STUDSON is a fast-growing safety technology company based in Sherwood, Oregon, redefining industrial head protection. Founded in 2019, the company designs premium Type II safety helmets that incorporate advanced impact protection technology commonly found in sports helmets, helping construction and industrial workers get home safely every day. Driven by innovation and a strong mission, STUDSON is challenging a century of conventional hard hat design and is quickly becoming a recognized leader in the industrial safety market. ABOUT THE ROLE STUDSON is transforming industrial head protection through innovative technology, premium product design, and an uncompromising commitment to worker safety. Having established a strong market position and a solid operational foundation, the company is entering its next phase of growth. To support that growth, STUDSON is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to build the organizational operating system that will enable the business to scale while preserving the speed, innovation, and entrepreneurial culture that define the company today. Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the COO will be responsible for translating strategy into disciplined execution across the organization. While overseeing the company's operational functions—including supply chain, sourcing, planning, customer success, and quality —the primary mandate is broader: to create alignment, accountability, and repeatable processes that allow the organization to execute consistently as it grows. This executive will partner closely with every functional leader to improve cross-functional collaboration, strengthen decision-making, and establish operational processes that allow the business to move faster with greater clarity. Success will not be measured by maintaining operations, but by building an organization capable of scaling efficiently while delivering exceptional customer and financial outcomes. The ideal candidate is an experienced operator who has helped high-growth companies evolve from entrepreneurial organizations into disciplined, process-driven businesses without sacrificing agility or innovation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Organizational Leadership & Operating Excellence Partner with the CEO to translate strategic priorities into company-wide execution plans. Design and implement a scalable business operating system that establishes standard work, management routines, visual performance management, and continuous improvement practices across the organization. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, equipping leaders with practical problem-solving methodologies that eliminate waste, improve execution, and increase organizational agility. Lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives that simplify workflows, reduce complexity, and improve quality, speed, and customer outcomes. Build management processes that improve alignment, accountability, communication, and execution across all functions. Develop an organization capable of scaling efficiently without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. Process Improvement & Business Scalability Lead the continuous evolution of business processes across the organization, leveraging existing technology platforms to improve execution rather than adding complexity. Standardize workflows where appropriate while preserving flexibility and entrepreneurial speed. Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions that improve throughput, responsiveness, and organizational effectiveness. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, disciplined execution, and data-informed decision-making. Supply Chain & Operational Performance Lead the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, manufacturing partners, inventory planning, logistics, fulfillment, and customer success. Ensure operational capabilities support both current growth and future product expansion. Strengthen forecasting, inventory management, and S&OP disciplines to improve service levels while optimizing working capital. Build resilient supplier relationships and continuously improve quality, delivery, and cost performance. Cross-Functional Execution Partner with Product Development to ensure successful commercialization of new products. Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to improve demand planning, product availability, and customer responsiveness. Work closely with Finance to improve forecasting accuracy, margin performance, and operational planning. Support Human Resources in developing organizational capability, leadership effectiveness, and performance management. Business Performance Develop meaningful KPI’s and operational scorecards that provide visibility into company performance. Improve operational efficiency, gross margin, inventory productivity, customer satisfaction, and organizational responsiveness. Balance growth, profitability, and operational risk while maintaining STUDSON's commitment to quality and customer experience. People & Culture Build and develop a high-performing operational team grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Create clarity around expectations, priorities, and decision rights throughout the organization. Help preserve STUDSON's entrepreneurial culture while introducing the operational discipline required for continued growth. IDEAL CANDIDATE Fifteen or more years of progressive leadership experience in operations, supply chain, or general management within a high-growth manufacturing organization. Demonstrated experience implementing or leading a business operating system such as Lean, the Toyota Production System, or a comparable continuous improvement framework that improved organizational performance and scalability. Strong understanding of operational excellence principles, including process mapping, root cause analysis, visual management, standard work, and KPI-driven performance management. Proven ability to build continuous improvement capabilities within leadership teams by coaching managers to solve problems systematically and sustain operational gains. Experience leading cross-functional business transformation rather than simply managing functional operations. Strong understanding of supply chain, sourcing, manufacturing, inventory planning, and customer operations. Proven ability to leverage an ERP and business systems to improve execution, reporting, and decision-making. Strong financial acumen with experience improving margins, working capital, and operational performance. Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence across functions and levels. Comfortable operating in an entrepreneurial, founder-led environment where adaptability, humility, and hands-on leadership are essential. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by STUDSON to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Tom Haley / 503.334.1350/ tom@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman August 7, 2026
Director, Operations and Supply Chain ABOUT THE COMPANY Warn Automotive (Warn Auto) is a world leader in driveline disconnect technology. Their heritage comes from making WWII surplus Jeeps easier to drive on the road with the first unlocking hubs. They continue today by making disconnects for cars, trucks, and SUVs around the world. These trusted technologies come from years of innovation and listening to customer needs. Warn Auto designs, tests, and manufactures best-in-class products and solutions focusing on our customers’ productivity, efficiency, and profitability. To do that, their teams collaborate worldwide to share knowledge, research, and resources, which have kept them strong and stable since 1925. Warn Auto is a Vehicle Service Group (VSG) company that is part of Dover Corporation ’s Engineered Products segment and is the holding company for some of the most trusted names in the vehicle service industry. ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Operations & Supply Chain is responsible for leading all manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain functions for the Warn Auto business. This role drives operational performance, profitability, quality, and on-time delivery while fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and employee development. Working closely with Dover and Vehicle Service Group leadership, the incumbent develops and executes operational strategies, leverages enterprise resources, and aligns teams, metrics, and processes to achieve business objectives and support long-term growth. KEY Responsibilities Oversee and direct overall production, including efficient use of equipment, materials, and personnel required to produce Tier 1 automotive products. As well as ensuring outgoing quality, safety, and compliance with customer, state, and federal regulations. Direct team of planning, purchasing, and shipping/ receiving personnel to stated strategy, goals, and objectives set forth by the organization. Ensure team is engaged and collaborating across all responsibilities. Including production planning, inventory control, purchasing, receiving, warehousing, and product shipping. Develops and implements policies and procedures, formulating manufacturing operations strategies, building and mentoring manufacturing employees, and driving business results. This includes ensuring quality equipment, materials and production standards, overseeing and maintaining manufacturing budgets and staffing to manufacture quality products that meet customer expectations in the most cost-effective manner. Partners with the executive team in developing business strategy and operating plans. Including leading the creation and implementation of tactical plans to achieve Strategy. Extending to production team leaders and team members through communications tactics, goal alignment, and performance management. Partners with key stakeholders to ensure Continuous Improvement and provide visible support and leadership for Lean initiatives. Drive continuous improvement projects such as lean, 5S, and visualization throughout the Warn Auto operations organization. Review and develop a strategic supply base in collaboration with quality, engineering functions, and the Dover Asia Pacific Office. Drive customer requirements and automotive standards to all suppliers with a focus on clarity and understanding. Including negotiation, review, and management of contracts for all procured goods, services, and capital equipment globally. Develop plans and lead critical supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and terms aligned to strategic goals, automotive requirements, and customer expectations. Including assignment of resources (Dover Sourcing, VSG, APO, 3rd party, and Warn Auto Team) and clear guidance to ensure comprehensive negotiation targets are met across the entire supply base. Develop strategic direction, objectives, tactics, and supporting budgets, justification, and resource plans to ensure corporate growth and financial objectives are met. Includes collaboration with Warn Auto leadership team, VSG Leadership team, and Dover Corporate functions. Partner with sales, marketing, production, finance, and operations to align forecasts, production plans, and business priorities. CANDIDATE PROFILE A bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited college or university is required. MBA is strongly preferred. Minimum ten years of operations and supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing environment. High-volume critical operations such as aerospace and automotive are preferred. Rapid growth and transformation experience preferred. Effective at communicating, verbally and in writing, with all levels of stakeholders and coworkers Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits. Interested in Learning More? 180one has been retained by Warn Automotive to manage this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Nicole Brady at 503-699-0184 or via email at nicole@180one.com .
By Effie Zimmerman August 3, 2026
General Manager, Northern California & Nevada Region ABOUT THE COMPANY With roots dating back to 1938, The Papé Group is the West’s leading supplier of capital equipment solutions. Today, Papé operates across nine states with over 4,000 team members, proudly representing premier brands including John Deere, Kenworth, Hyster, Ditch Witch, and more. What sets Papé apart is its commitment to long-term relationships, both with customers and employees. As a fourth-generation, family-led business, Papé believes in the value of a handshake, the importance of service, and the impact of leadership that stays close to the work. Papé Kenworth is one of the largest Kenworth truck dealers in the Western United States, providing sales, leasing, rental, parts, and service for medium and heavy-duty trucks. Founded in 2007 as part of Papé Group, the division supports commercial fleets and owner-operators with a commitment to maximizing uptime through exceptional customer service, expert technicians, and a network of locations across the West. ABOUT THE POSITION Reporting to the President of the Papé Kenworth business, the General Manager (GM) will be responsible for driving performance, growth, and operational excellence across the Papé Kenworth & Papé Truck Leasing branches in Northern, CA & Nevada. This includes branches in San Leandro, CA, Morgan Hill, CA, Sacramento, CA, and Sparks, NV. This role demands a strategic mindset, operational oversight, and a strong leadership presence to guide branch teams in delivering outstanding service, sales, and profitability. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead and manage the operations of multiple branches, aligning each with company objectives and performance standards. Develop and implement regional sales strategies, forecast performance, and set measurable business goals. Oversee branch budgets, control operating costs, and ensure long-term profitability of the region. Monitor market share trends, competitor activity, and local market dynamics to maintain a competitive edge. Drive customer satisfaction by ensuring exceptional service and support across all departments. Champion a high-performance culture focused on results, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Lead, manage, develop, train, and build leadership and branch teams. Regularly visit branches in the region to ensure operational excellence and to provide leadership and management to managers and team members. All of your efforts are geared towards providing exceptional service to our customers and being the leading Class 8 on-highway, vocational, and Class 6-7 medium-duty truck dealer in the area. If you are a great leader, results-driven, and are looking to make a difference, consider joining Papé today. CANDIDATE PROFILE The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of successful management experience in capital goods or dealership environments. Key strengths include: Strong background in sales, marketing, budgeting, and personnel leadership. Demonstrated experience in developing teams, setting performance goals, and achieving sales targets. Must reside within, or be willing to relocate, to the assigned regional area. Experience developing and executing regional sales strategies that consistently exceed revenue and profitability targets. Experience leading cross-functional teams with preference for leading sales, service, parts, and leasing. Preferred Bachelor’s degree is preferred, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible industry experience. 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in heavy equipment, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, industrial machinery, or other related capital equipment industry. Minimum of 5 years in leadership roles. Interested in Learning More? 180one is an executive search firm and is assisting Papé Group in this search. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please contact Lisa Heffernan / 971.256.3076/ lisa@180one.com .
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