Ask HN: What do you think about the use of personality tests during recruitment? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What do you think about the use of personality tests during recruitment?

2 pointsFeistySkink5 comments

What is your opinion on the increasing use of personality tests such as Myers-Briggs (MBTI), Big 5, Master Person Analysis (MPA), or various other "fun" cognitive games by tech companies? This seems to be especially prevalent in Scandinavian companies for some reason. Do you think these tests provide valuable insights into candidates' potential for success, or are they just another box to tick in the hiring process?

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I don't know about all of the "tests" you listed, I've only run into the debunked and discredited MBTI. I refuse, and if pressed I suggest the MBTI may violate the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). That has always ended the discussion. By mentioning the ADA I have put the recruiter or HR "coach" into a sticky position, because if they insist I take the test to proceed I may have grounds to sue for discrimination.

In general the ADA requires that personality and intelligence tests have some scientific basis, have some relationship to the job, and get administered professionally and fairly. Since the MBTI administered by some freelance "career coach" won't pass those criteria I've never had to do it.

I do offer my zodiac sign, since it has as much scientific basis and predictive value as the MBTI. Amazing that companies continue to waste time and money on this nonsense.

Hiring people is hard: adding a few elements that might be seen as objective may provide comfort to HR and hiring managers.

(I have hired plenty of people, and been hired by plenty. The only firm that I can remember giving me one of those sorts of tests was the most unpleasant place that I have ever worked!)

It filters out people who won't take a personality test.

That's probably a good measure of cultural fit for business cultures that put stock in personality tests.

The only time I filled one of these out on a job posting, it wound up being a front for Scientology.

I think I was given a handwriting test once at a major company, which was difficult as I have printed since like 2nd grade. I might have been snarky and asked if phrenology was next. Didn’t get that job.

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