Tom Mulligan: I Applied for a Job and They Made Me Take a Test

By Tom Mulligan 

I applied for a job and they made me take a test. I passed it; I think…

Lots of people apply for jobs every day. Many–if not most–find themselves taking some type of personality profile test or questionnaire. In trying to pass the test, many fail. It’s not as if you are shopping for used pianos–which can be tricky–but you’re looking for the next big step in your career.

What’s going on? Personality profiles cannot be passed. Nor can they be failed. But they can have that effect on getting the job.

Think of the time you applied for a job you really wanted. You got dressed in your best clothes, made sure your resume and references were in the best shape they can be, got yourself on your best behavior, and proceeded to psych yourself up for the win. You sparkled.

That’s where it started to go wrong.

When we meet people, who are interviewing us for a job, the first thing we recognize is that they have a job in the company we are applying for. They are the type of people who have “won”. Since we are doing our best, thinking on our feet and conquering the moment, we may use this as a model for how to get an edge. In doing our best, we are hurting our chances.

First mistake.

Many HR people and hiring managers consider DISC one of the leading methodologies for profiling. Like all others, the intent is not just to find out about you but to make a judgment about how the job matches you. Certified DISC profilers can detect attempts to “push” the results. Some is expected. Lots of “push” is a disqualifier.

Second mistake.

Unless you are applying for a job as a hiring manager, you may be mirroring the wrong behavior. It may seem incredible, but you may be disqualifying yourself.

Last (and worst) mistake.

It might work. You’ll get the job and in short order find yourself miserable. So, you look for another one, and then another. Each time your sparkle fades. You have become a job hopper.

Ask yourself: where is your posture in an interview? Are you convinced that you are right for the job? If so, have the courage to relax. Let the profile help you by allowing it to work.

You just might sparkle enough as it is.

Tom Mulligan brings to the Coffman Group a record of uninterrupted success in sales and sales training.  He is an award-winning performer at the fortune 500 level and has helped thousands of small businesses achieve their goals. He understands business owners because he is one. He is known for his unrelenting enthusiasm and energy making him highly sought after to coach organizations looking for immediate improvement. When you are ready for real results, call on Tom and the Coffman Group at (913) 488-3766. You and your business deserve the best.