Ace the Corporate Personality Test [Paperback]

Edward Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 2000

Virtually everyone looking for corporate work today must submit to a personality test. Better plan ahead and prepare yourself with this quick and easy guide to out-foxing and out-psyching the dreaded test. Author Edward Hoffman delivers a jargon-free tutorial on what applicants can expect from the test. He explains what six dimensions of personality the test measures, how the test is evaluated, and most importantly, what employers can and can’t ask applicants. Ace the Corporate Personality Test also features: Sample questions and scripted answers from tests that are widely used. Advice on how to frame your answers so they fit the particular position you’re seeking, whether in sales, management, or elsewhere. Detailed tips on how to conquer pre-test jitters and optimize concentration. Insights into legal issues and the rights of applicants regarding test results. Learn how to position yourself for the job you want, and ensure that your personality test says everything you want it to say to prospective employers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Ace the Corporate Personality Test By Edward Hoffman, Ph.D. Put your best self forward and pass any personality test with flying colors! Your resume is top notch. Your skills are in demand. But how does your personality measure up—on paper? Competition in today's business world is fierce. Each year thousands of applicants vie for a handful of job openings. More and more corporations are relying on personality testing to identify the most promising candidates for hire. Virtually every company on Wall Street, and all the leading consulting firms, requires applicants to submit to personality testing. Are you prepared for the test that stands between you and your dream job? Ace the Corporate Personality Test reveals the secrets to making the grade—and getting the job. Conversational and free from confusing jargon, this essential resource shows you how to outsmart and psyche-out the personality tests required by the corporate world. Drawing from more than two decades of experience, renowned clinical psychologist Edward Hoffman explores the six key dimensions measured by personality tests. In plain English, he shows you how to dramatically improve your score and how to frame your answers to fit the position you are seeking. Within these pages you'll find priceless information on preparing and taking tests, calming pre-test jitters, and honing your concentration. You'll also discover: •Over 400 sample questions and answers based on leading personality tests •A helpful glossary of frequently used testing terms •Expert tips, tricks, and techniques to boost your score •Your legal rights regarding psychological testing •What questions an employer can and cannot ask under the law, and much more. Ace the Corporate Personality Test equips you with invaluable inside information—and a leading edge over the competition. About the Author Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., is the critically acclaimed author of The Right to Be Human, The Drive for Self, and Future Visions: The Unpublished Papers of Abraham Maslow. A licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City, he has over 20 years of professional experience with an emphasis on psychological evaluation, and lectures widely throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

About the Author

Edward Hoffman, Ph.D. (New York, NY), is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of professional experience emphasizing psychological evaluation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1 edition (September 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071359125
• ISBN-13: 978-0071359122
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Watch out!, June 28, 2002

By 

Lisa Evans - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ace the Corporate Personality Test (Paperback)

This is probably a great book if you're interviewing for an entry-level or medium-level position. But be careful if it is for a higher-level position...

...First of all, Mr. Hoffman points out that you should either chose "1" or "5" because testers like the extremes. At higher levels, it appears the testers don't need extreme points of view on all things. In fact, it might suggest inflexibility. But he is right that you should not chose "3" for everything either.

Secondly, Mr. Hoffman suggests you choose "5" in all things relating to Extraversion if the job you seek is in sales or directly related to sales... However, the test I took interpreted my selecting "5" on Extraversion as me having a massive Donald-Trump-sized ego. In fact, the test results did not even have extroversion as a category.

My suggestion is buy the book to understand why people use the test, but be honest about yourself. Who wants to test into a position that is incompatible with your personality anyway?

22 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars UH OH!!!, September 6, 2002

By 

L. Dann "adhdmom" (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ace the Corporate Personality Test (Paperback)

I must react to those who have taken the high moral ground in this debate relative to "Tell the Truth, etc." We're talking corporations here, and not Ben and Jerry's. Any person who has any idea of their own inner world and motivations knows that we are complex and frequently conflicted beings. We may crave notoriety or we may struggle with a naturally shy personality, but we have free will and thus we behave as we must to survive. Like the vegetable vendor who sells his bushel of fruit by placing the perfect pieces on the top; if you want cash for your tomatos, learn how to do likewise. And the honesty, if it is to be maintained, is a two way process is it not? But do the employers stipulate what sort of personality-types they are seeking?
Frankly, the fact that psychology- a healing discipline- is perjured in this manner is unsettling. The individual subordinated to the workplace agenda.
If people did not manipulate their scores, the shy and the 'honest' would be shuttled to the streets. Only an honest person would admit to stealing or cheating or other 'red flags.' If this author is correct- they would be disqualified. One of my questions was do I wish people would seek my autograph? Honestly- yes, if I wrote a great book or if I negotiated peace somewhere- but do I wish I were Brittney or any celebrity gracing People magazine? Frankly, not at all. So, what do you answer? Well you answer- yes, if you wish to be interpreted as a go-getter extrovert. If the author is correct, and my hunch says that he is, most employers are seeking a workaholic, extraverted, squeaky clean, visionary. How's that for a nightmare co-worker?

My advice is to read the book, get the job and be as good a person as you can. As to the moralists- Only the out-of-work preachers may apply.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wear a business suit, wear a business personality -- no difference, March 31, 2007

By 

Stormin' Norman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ace the Corporate Personality Test (Paperback)

Is it unethical to wear a full business suit to an interview? Do you wear business suits all the time? You don't? Do you plan to wear a full business suit every day to work? No? Then why do you think it's ok to wear a business suit to an interview? Aren't you just "pretending" to be somebody you're not? Shouldn't you "just be honest"?

Huh--you say wearing a business suit has nothing to do with being honest? It's ok? You say you wouldn't even consider showing up at an interview without a good suit? Neither would I.

We agree? Great! You'll pass that test.

Why does everybody wear the suit? We're just showing the business side of ourselves. See the point? We all have a businesslike side inside of us. We wear a suit to show we can be businesslike, to show that side of ourself. No problem.

Then, why should a personality be any different? When you take a personality test, you should "wear a business personality." Show the business side of your personality too. It's no different. No big deal. Let out your inner business person. Employers want to know that about you too.

Don't know what a business personality is? Read this book.

Nobody is always the same, we all have many sides to who we "are." I am about a thousand different people all crammed into one person. Aren't we all? Who we "really" are--what an absurd concept.

Personality tests in business are NOT about who you "really" are. They're about finding out if you are:
(A) smart enough to know how to be businesslike (in dress as well as attitude), and
(B) willing to demonstrate that knowledge in business situations (like at an interview, for instance).

If you don't know how to dress appropriately and if you can't find an appropriate business personality inside yourself I wouldn't hire you either.

Get a grip on this. Then put on your business suit, put on your business personality, show that side of yourself and get your job.

Hope I've helped clear that up.

Cheers!