Of all the tests required for selection, personality tests have generated lot of heat and controversy. The definition of personality, methods of measuring personality factors and the relationship between personality factors and actual job criteria have been the subject of much discussion.
Researchers have also questioned whether applicants answer all the items truthfully or whether they try to respond in a socially desirable manner. Regardless of these objections, many people still consider personality as an important component of job success.
Personality tests are used to measure basic aspects of an applicant’s personality such as motivation, emotional balance, self-confidence, interpersonal behaviour, introversion, etc. The most frequently used tests are the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPL), the California Psychological Inventory, the Manifest Anxiety Scale, Edwards Personal Performance Schedule, etc.