When used effectively, the tests can show a company the particular strengths of potential employees. This can then help to guide their decision-making process when it comes to choosing the right person for the job. The assessment uses a series of paired sentences to draw conclusions about the personality of the person taking the test. An individual’s answers are compared against a list of key personality traits. The results are then analysed and used to highlight their top five strengths.
Who Is CliftonStrengths Assessment for?
The CliftonStrengths assessment can be used by anybody who would like to develop insight into their personal strengths. It is most commonly used by recruiters as part of the employment process when a company is looking to hire graduates or individuals for higher management positions. This is because it is an effective tool in highlighting the key skills of candidates. The test is often used to decide how well an individual would fit within a company and is particularly helpful for employers who are looking for a very specific skill set in their employees. Employers are also able to use the results of the assessment to gain an insight as to how they can improve someone’s strengths in a way that is beneficial to their company.
What Does the CliftonStrengths Test Assess?
The test assesses a person’s strengths in relation to 34 key personality traits. These traits are separated into four distinct themes: Strategic Thinking, Relationship Building, Influencing and Executing.
Strategic Thinking
Analytical – The ability to analyse a situation and decide on the best course of action Context – The ability to understand how historical information can influence the present Futuristic – The ability to inspire others with their visions for the future Ideation – The ability to take an interest in the ideas of others, as well as their own Input – The ability to increase their own knowledge through various forms of input Intellection – The ability to appreciate the intelligence of others and thoughtful discussion Learner – The ability to continually learn and expand on their skills Strategic – The ability to create various strategies in order to reach a goal
Relationship Building
Adaptability – The ability to adapt when a situation changes Connectedness – The ability to connect with others Developer – The ability to develop others in a way that helps them to grow Empathy – The ability to understand the emotions and feelings of others Harmony – The ability to work well with others in a way which avoids conflict Includer – The ability to accept and include others Individualization – Identifying the strengths of others in order to enable each person to work to the best of their ability Positivity – The ability to remain positive or look for the positive aspects of a situation Relator – The ability to form strong, meaningful relationships with others
Influencing
Activator – The ability to turn thoughts and words into actions Command – The ability to take charge of a situation Communication – The ability to put thoughts into words and communicate effectively with others Competition – The ability to compare their own personal goals and progress to others in a way which stimulates growth Maximiser – The ability to maximise the strength of a team by focussing on the key skills and strengths of each individual Self-assurance – The ability to believe in themselves and the way they manage their own lives Woo – The ability to meet new people and connect with them in a positive way
Executing
Achiever – The ability to enjoy productivity and ambition Arranger – The ability to arrange tasks in a way that maximises productivity while still allowing for flexibility Belief – The ability to develop their own beliefs in a way that guides their core values and actions Consistency – The ability to set clear, consistent boundaries and stick to them Deliberative – The ability to anticipate future problems and prepare for them Discipline – The ability to focus on a routine and follow something through to the end Focus – The ability to focus and prioritise tasks effectively Responsibility – The ability to take ownership and hold responsibility for tasks Restorative – The ability to find solutions to problems quickly and easily
What to Expect On Your CliftonStrengths Assessment
If you are asked to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment as part of your job application, it might be useful to know what to expect. Candidates are typically given one hour to answer 177 questions. The questions are formatted as pairs of sentences which may appear similar or as opposites. You will need to pick one sentence from each pair that you feel most closely relates to your personality. Each pair is designed to indicate a different personality trait, which builds an image as to which traits are strongest for each person. The exact scoring system for the CliftonStrengths assessment can vary depending on who it is being used by. While assessments that are completed for personal insight are generally scored using a similar system, tests completed as part of a recruitment process may be slightly different, as they could be looking for employees with particular personality traits. Occasionally, however, you may find that they are formatted as a sentence with a list of options indicating how much you feel the statements reflect your personality. The two styles of question have been highlighted below.
Sample One
I am happy to lead in a group situation. a) Strongly describes me b) Describes me slightly c) Neutral d) Doesn’t really describe me e) Doesn’t describe me at all
Sample Two
Select the sentence that applies most to you: I am a sensitive person I am a logical person
What Does a CliftonStrengths Report Tell You?
When you see your report, you will notice that it highlights your top five personality strengths from the list of 34 core traits. This does not mean that you do not have other strong areas of your personality, but instead indicates that these five traits are the most prominent. Sometimes, you will be able to access a further, more detailed report. This will show all 34 traits in order of strength. By looking at your results, you will be able to see which areas are your strongest, but also which areas you perhaps need to improve. This can help to give you an insight as to which job roles would suit you best or how to increase your scores in other areas.
How to Prepare For the CliftonStrengths Assessment
When it comes to preparing for the CliftonStrengths, there is very little you can do to revise. It is essentially a personality test and, as such, is only designed to measure your personality rather than intelligence or ability. There are, however, a few things you can do to help you feel more prepared ahead of the assessment. The advantage of taking one of these tests is that it will familiarise you with what to expect when you sit the real thing and help you feel more confident. While there are plenty of free practice tests online, you can also find complete preparation packs on websites such as JobTestPrep. It is also worth noting that, as the test is timed, taking practice tests can be useful when it comes to ensuring that you are able to finish it, allowing you to paint a complete picture of your personality traits. It is also always a good idea to research the company you are applying for. This can help you to understand the values that the business holds. Breathing exercises can help to calm you and help you to properly focus on the task in hand.
Get Enough Rest
It may seem obvious, but you will always perform better in any kind of test if you are well-rested. Your ability to concentrate and focus will be inhibited if you are tired, and it can also increase feelings of anxiety.
Be Yourself
Remember, this is essentially a personality test. It is vitally important that you answer the questions truthfully and honestly so that the results are accurate. It may seem like a good idea to answer in a way that you think the employer wants, but this will not benefit you in the long run – it may mean you are offered a job you really aren’t suited to.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember about the CliftonStrengths assessment is that there are no wrong answers. It is a personality test and, as such, it is an opportunity to show a potential employer exactly who you are, what makes you tick and what you are passionate about. While a company may be looking for a specific set of personality traits in a potential employee, it is more important to be yourself. Even if you aren’t offered the role after taking the test, you will gain valuable insight into your personality that can help to guide you when it comes to applying for other jobs in the future.
