Reading My Own Tea Leaves

After many years in the world of publishing, joining TheLadders has been a great chance to shake off the cobwebs and learn new things: creating new products, working in a dynamic start-up environment, and collaborating with a very different set of professionals from the editors and publishers of my earlier career.

One important tool in this process of self-assessment: TheLadders has periodically offered my colleagues and me the opportunity to take standardized tests that measure our personality traits and how best we handle challenges.

Not too surprisingly, my tests reveal that I’m wired for empathy; I’m highly sensitive to the feelings of individuals and groups, and I seek solutions that people can relate to emotionally as well as intellectually. That’s a pretty good description of the kind of work I do — finding answers to questions that vex our readers — and it’s stimulating to bring those skills to the table when working with colleagues who are driven more by logic, process or other factors.

In this week’s package, Debra Donston-Miller takes a look at employers’ increasing use of personality testing to quantify the fit between a job seeker and an open position. She spoke to a variety of professionals who administer these tests, and she presents their advice on how best to approach a personality assessment.

Among its other uses, it’s a great way to understand more clearly how others may see you — including your future boss. The clearer your view in the mirror, the more effectively you can polish your personal brand.