Quick Enneagram test for candidate screening

Finding qualified candidates with the right culture fit for a role is crucial to your team’s success. Your candidate’s personality type influences their worldview and whether or not they mesh well with your existing employees.

Hiring managers who don’t account for their candidates’ personalities risk hiring someone unsuitable for the role and creating friction within their teams.

Adding a personality test like a quick Enneagram test to your recruitment process can help you better understand your candidates’ personality types. This way, you rule out applicants who aren’t a good culture fit for your team. 

In this article, we explore Enneagram tests' accuracy, duration, and benefits. Plus, we share best practices for incorporating them into your hiring process.

What is an Enneagram test?

An Enneagram test is a personality test that identifies and outlines nine different personality types, their main traits, and how they’re all connected.

TestGorilla’s Enneagram Personality test is based on the Enneagram personality theory developed by South African philosopher Oscar Ichazo and adapted by Claudio Naranjo. The theory uses a nine-pointed diagram called an Enneagram that describes each personality type’s worldview and core beliefs. 

Below are the nine Enneagram personality types TestGorilla’s Enneagram test identifies.

• 1 - The Improver: Improvers are often perfectionists. They have a strong sense of right and wrong and always try to improve themselves and the world around them.

• 2 - The Giver: Caring and selfless, Givers are focused on meeting the needs of others but often neglect their own.

• 3 - The Go-getter: These individuals are motivated, driven, and focused on accomplishments. They tend to seek recognition and admiration.

• 4 - The Contemplator: Type Fours are creative and deeply introspective. They’re also emotionally sensitive and value uniqueness and authenticity.

• 5 - The Pioneer: These individuals are always curious, analytical, highly observant, and enjoys learning new things so they can understand them and feel secure.

• 6 - The Devoted: Type Six individuals are security-oriented, loyal, and reliable. However, they often need a nudge of reassurance from their peers.

• 7 - The Cheerleader: Type Sevens are constantly seeking new experiences, energetic and optimistic. 

• 8 - The Master: These individuals are protective of others, assertive, and confident, with a tendency to lead. 

• 9 - The Agreeable: Those with a Type Nine personality are easygoing and actively seek harmony. They tend to avoid conflict as much as possible. 

For employers, Enneagram tests provide valuable insight into candidates’ personalities and behavioral tendencies.

By using them in your recruitment process, you can identify the personality types that suit your open roles and match your team dynamic. 

Are quick Enneagram tests accurate?

Most psychologists agree that Enneagram tests are fairly accurate thanks to their testing models’ validity and reliability. 

The Riso-Hudson Enneagram Type Indicator (RHETI), for example, has an overall accuracy rate of 72%. 

The test’s accuracy is measured by how consistent its internal reliability scores are for various personality types (typically between 56 and 82%).

That said, there’s always a chance that test-takers may lie, leading to inaccurate results. ​​Recruiters, hiring managers, and employers shouldn’t rely solely on Enneagram tests – or other personality tests – to evaluate candidates. 

They can help you avoid hiring unsuitable candidates and ensure you maintain synergy within your team, but Enneagram test results shouldn’t be the single determining factor in your hiring decisions. Combine them with other multi-measure assessments, such as tests that measure role-specific skills, cognitive ability, and soft skills. This way, you get a well-rounded view of your candidates.

How long does it take to complete an Enneagram test?

Candidates typically take between 10 to 20 minutes to complete a quick Enneagram test. 

TestGorilla’s 10-minute Enneagram Personality test showcases how efficient this test can be. It comprises 45 straightforward questions that ask candidates to select responses that best match their views and personality.

Short and easy tests help you avoid turning away good candidates. Our test’s brevity minimizes hiring process disruption while providing you with valuable insights about your prospective hires. 

Benefits of Enneagram test results during hiring

They enhance your team dynamics

Enneagram tests can help you create a well-rounded team by showing you the different personality types that work well together. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions as it encourages creativity, collaboration, and a healthy exchange of ideas.

For example, if your team consists of a Devoted, a Cheerleader, and an Agreeable person, you can add a Master personality type to the group. The Master and Cheerleader types will reassure the Devoted type when needed, and the Agreeable type will help keep the peace during disagreements.

You can understand candidates on a deeper level

By discovering a candidate’s fears, motivations, and desires, you can assess whether or not they’re compatible with your company’s culture. For instance, if your team requires a lot of collaboration to complete projects, you’ll need an Agreeable personality type who can work well with others and avoids conflicts.

They help you improve employee retention and engagement

With test results in mind, you can take action and foster a work environment that addresses each of your team members' unique needs. This can make employees more engaged and, in turn, improve retention.

For example, by understanding that Devoted personalities occasionally need a confidence boost, you can create recognition programs that encourage them to trust their abilities to succeed based on their accomplishments. 

Learn more: Reasons to use an Enneagram test in the hiring process

Effective ways to roll out Enneagram tests to candidates

To successfully implement Enneagram tests in your hiring process, consider the following key components.

Communication

Explain to your candidates the test's purpose and how it benefits them. Also, be sure to reassure them that their results will remain confidential. 

Timing

Ensure you introduce the Enneagram test at an appropriate stage in the recruitment process. For example, you can request that candidates take the test after they’ve submitted their initial application and resume. Then, you can use the results to guide your interview.

Interpretation

Invest in training to ensure you and others at your organization can interpret Enneagram test results effectively. Knowing how to interpret results correctly helps you avoid mis-hires.

Use the Enneagram test with skills testing to hire the best

Quick Enneagram tests take 10-20 minutes to complete and provide valuable insights into candidates’ personality types and behavioral tendencies. 

Using a quick Enneagram test with other assessments, you can make a well-informed decision when selecting your new employees and build a stronger, more cohesive workforce.

TestGorilla's Enneagram Personality test is a reliable and efficient option that’s easy to roll out and quick for candidates to complete. Get started with TestGorilla today by signing up for a free plan.