This article summarises the evidence that personality tests help people learn and improve their performance. It found little evidence to support their wide-scale use as development tools (as opposed to recruitment tools), suggesting that people professionals should use them with caution.

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership

Reviewed by

Jonny Gifford, former Senior Adviser for Organisational Behaviour, CIPD

Jonny’s work centred on conducting applied research in employment and people management, and strengthening links between academia and practice. He led the CIPD’s work on evidence-based HR and academic knowledge exchange.

Jonny is an Academic Member of the CIPD, a Fellow of the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa), and a PhD candidate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

  • Guide

    Right to work checks: Guide for people professionals

    This guide provides practical advice on carrying out key checks during recruitment to ensure an employee has the right to work, what visa considerations to make and practical aspects to consider when offering employment

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Pre-employment checks: Factsheet

    Factsheet outlining the basics of pre-employment checks (including right to work checks) required when hiring in the UK

    For Members
    • All Bitesize research