What is the Enneagram test and how to use it to hire the best talent?

Recruiters are constantly looking for innovative and effective tools. One such tool that has gained popularity in recent years is the Enneagram test. This personality assessment can provide valuable insights into candidates’ behaviors, motivations, and potential fit within a team or organization.

A study by Harvard Business Review states that using the Enneagram test in recruitment has been shown to increase hiring accuracy by up to 15%, as it provides deep insights into candidates’ motivations and behaviors.

In this blog, we’ll explore what the Enneagram test is, how it works, and how recruiters can use it to make informed hiring decisions.

Summarise this post with:

What is the Enneagram?

The Enneagram test is a personality assessment that categorizes people into one of nine personality types. Each type has its own set of motivations, fears, desires, and behaviors. This test goes deeper than other personality tests by revealing the underlying drivers of a person’s actions.

How does the enneagram test work?

The Enneagram test typically involves a series of questions designed to assess an individual’s preferences, behaviors, and thought patterns. Based on the responses, the test determines the individual’s primary Enneagram type, along with secondary influences known as “wings” and “subtypes.” These results provide a comprehensive profile of the individual’s personality.

How to use the Enneagram test in recruitment

To use the Enneagram test in your hiring process, follow these steps:

1. Pre-screening: Use the test as an initial screening tool to filter candidates who may not align with your company culture.
2. Interview stage: Include Enneagram-based questions in your interviews to understand candidates’ personalities better.
3. Team dynamics: Assess how a candidate’s Enneagram type will fit with existing team members to build balanced teams.

Benefits of using the enneagram test in recruitment

Understanding candidates on a deeper level can significantly enhance the recruitment process. The Enneagram test provides valuable insights into personality traits, helping recruiters make more informed decisions.

Deeper understanding of candidates

The Enneagram test goes beyond surface-level traits to uncover candidates’ underlying motivations and fears. This deeper understanding can help recruiters identify candidates who are not only qualified but also align well with the company’s values and culture.

Improved team dynamics

By understanding the Enneagram types of team members, recruiters and managers can create more balanced and effective teams. Knowing how different types interact can help prevent conflicts and enhance collaboration.

Enhanced employee development

The Enneagram test can also be a valuable tool for employee development. By identifying areas for growth and potential challenges, managers can provide targeted support and training to help employees reach their full potential.

Implementing the Enneagram test in the hiring process

Integrating the Enneagram test into your hiring strategy can streamline the selection of the best talent. Learn how to effectively incorporate and utilize this tool in different stages of recruitment.

Integrating the Enneagram test into the application process

To incorporate the Enneagram test into your hiring process, start by including it as part of the application or pre-screening phase. Inform candidates that the test is a standard part of your recruitment process and explain its purpose. This transparency helps set expectations and reduces any potential concerns.

Analyzing test results

Once candidates complete the Enneagram test, review the results in conjunction with other assessment tools, such as interviews and skills tests. Look for patterns and insights that align with the requirements of the role and the dynamics of the team.

Using Enneagram insights in interviews

During interviews, use the Enneagram insights to ask targeted questions that delve deeper into candidates’ behaviors and motivations. For example, if a candidate is identified as a Type 3 (The Achiever), you might ask about their approach to setting and achieving goals or how they handle failure.

Making informed hiring decisions

Combine the Enneagram test results with other evaluation criteria to make well-rounded hiring decisions. Consider how the candidate’s Enneagram type complements the existing team and whether their motivations align with the company’s values and goals.

Practical tips for recruiters

Maximize the benefits of the Enneagram test with practical and ethical application strategies. These tips will help recruiters use the test results effectively and responsibly in the hiring process.

Ensure ethical use

While the Enneagram test can provide valuable insights, it’s essential to use it ethically. Avoid making hiring decisions solely based on Enneagram types and ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly and objectively.

Provide training for hiring managers

To maximize the effectiveness of the Enneagram test, provide training for hiring managers on how to interpret and use the results. This training can help them understand the nuances of each type and apply the insights in a meaningful way.

Combine with other assessment tools

The Enneagram test should be one of several tools used in the hiring process. Combine it with skills assessments, behavioral interviews, and reference checks to get a comprehensive view of each candidate.

Communicate the benefits to candidates

When introducing the Enneagram test to candidates, communicate its benefits clearly. Explain how it helps in creating better team dynamics, supporting employee development, and ensuring a good cultural fit.

Case studies: Successful use of the enneagram test in recruitment

Real-world examples highlight how organizations have successfully implemented the Enneagram test in their hiring processes. These case studies demonstrate the practical benefits and outcomes of using this assessment tool.

1. A tech startup

A tech startup implemented the Enneagram test as part of their recruitment process for software developers. By understanding the Enneagram types of their candidates, they were able to build balanced teams that included a mix of Innovators (Type 5), Achievers (Type 3), and Peacemakers (Type 9). This combination led to improved collaboration and innovation within the team.

2. A marketing agency

A marketing agency used the Enneagram test to hire for creative roles. They found that Individualists (Type 4) excelled in roles requiring creativity and self-expression, while Helpers (Type 2) were great at client relations and team support. By aligning candidates’ Enneagram types with specific job roles, the agency saw increased job satisfaction and productivity.

3. A healthcare organization

A healthcare organization used the Enneagram test to improve their hiring process for patient care roles. They discovered that Loyalists (Type 6) and Helpers (Type 2) were particularly well-suited for these roles due to their empathy and reliability. This insight led to higher retention rates and better patient care outcomes.

Conclusion: Leveraging the enneagram test for better hiring outcomes

The Enneagram test offers recruiters a powerful tool for understanding candidates’ deeper motivations and behaviors. By incorporating this assessment into the hiring process, recruiters can make more informed decisions, improve team dynamics, and support employee development. As with any assessment tool, it’s important to use the Enneagram test ethically and in conjunction with other evaluation methods to ensure a fair and comprehensive hiring process.

By leveraging the insights provided by the Enneagram test, recruiters can hire the best talent and create teams that are not only skilled but also cohesive and aligned with the organization’s values. The result is a more effective and harmonious workplace where employees can thrive and contribute to the company’s success.

Testlify offers robust skills assessment features with assessments like the Enneagram test. Gain deeper insights into your candidates’ competencies and personality traits, ensuring you hire the best fit for your team. With Testlify, you can enhance your hiring accuracy, streamline your recruitment workflow, and build stronger, more cohesive teams. Start your free trial and discover how Testlify can revolutionize your hiring process.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)