Picture personality test vs. traditional personality tests: What’s the difference?

When it comes to hiring the right talent, HR professionals know that personality assessments are a game-changer. They help you understand candidates beyond their resumes, giving you insights into how they might fit into your team, handle challenges, and contribute to your company culture. 

But with so many personality tests out there, how do you choose the right one?

Explore the PicOCEAN test, a modern, picture-based personality assessment developed by Testlify. It’s designed to evaluate the Big 5 personality traits in a way that’s tailored for today’s workplace. But how does it stack up against traditional personality tests? 

Let’s dive in and explore the differences, benefits, and why this picture personality test might just be the tool your HR team needs.

Summarise this post with:

The basics of traditional personality tests

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of picture-based tests, let’s first understand what traditional personality tests are all about.

What are traditional personality tests?

Traditional personality tests are questionnaires or surveys that ask candidates to respond to a series of statements or questions. 

These tests are designed to measure various personality traits, often based on well-established psychological models like the Big 5 Personality Traits (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism).

Examples of traditional personality tests include:

• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Focuses on categorizing people into 16 personality types.
• NEO Personality Inventory: Measures the Big 5 traits in detail.
• DISC assessment: Evaluates behavior based on Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.

How do traditional personality tests work?

Candidates are typically asked to rate how much they agree or disagree with statements like:

• “I enjoy working in teams.”
• “I am highly organized and detail-oriented.”
• “I feel comfortable taking the lead in group projects.”

These responses are then analyzed to provide insights into the candidate’s personality traits, strengths, and potential areas for development.

Pros of traditional personality tests

1. Well-established: Many traditional tests have been around for decades and are backed by extensive research.
2. Detailed insights: They often provide in-depth analysis of personality traits.
3. Wide acceptance: Employers and candidates are generally familiar with these tests.

Cons of traditional personality tests

1. Time-consuming: Some tests can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
2. Self-reporting bias: Candidates may answer in a way they think employers want to hear, rather than being completely honest.
3. Less Engaging: Long questionnaires can feel tedious, leading to disengagement.

Basics of picture personality test

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about the new kid on the block: picture-based personality tests. Specifically, we’ll focus on PicOCEAN test, Testlify’s new picture-based personalty assessment. 

What is a picture personality test?

Our picture personality test is a modern, picture personality test that evaluates the Big 5 personality traits in a way that’s tailored for today’s workplace. 

Instead of asking candidates to respond to text-based statements, PicOCEAN uses interactive images to measure personality traits.

How picture personality test works?

Candidates are presented with a series of images and asked to interact with them in specific ways. For example, they might be asked to choose the image that best represents how they would handle a certain situation or to describe what they see in an abstract image.

These interactions are then analyzed to assess the candidate’s personality traits, with a focus on five key areas:

• PicO: Openness to Experience: Creativity, adaptability, and curiosity.
• PicC: Conscientiousness: Responsibility, resilience, and goal-driven behavior.
• PicE: Extraversion: Energy, sociability, and leadership.
• PicA: Agreeableness: Collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork.
• PicN: Navigability: Adaptability in complex, fast-paced environments.

Pros of picture personality test

1. Engaging and fun: The use of images makes the test more interactive and enjoyable for candidates.
2. Fast and efficient: PicOCEAN is designed to be completed quickly, saving time for both candidates and HR teams.
3. Reduced bias: The picture-based format minimizes self-reporting bias, as candidates are less likely to overthink their responses.
4. Mobile-friendly: Candidates can take the test on their phones, making it convenient and accessible.
5. Modern relevance: PicOCEAN’s traits are updated to reflect the complexities of today’s workplace, such as adaptability and resilience.

Cons of picture personality test

1. Novelty factor: Some candidates and HR teams may be unfamiliar with picture-based tests, requiring a bit of training.
2. Limited long-term data: As a newer test, PicOCEAN may not have the same depth of long-term research as traditional tests (though it is validated and reliable).

Key differences between picture personality tests and traditional tests

Now that we’ve covered the basics of both types of tests, let’s compare them side by side.

Aspect	Traditional tests	Picture personality test
Format and delivery	Text-based questionnaires with multiple-choice or Likert scale responses.	Interactive, image-based assessments that engage candidates visually.
Candidate experience	Can feel monotonous and time-consuming, leading to potential disengagement.	More engaging and enjoyable, encouraging candidates to complete the test with focus and enthusiasm.
Speed and efficiency	Often take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.	Designed to be completed quickly, in approximately 70 seconds.
Bias and honesty	Prone to self-reporting bias, as candidates may answer in a socially desirable way.	Minimizes bias by using abstract images that don’t lend themselves to “correct” answers.
Relevance to modern workplaces	Based on well-established models but may not fully capture the complexities of today’s fast-paced, globalized, and technology-driven workplaces.	Tailored for modern workplaces, with traits like Navigability that reflect the need for adaptability and resilience.

Why should HR teams consider picOCEAN?

If you’re an HR professional, you’re probably wondering: “Why should I switch to a picture-based personality test like PicOCEAN?” Here are a few compelling reasons.

1. Better candidate engagement

Let’s face it, traditional personality tests can be boring. PicOCEAN’s interactive, image-based format makes the assessment process more enjoyable for candidates, which can lead to higher completion rates and more accurate results.

2. Faster hiring process

Time is of the essence in recruitment. PicOCEAN’s quick completion time means you can assess candidates faster, speeding up your hiring process without sacrificing quality.

3. Reduced bias

By minimizing self-reporting bias, PicOCEAN provides a more accurate picture of a candidate’s true personality. This can help you make more objective hiring decisions.

4. Alignment with modern workplace needs

PicOCEAN’s updated traits, such as Navigability, reflect the skills and competencies that are essential in today’s workplace. This ensures that you’re selecting candidates who are not only a good cultural fit but also equipped to thrive in a dynamic environment.

5. Mobile-friendly design

In a world where candidates are often on the go, PicOCEAN’s mobile-friendly design makes it easy for them to complete the assessment anytime, anywhere.

How to choose the right picture personality test for your organization?

So, how do you decide whether a traditional personality test or a picture-based test like PicOCEAN is right for your organization? Here are a few factors to consider.

1. Your hiring goals

If you’re looking for a quick, engaging way to assess candidates, a picture personality test might be the better choice. If you need highly detailed insights and are willing to invest more time, a traditional test could be more suitable.

2. Candidate experience

Consider how your candidates might respond to each type of test. Will they find a traditional questionnaire tedious, or will they enjoy the interactive nature of a test like PicOCEAN?

3. Time constraints

If you’re working with tight deadlines, PicOCEAN’s speed and efficiency could be a major advantage.

4. Budget

While both types of tests can vary a bit in cost, consider the long-term value of each. A more engaging, modern test like PicOCEAN could lead to better hiring outcomes, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Final thoughts

Personality tests are a powerful tool for HR professionals, helping you make smarter hiring decisions and build stronger teams. While traditional personality tests have their merits, picture personality tests like PicOCEAN offer a fresh, modern approach that’s better suited to today’s workplace needs.

With its engaging format, quick completion time, and focus on modern traits like Navigability, PicOCEAN is a valuable addition to any HR toolkit. So why not give it a try?

Testlify is a talent assessment tool designed to help recruiters assess candidates effectively. With innovative solutions like the PicOCEAN test, Testlify is revolutionizing the way organizations evaluate personality traits and competencies, ensuring you find the right talent for your team.