Picture this: You’re applying to work at a major corporation, and as part of your application, you’re asked to interact with a blue avatar that looks like it’s straight out of a Disney movie. This isn’t just for fun or to add a quirky touch to the application process – it’s actually a test. A personality test, to be exact, courtesy of Paradox.ai.
Paradox.ai is an AI company that counts several billion-dollar companies among its clients, including giants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Citizens. Not all of these clients utilize the personality test feature, but a significant number do. And applicants aren’t exactly thrilled about it. The test involves answering a series of questions while interacting with a blue avatar, and many applicants find it both strange and off-putting.
One user, Emanual Maiberg, took to Twitter to voice his frustration: “Getting a dishwashing job at Olive Garden now requires a personality test from an AI company where you respond to more than 60 slides featuring a blue alien called Ash,” he tweeted.
The Controversial Role of Personality Tests in Hiring
Frustration over the use of personality tests in the hiring process isn’t limited to the blue avatars of Paradox.ai. In fact, these tests have become a major point of contention in the job market. According to a report by the Josh Bersin Company and AMS, the average time it took to hire an employee in 2023 reached a record high of 44 days. This is in part due to the increased use of personality tests and other additional screening measures in the hiring process.
“Companies are quick to fire and then are very slow to hire,” says Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence. He compares the current situation to the job market following the 2008 recession.
Dr. Heather Myers, chief IO psychologist at Traitify by Paradox, defends the use of these tests. She tells Fortune that the personality test can be completed in under two minutes and has led to a decrease in turnover of up to 25% for Paradox’s clients.
The Implications of Paradox’s Approach
However, the use of these tests has significant implications for both job applicants and employers. For applicants, the tests add an additional hurdle to the already stressful job search process. They also raise concerns about privacy and the use of personal information.
For employers, the tests can help streamline the hiring process and potentially lead to better job fit. But they also risk alienating potential employees and contributing to a negative company image. As Schawbel points out, a lengthy hiring process can lead to frustration and burnout among existing employees who are waiting for help.
Is it a Worker Shortage or Picky Employers?
Despite the controversy surrounding these tests, their use seems to be on the rise. Some argue that this is a reflection of increasingly picky employers, rather than a worker shortage. “Maybe they’re being too picky. But they don’t think they are,” says Schawbel.
Regardless of the reasons for their use, one thing is clear: these tests are adding a new layer of complexity to the job search process. And as more and more job applicants are asked to take a personality test featuring a blue avatar, it’s clear that the debate over their use is far from over.
So the next time you’re applying for a job and you encounter a blue avatar, remember: it’s not just a cute character. It’s a test. And how you interact with it could have a big impact on your job prospects.
