What If We Valued Everyone’s Uniqueness?

Are those tests makes us shine?

A Recurring Frustration with Psychometric Tests

I’ve always struggled with psychometric tests. Every time, I walk away with a bitter taste, feeling like I haven’t been able to truly explain who I am. The answer choices are often too rigid, too simplistic. And the question that keeps coming to mind: it depends on the context!

Here’s an example:

A colleague comes to you and shares an upsetting event. How do you respond? A) You listen and show empathy. B) You try to find a solution to their problem. C) You change the subject to avoid getting emotional.

You feel trapped. If I choose A, does that mean I spend my whole day listening to others at the expense of my work? If I choose B, does that make me someone who can’t just be present without trying to "fix" things? And C, does that label me as insensitive? In reality, it all depends on the situation, the colleague, and the context…

A Memorable Story: When a Test Almost Closed a Door for Me

During my first interview at Desjardins for a cashier position, everything went wonderfully. I then moved on to the next step: psychometric tests.

After the tests, when signing my employment contract, the director told me they were happy to welcome me but had hesitated. Why? Because according to the tests, I came across as detached, lacking empathy! Fortunately, my interview had given them a completely different impression, and they decided to give me a chance.

They never regretted it. My career path led me to become a director and to have, in turn, the opportunity to hire talent.

When I think back to the moment I was taking that test, I so badly wanted to write: yes, but it depends on the context… However, with only three or four answer choices, there was no room for nuance. And when your future depends on these answers, the choice becomes a real dilemma.

This experience taught me a crucial lesson: preparing to shine in an interview is essential. Because I am living proof that this moment can be far more decisive than a test.

Why These Tests Don’t Always Work

Psychometric tests attempt to categorize us, to put labels on us. But by trying to reduce our complexity to a few answer choices, they overlook a fundamental truth: we are human beings with infinite nuances.

• Context influences our decisions. What I answer today might be different tomorrow.

• We are not just one personality trait. We adapt our behaviors based on our environment and situations.

• These tests create an illusion of scientific precision, but they are limited. In reality, they offer a frozen snapshot, whereas our evolution is continuous.

My Vision: A Test That Sparks Dialogue, Not a Rigid Mold

I have always believed: if I ever had my own business, it would offer tailor-made solutions. Because every individual has their own approach, potential, goals, and unique personality.

That’s why, when I designed my own approach to better understand individual potential, I was determined not to make it a rigid framework. My goal is not to put people in a box but rather to open a conversation, to offer a starting point for exploring their strengths and potential together.

• This method doesn’t give a label; it provides a direction.

• The results serve to spark reflection, not to confine individuals to a profile.

• The approach remains adaptive and evolving, just like every person.

  
  

Preparation Is the Key to Standing Out

Personal and professional development should never be reduced to a multiple-choice test. Each individual deserves an approach that suits them, respects their complexity, and values their unique potential.

That’s why preparing thoroughly for an interview is crucial. This key moment allows you to show who you really are, beyond a standardized test. Good preparation gives you the opportunity to shine, to express your values and strengths authentically.

And you, have you ever felt that a psychometric test didn’t represent you at all? Share your experience in the comments!