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What kind of personality tests do airlines use?

  • February 25, 2023
Flex Air media team

Airlines may use a variety of personality tests during the job application process, including but not limited to the following.

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  • The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a widely used personality test that measures four dimensions of personality: extraversion vs. introversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.

  • The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) is a psychological test that assesses a wide range of personality traits and psychopathology.

  • The 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF) is a self-report personality test that measures 16 different personality traits.

  • The Big Five Personality Traits test, also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM) which measures the five broad dimensions of personality: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN).

  • Proprietary tests delivered via recruiting service providers.

These tests are intended to assess an applicant's ability to work well with others, their ability to handle stress, and their overall suitability for the job.

In addition to personality tests, airlines may also use scenario-based interviews as part of their job application process. These interviews are designed to assess an applicant's ability to handle real-life situations that are likely to arise in the job.

During a scenario-based interview, the interviewer will present the applicant with a hypothetical situation, such as a passenger becoming unruly on a flight, and ask the applicant how they would handle the situation. The interviewer may also ask follow-up questions to gauge the applicant's thought process and decision-making skills.

Scenario-based interviews are often used to assess an applicant's problem-solving skills, ability to handle stress, and overall suitability for the job. They are commonly used in jobs where decision-making and problem-solving are important, such as customer service, safety and security, and management positions.

Scenario-based interviews are a great way for airlines to assess the ability of the candidate to handle the unexpected, and take decisions under pressure, which is very important in the aviation industry.

These personality assessments and interviews processes are unique to aviation, and require significant preparation in order to ensure an applicant's success. This is why the Flex Air Pilot Pathway program includes a personality assessment test and a practice interview for every student on Day One of training.