CEO or Project Engineer: Value Of Behavioral Assessments

MET • April 30, 2013

More A/E firms are adding behavioral and personality assessments to their interview process. These tests or inventories “show” tendencies or ways that you are most likely to respond to your surroundings. Proponents say results from the assessments when used with a face to face interview will help predict a good “fit” between you and the job for which you are applying. These evaluations are standardized and carry statistical analysis to add to more commonly used conversational interviews. 

 

It has been reported that, unlike a normal interview, it is impossible to “cheat” on an assessment; impossible to answer questions that you think will give you a profile that an employer is seeking. And, you should not try to cheat. Eventually, your true personality will show itself. Firms believe the more they can discover about a persons strengths in personality as well as technical knowledge, the better the chance for a long term employment fit.

 

Recently I heard a story that shocked me! An executive shared with me one of his behavioral and personality assessment stories. After multiple interviews for a key leadership role in a mid-sized firm, the CEO asked him to meet with a psychologist for an assessment. As he entered the psychologist’s office, the CEO entered also and sat down. The psychologist began with his very in-depth assessment and the CEO remained. This is unethical and highly unusual. I asked the executive why he didn’t ask the CEO to leave or just stand up and walk out! Easy to think what we all would do but tougher when actually in the situation. Afterwards the executive candidate did tell the CEO it was inappropriate for him to have been in the assessment and he withdrew as a candidate.

 

Back in my graduate school days (many years ago) I recall writing a paper on the worst personality assessment tool I had come across. The test results were based upon which color you liked the best. The test had the validity of a newspaper horoscope. So as I was contemplating this blog, I took one of the common assessments utilized in our industry: The DISC assessment . Without going into too much detail, I will summarize: It was accurate. My chosen profession as an executive recruiter working with architects, engineers and scientists is a good fit!

 

In my experience, I have seen that when used accurately, various assessments can be helpful. However, often I have witnessed these tools to be used to knock out otherwise good candidates. Readers of the results often “see what they want to see.” They turn a positive attribute into a negative one. It is important that interpreters and users of the collected data be EDUCATED on how to use the information correctly and to weigh the results accurately!

 

Have you taken any assessments as part of an interview process? Which ones have you taken? Do you think it is invasive, helpful or neither? Do you think you were not offered a job because of testing?

Have you been asked to take a Pre-Employment Personality Assessment

The Metzner Group Blog

When "The Client is Always Right" Isn't Always Right: Navigating Tough Decisions as an Executive Recruiter

By Carol Metzner • October 22, 2025
Last night, I had an unsettling phone call with a client. It pushed me to assess whether "the client is always right." Here is what I came up with: In executive recruitment, "the client is always right" is a guiding principle. After all, clients trust us to understand their needs, align with their vision, and deliver top-tier talent. But what happens when that principle collides with another: the duty to place candidates into environments where they can thrive? Every recruiter has that moment of realization—a client may seek a professional, but their leadership style, company culture, or expectations send up red flags. Perhaps their demands are unrealistic, or their treatment of candidates raises ethical concerns. These situations challenge recruiters to balance two critical priorities: maintaining client relationships and protecting candidates from potentially detrimental placements. As recruiters, we’re not just matchmakers but stewards of careers and livelihoods. Candidates trust us to help them take the next step in their professional journey. If a client demonstrates behaviors or values that could lead to a toxic environment, we must assess and address the situation with integrity. This doesn’t mean severing ties with challenging clients immediately. Open communication is key—have a candid conversation to understand their expectations and share your observations. Sometimes, clients are unaware of how their actions or words come across and are willing to adjust. However, if it becomes clear that their approach contradicts your commitment to ethical placements, it may be time to reconsider the partnership. Ultimately, I have decided that "the client is always right" has its limits. As an executive recruiter, my reputation hinges on filling roles and making placements that benefit both sides. Walking away from a mismatched client might feel like a loss in the short term, but in the long run, it reinforces my integrity and ensures the candidates I work with continue to see me as an ally in their careers. After all, my genuine client is the principle of finding the right fit—for everyone involved. What are your thoughts? #civilengineeringexecutivesearch #architectureexecutivesearch #executivesearch #AEP #ethics #recruiterinsights

Strategic Career Choices: Beyond the Bottom Line

By Carol Metzner • October 22, 2025
Many of us understand the significance of both short-term gains and long-term investments. When evaluating a new opportunity, the financial package plays a critical role—it reflects the value of your expertise and supports your aspirations, both today and in the future. However, compensation should not be the only compass. A truly strategic decision considers how the role aligns with your vision, challenges your abilities, and fuels your capacity to lead with impact. The right opportunity integrates financial reward with culture and mission that drive fulfillment, growth, and purpose. One should not accept an offer solely based on money, nor should one reject an offer solely because of financial reasons. Leadership is about balancing head and heart, value and vision. Let’s prioritize decisions that secure not just wealth but meaning. What principles guide your career decisions? #Architecture #CivilEngineering #ExecutiveSearch #Recruiter #AE #RecruiterInsights