Contact: Christine Schicker, The Maximus Group, 404-610-8871 

NASHVILLE, Sept. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a shaky economy where companies are downsizing and implementing hiring freezes, more businesses are taking steps to ensure an applicant's personality is perfect for the position. A recent Wall Street Journal article "Applicants' Personality Put to the Test" finds "more than 80% of entry and midlevel companies use personality and ability assessments for entry and midlevel positions as either pre-employment or new-employment orientation tools." A company's turn-over rate can be cut in half when the right person is recruited and trained.

Steve Hayes, founder and Senior Partner of The Human Capital Group, Inc. (www.humancapitalgroupinc.com), a retained executive search and leadership consulting firm, says assessments are a great investment for both the company and the applicant. "When used appropriately, assessments can provide great insight about the applicants preferred style of communicating, how they will react under pressure, and how they will embrace / deal with conflict. Most employers will agree that 'cultural fit' is critical for the successful performance and retention of any employee, so knowing the best ways to integrate a new employee into the existing culture is very useful information."

Hayes believes personality assessments can also assist a new employee in better understanding the best ways for them to approach their counterparts when trying to influence change or share information. "The bottom line is no one wants to work in an environment where their traits and characteristics will not be valued and leveraged. Assessments can increase the likelihood of a 'win-win', for both the company and the applicant, when it comes to employment decisions."

Hayes is available for further comment. Please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.