Gallup CliftonStrengths Assessment (2024 Guide)

What Is the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment?

The Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment (formerly known as StrengthsFinder) is a personality test used by employers as part of their recruitment process.

When used effectively, the tests can be used as a strengths assessment of potential employees. This talent assessment can then help to guide their decision-making process when it comes to choosing the right person with the full potential for the job.

The talent assessment uses a series of paired sentences to draw conclusions about the personality of the person taking the test.

An individual’s answers are compared against a list of key personality traits. The results are then analysed and used to highlight their top five strengths.

Who Is Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment for?

The CliftonStrengths assessment can be used by anybody who would like to develop insight into their personal strengths.

It is most commonly used by recruiters as part of the employment process when a company is looking to hire graduates or individuals for higher management positions.

This is because it is an effective tool in highlighting the key skills of candidates.

The test is often used to decide how well an individual would fit within a company and is particularly helpful for employers who are looking for a very specific skill set in their employees.

Employers are also able to use the results of the assessment to gain an insight as to how they can improve someone’s strengths in a way that is beneficial to their company.

What Does the Gallup Clifton Strengths Test Assess?

The test assesses a person’s strengths in relation to 34 key personality traits.

These traits are separated into four distinct themes: Strategic Thinking, Relationship Building, Influencing and Executing.

Gallup Clifton Strengths Strategic Thinking

• Analytical – The ability to analyse a situation and decide on the best course of action
• Context – The ability to understand how historical information can influence the present
• Futuristic – The ability to inspire others with their visions for the future
• Ideation – The ability to take an interest in the ideas of others, as well as their own
• Input – The ability to increase their own knowledge through various forms of input
• Intellection – The ability to appreciate the intelligence of others and thoughtful discussion
• Learner – The ability to continually learn and expand on their skills
• Strategic – The ability to create various strategies in order to reach a goal

Gallup Clifton Strengths Relationship Building

• Adaptability – The ability to adapt when a situation changes
• Connectedness – The ability to connect with others
• Developer – The ability to develop others in a way that helps them to grow
• Empathy – The ability to understand the emotions and feelings of others
• Harmony – The ability to work well with others in a way which avoids conflict
• Includer – The ability to accept and include others
• Individualization – Identifying the strengths of others in order to enable each person to work to the best of their ability
• Positivity – The ability to remain positive or look for the positive aspects of a situation
• Relator – The ability to form strong, meaningful relationships with others

Gallup Clifton Strengths Influencing

• Activator – The ability to turn thoughts and words into actions
• Command – The ability to take charge of a situation
• Communication – The ability to put thoughts into words and communicate effectively with others
• Competition – The ability to compare their own personal goals and progress to others in a way which stimulates growth
• Maximiser – The ability to maximise the strength of a team by focussing on the key skills and strengths of each individual
• Self-assurance – The ability to believe in themselves and the way they manage their own lives
• Woo – The ability to meet new people and connect with them in a positive way

Gallup Clifton Strengths Executing

• Achiever – The ability to enjoy productivity and ambition
• Arranger – The ability to arrange tasks in a way that maximises productivity while still allowing for flexibility
• Belief – The ability to develop their own beliefs in a way that guides their core values and actions
• Consistency – The ability to set clear, consistent boundaries and stick to them
• Deliberative – The ability to anticipate future problems and prepare for them
• Discipline – The ability to focus on a routine and follow something through to the end
• Focus – The ability to focus and prioritise tasks effectively
• Responsibility – The ability to take ownership and hold responsibility for tasks
• Restorative – The ability to find solutions to problems quickly and easily

What to Expect On Your Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment in 2024

If you are asked to complete the CliftonStrengths assessment as part of your job application, it might be useful to know what to expect.

Candidates are typically given one hour to answer 177 questions.

The questions are formatted as pairs of sentences which may appear similar or as opposites. You will need to pick one sentence from each pair that you feel most closely relates to your personality.

How Is Gallup Clifton Strengths Scored?

Generally, scores will be calculated depending on which selection you make for each of the sentence pairs.

Each pair is designed to indicate a different personality trait, which builds an image as to which traits are strongest for each person.

The exact scoring system for the CliftonStrengths assessment can vary depending on who it is being used by.

While assessments that are completed for personal insight are generally scored using a similar system, tests completed as part of a recruitment process may be slightly different, as they could be looking for employees with particular personality traits.

Gallup StrengthsFinder Test Sample Questions

The CliftonStrengths assessment is usually made up of pairs of questions where you are required to choose the sentence that you feel relates the most to you.

Occasionally, however, you may find that they are formatted as a sentence with a list of options indicating how much you feel the statements reflect your personality.

The two styles of question have been highlighted below.

Sample One

I am happy to lead in a group situation.

a) Strongly describes me
b) Describes me slightly
c) Neutral
d) Doesn’t really describe me
e) Doesn’t describe me at all

Sample Two

Select the sentence that applies most to you:

I am a sensitive person
I am a logical person

What Does a Clifton Strengths Report Tell You?

When you see your report, you will notice that it highlights your top five personality strengths from the list of 34 core traits.

This does not mean that you do not have other strong areas of your personality, but instead indicates that these five traits are the most prominent.

Sometimes, you will be able to access a further, more detailed report. This will show all 34 traits in order of strength.

By looking at your results, you will be able to see which areas are your strongest, but also which areas you perhaps need to improve.

This can help to give you an insight as to which job roles would suit you best or how to increase your scores in other areas.

When it comes to preparing for the CliftonStrengths, there is very little you can do to revise.

It is essentially a personality test and, as such, is only designed to measure your personality rather than intelligence or ability.

There are, however, a few things you can do to help you feel more prepared ahead of the assessment.

Key Tips for Taking the Clifton Strengths Test

Relaxation Techniques

If you are someone who feels particularly anxious when it comes to taking tests, you may benefit from practicing some simple relaxation techniques.

Breathing exercises can help to calm you and help you to properly focus on the task in hand.

Get Enough Rest

It may seem obvious, but you will always perform better in any kind of test if you are well-rested.

Your ability to concentrate and focus will be inhibited if you are tired, and it can also increase feelings of anxiety.

Be Yourself

Remember, this is essentially a personality test. It is vitally important that you answer the questions truthfully and honestly so that the results are accurate.

It may seem like a good idea to answer in a way that you think the employer wants, but this will not benefit you in the long run – it may mean you are offered a job you really aren’t suited to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to remember about the CliftonStrengths assessment is that there are no wrong answers.

It is a personality test and, as such, it is an opportunity to show a potential employer exactly who you are, what makes you tick and what you are passionate about.

While a company may be looking for a specific set of personality traits in a potential employee, it is more important to be yourself.

Even if you aren’t offered the role after taking the test, you will gain valuable insight into your personality that can help to guide you when it comes to applying for other jobs in the future.