Most chiropractors assume that when a clinic hires, the decision is all about skills: technique, certifications, patient volume.
But in reality, personality and team dynamics often play a much bigger role than applicants realize.
More and more chiropractic clinics, especially those with multiple doctors or high staff interaction, are turning to personality testing to help guide their hiring decisions.
This article explores why it’s becoming a standard part of the process and how both employers and job seekers can use it to their advantage.
What Is Personality Testing?
Personality tests are assessments designed to measure patterns in behavior, communication style, motivation, and work habits.
They don’t predict skill, but they offer insights into how a chiropractor might approach their work, communicate with patients, or fit into a team environment.
In a field like chiropractic care, which requires constant interpersonal communication, teamwork, and trust-building, this insight is incredibly valuable.
Common Assessments Used in Chiropractic Hiring
Here are three of the most popular tools used in hiring across healthcare and business, including chiropractic clinics:
DISC Profile
Breaks personality into 4 categories:
- Dominance – goal-driven, assertive
- Influence – outgoing, persuasive
- Steadiness – dependable, calm
- Compliance – detail-oriented, rule-following
Useful for understanding communication style and how someone responds to stress or authority.
MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
Defines 16 personality types like ENTJ, INFP, ISFJ, etc., based on:
- Extraversion vs. Introversion
- Sensing vs. Intuition
- Thinking vs. Feeling
- Judging vs. Perceiving
Used to assess how people make decisions, organize their time, and engage with others.
CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder)
Identifies a person’s top 5 strengths from a list of 34 such as:
- Relator
- Achiever
- Learner
- Communication
- Analytical
Helps employers build a team where people complement each other’s strengths.
Why Clinics Use Personality Testing
Team Compatibility
In small to mid-sized clinics, culture is everything. An associate might be a great adjuster, but if their communication style clashes with the rest of the team, tension builds quickly.
Hiring Beyond the Resume
Two applicants might have similar degrees, experience, and techniques, but wildly different personalities. Clinics want to choose someone who fits their culture, not just their CV.
Predicting Leadership Potential
Some clinics are hiring with a future in mind, training an associate for buy-in or partnership. Personality testing can help identify those with the vision, grit, or collaborative mindset to take that path.
<Callout type="info" title="Example"> A clinic focused on fast-paced, high-volume care might prioritize a high-D (Dominance) personality. A pediatric wellness office might look for high-S (Steadiness) for warmth and patience. </Callout>
What This Means for Job Seekers
If you’re applying for chiropractic jobs, don’t be surprised if a clinic asks you to take a short personality test before or after the interview.
Instead of being intimidated, see it as an opportunity to show your self-awareness, adaptability, and professionalism.
How to Use It to Your Advantage
1. Take a Personality Test Yourself
Even before applying, take a DISC or 16Personalities.com (MBTI-style) test. Learn how you naturally operate and where you thrive.
2. Include It in Your Resume or Cover Letter
Example:
“I’m an ENFJ and a high-I/High-S on the DISC scale, which helps me connect quickly with patients and work well in team environments.”
3. Talk About It in Interviews
You can say:
“I’ve taken several personality tests and found I work best in collaborative environments where communication is open and patient care is a shared mission.”
This positions you as thoughtful, team-oriented, and reflective, all traits clinics appreciate.
Final Thoughts
Personality testing isn’t about labeling people. It’s about building better teams, reducing friction, and ensuring everyone, patients, associates, and owners, thrives together.
As hiring becomes more sophisticated in the chiropractic field, standing out isn’t just about how well you adjust. It’s also about how well you fit.
Whether you're hiring or applying, don't overlook the power of personality.