Due to a lack of available jobs, many companies are experiencing an influx of applications. As it can be difficult to sort through so many candidates, some businesses are turning to personality tests to identify qualified applicants, MSNBC reported.

These days, some individuals are asked to complete a personality test before they even have an interview, according to the news source. The reason for these assessments is due in part to the impact that the internet has had on the job market. Before the web existed, employers would place an ad in the newspaper about an opening, and typically receive around 30 responses. Today, one online posting can garner resumes from between 300 and 3,000 people.

When individuals apply for a job at McDonald's, they are asked to take a brief personality test that features 35 questions, including statements that they either agree or disagree with, the news outlet stated. For example, these candidates are asked whether they often lose patience with and are unkind to others.

For many companies, the information that is gained from personality tests has become more important than a candidate's experience, education and recommendations, according to The Washington Post.