Hard Light Productions Forums
Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: EtherShock on June 21, 2005, 12:55:55 pm
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I have been looking for a job for a while and have been unsucessful so far. I'm beginning to think it's the personality tests I'm forced to take (at most businesses) when I apply. I feel personality tests are a form of discrimination. I am a good worker, but I'm a pretty messed up person in the mind, so I'm put at a great disadvantage. I've tried lying, honesty, and a little bit of both, yet I am still unemployed. Does anyone have any tips in beating the system?
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oh, ffs, just get yourself a blue-collar job.
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You gotta follow a logic.
Just think: "what do they want me to answer?"
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What kind of questions are you asked? I'm just curious..
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I hate personality tests. The results vary as much as my mood does.
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You've never seen a personality test, huh Kalfireth?
Originally posted by kode
oh, ffs, just get yourself a blue-collar job.
I will ignore that remark, because it sounds downright belligerent, but thanks for playing. ^_^
Originally posted by Zarax
You gotta follow a logic.
Just think: "what do they want me to answer?"
Hmm, that's where the lying comes in.
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Think into what the ideal choice is, in regards the work you want to take up.
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Alright look, giving them the answer they wanted hasn't worked.
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Are you sure you answered WHAT they wanted to hear or do you just THINK you did?
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I may have seen one once, but I can't remember any specific question :)
The only personality tests I really remember doing have been online ones when I was bored.. you know.. "What Buffy Charachter Are You?".
Still, if giving them the right answers in their tests doesn't work, perhaps the problem lies elsewhere?
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When it comes to the obvious stuff TopAce, yes.
Originally posted by Kalfireth
Still, if giving them the right answers in their tests doesn't work, perhaps the problem lies elsewhere?
Well let's see, I'm a college student looking for a steady flow of income. What's wrong with that?
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I've never seen a personality test as required in anything I've applied to (that's really the point of the interview); the few times something similar has come up, it's usually a case of
1/ The manager asks you to stay late to work on a project which is near deadline. Do you reply?
a) **** off you nonce
b) Piss off you git
c) Yes sir, no problem, i'll get right on it. Do you want a cup of tea?
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If it had been so obvious, EtherShock would have already acquired a job. :)
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Oh ha ha, very funny. Getting a job isn't easy.
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So you want to fool a personality test, eh? I made a simple diagram to illustrate the proper way to go about it:
(http://www.penguinbomb.com/rictor/rictor/personality_test.gif)
Not that tough, you just have to be tricksky is all.
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Apply at places that are hiring. Don't apply at places that are not hiring.
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*Sighs* Maybe this was a stupid question and the answer is just simply that I'm not a likable person. :(
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A somewhat large percentage of jobs aren't advertised, so you can apply at places that aren't visibily hiring. But ask if they have a job first.
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Get a new personality.
Or maybe I could do the test for you.
Please. Trust me.
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I appreciate the friendly feedback, but I've done all that has been suggested.
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Unless you have a copy of said tests (or can at least give some examples), I don't think there's much we can do, is there?
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They are basically questions/situations that determine your friendliness, tolerance, politness, assertiveness/aggressiveness, ability to take orders, and are poorly worded. The answers are usually:
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Sometimes there is a neutral answer. It's usually based on the Meyers-Briggs test.
Examples:
As a rule, current preoccupations worry
you more than your future plans
You find it difficult to talk about your feelings
You feel at ease in a crowd
You do your best to complete a task on time
You are strongly touched by the stories about people's troubles
You are more interested in a general idea than in the details of its realization
Strict observance of the established rules is likely to prevent a good outcome
Often you prefer to read a book than go to a party
You tend to rely on your experience rather than
on theoretical alternatives
It's difficult to get you excited
Linky (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp)
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Ok, most business shape the tests in a dumb way so they select the most "competitive" people...
Try looking if there's some trail leading to that way of thought...
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Ah, in other words, introverts need not apply?
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Originally posted by EtherShock
I will ignore that remark, because it sounds downright belligerent, but thanks for playing. ^_^
well, it wasn't. mainly because I don't have the time to be around pissing people off - I'll be somewhat busy at work starting next week. oh, and before you ask - yes, it's blue-collar. I'm quite happy about the money I make from working shifts while not studying at uni. I get what you said about you being messed up tho... ;)
but well, I could play nice: what does your job-searching look like? what exactly do you do when you apply? is your cv good? do you (over)qualify for the job you're applying for? do you have experience (experience is teh shiznit for getting a job. ideally, you should be 20 years old and have 25 years of work experience)? have you read up on the company where you're applying? doing that, and showing that you have at the interview shows that you're interested in the company, not just their money. are you sure that you're not being too picky about jobs? and so on...
oh, and another thing: employers that trust in personality tests are idiots.
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Originally posted by EtherShock
Ah, in other words, introverts need not apply?
social skills are A1 SUPAR for everyone wanting a job.
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I'm somewhat of an introvert myself, but IMO this is the sort of thing they look for.
IMO, I stress; I'm thinking from a software company perspective really, and I've nevr had to sit one of these things.
[q]
As a rule, current preoccupations worry
you more than your future plans
Probably YES - at a guess - they want an employee to focus on the work at hand.
You find it difficult to talk about your feelings
NO - they want someone who's going to be open; whether it's to let the company fix a problem, or identify someone they don't think fits in with their company
You feel at ease in a crowd
YES - any sort of office is, basically, a crowd
You do your best to complete a task on time
YES
You are strongly touched by the stories about people's troubles
YES - they'll want someone 'emphatic', I think, for example for customer facing roles.
NO -They want someone who puts the comapnies buziness interest ahead of other peoples problems.
(I'm not sure which is best, depends on role probably)
You are more interested in a general idea than in the details of its realization
Probably NO - businesses deal in specifics; at least the entry level people will do so.
Strict observance of the established rules is likely to prevent a good outcome
YES - buisnesses like people to follow rules
Often you prefer to read a book than go to a party
NO - want employees to mix as much as possible (even though 'yes' doesn't preclude this, just at parties...)
You tend to rely on your experience rather than
on theoretical alternatives
Not sure; probably depends upon the nature of the company
It's difficult to get you excited
NO - this is fuzzy, I'm guessing they'd prefer an enthusiastic worker, though
You rapidly get involved in social life
at a new workplace
YES
It is in your nature to assume responsibility
YES
You frequently and easily express your feelings and emotions
YES - they want clear and honest communicators rather than someone who'll bottle up stuff and explode or just go depressive
You often think about the mankind and its destiny
I'm not sure; depends on the nature of the business a lot, I think.
You believe the best decision is one that can be easily changed
NO - this indicates indecision
You are a person somewhat reserved and distant in communication
NO - they want someone who'll 'connect' with workmates and customers
You prefer to act immediately rather than speculate
about various options
Not sure. I'd guess NO; they don't want people who rush into action without considering consequences
You trust reason rather than feelings
Probably YES; the only reason NO is that it may skew you to look somewhat discompassionate
You spend your leisure time actively socializing
with a group of people, attending parties, shopping, etc.
YES
You usually plan your actions in advance
YES; businesses thrive on plans. Especially stupid ones.....
Your actions are frequently influenced by emotions
NO; want logical people
You often contemplate about the complexity of life
NO; want people to stay focused on the job at hand
You often do jobs in a hurry
NO; in a hurry implies shoddy planning and low quality
You find it difficult to speak loudly
NO; want people who can vocalize
You get bored if you have to read theoretical books
NO; they'll want people willing to train themselves up with or without the company
You value justice higher than mercy
Not sure; I'd guess YES - i..e you follow rules
The more people with whom you speak, the better you feel
YES; teamworking
You like to keep a check on how things
are progressing
YES; conscientious workers are good
You easily empathize with the concerns of other people
YES; I think
You are more inclined to experiment than
to follow familiar approaches
NO; they want someone who follows their working practice, experimenting screws it up for others
You avoid being bound by obligations
NO; don't want work shirkers
You prefer to isolate yourself from outside noises
Probably NO; implies introversion, desire to avoid communication
It's essential for you to try things with your own hands
Not sure; YES implies is willing to work, but can imply a lack of faith/belief (er, not in a religious sense)
You think that almost everything can be analyzed
Probably YES
You are usually the first to react to a sudden event:
the telephone ringing or unexpected question
YES
You take pleasure in putting things in order
YES
You feel involved when watching TV soaps
Not a clue... i mean, really, I'm lost with this one
You easily understand new theoretical principles
YES; implies intelligence, ability to adapt and learn
The process of searching for solution is more
important to you than the solution itself
YES; they'll want people able to do the hard work of finding a solution, and who will be willing to do it - and thus do a good job. NO implies hurrying, and maybe not the best solution
# You usually place yourself nearer to the side
than in the center of the room
NO; yes implies introversion, unwillingness to communicate
# When solving a problem you would rather follow
Not sure; probably depends on the business nature
# You try to stand firmly by your principles
YES; although a principled employee can be a bastard, at least you know where they stand and can rely upon that.
It is easy for you to communicate in social situations
YES
# You are consistent in your habits
Not sure; probably YES, predicatable employees are more reliable
# You willingly involve yourself in matters
which engage your sympathies
YES; largely because NO means you are apathetic and may be unreliable when it comes to helping people
# You easily perceive various ways
in which events could develop
YES; good for planning
# A thirst for adventure is close to your heart
YES; implies open to change & challenges
# You prefer meeting in small groups to interaction
with lots of people
NO; want people able to work comfortably with lots of people, I think. Only exception could maybe be an organisation which works in lots of small dev teams
# When considering a situation you pay more attention to
the current situation and less to a possible sequence of events
NO; want people able to think ahead of the consequence of their actions
# You consider the scientific approach to be the best
YES; probably. NO, if it's in a company that might want to use less...prolonged approaches. Prbably very job-dependent, because it doesn't say what the alternative is (gnngh)
# You enjoy having a wide circle of acquaintances
YES
# You are almost never late for your appointments
YES
# You readily help people while asking nothing in return
YES; guess why? Businesses will only like self-serving bastards when they're CEOs
# You often spend time thinking of how things
could be improved
YES; businesses know improvements = more money. (except Microsoft)
# Your decisions are based more on the feelings
NO; planning is important
# You prefer to spend your leisure time alone
or relaxing in a tranquil family atmosphere
Probably NO; again the whole introversion thing
# You feel more comfortable sticking to
conventional ways
NO; want flexible employees, so they can change stuff like working practices, hours, etc
# Objective criticism is always useful in any activity
YES; because if you don't criticise something when it's being done, it'll cost more to fix it later when the customer notices
# You enjoy being at the center of events in which
other people are directly involved
YES; want people comfortable with being that sort of focus of pressure or work
# You know how to put every minute of your
time to good purpose
YES; deadlines!
# You are easily affected by strong emotions
NO; implies a lack of rationality which is needed in business (which has no heart)
# You are always looking for opportunities
YES; want employees who will develop. Businesses usually recognise the best employees are ambitious, and will be willing to offer such opportunities to them in order to keep their skills
# Deadlines seem to you to be of relative, rather than absolute, importance
NO; deadlines are critical to most businesses
# After prolonged socializing you feel you need
to get away and be alone
NO; whole introversion thing
# Your desk, workbench etc. is usually neat and orderly
YES
# You tend to be unbiased even if this might endanger
your good relations with people
YES; they would prefer a rational thinker than a biased one
# You like to be engaged in an active and fast-paced job
YES; means they can work your arse off to meet ludicrous targets
# You have good control over your desires and temptations
YES; everyone needs self control!
# You tend to sympathize with other people
YES; implies a good ability to communicate and understand when doing so
# You easily see the general principle behind
specific occurrences
YES; implies intelligence
# You are inclined to rely more on improvisation
than on careful planning
NO; businesses build themselves around plans
# You get pleasure from solitary walks
NO; implies introversion
[/q]
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:eek: I can't believe you took the time to post that!
So I guess all introverts have to become artists, hmm?
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No, just good liars.
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I can lie.