I have to take a 'psychological employment profile test...

[pstott]

I think you have to figure out what the test is trying to find out, then you have to take a guess as to what type of person they are looking for - i.e. for a retail position they would probably want outgoing, somewhat intelligent, good people person, someone who will not make waves and will follow instructions, trustworthy and ethical....

Then if you really want the job regardless, you imagine yourself to be this ideal person and answer the questions accordingly.

It's too bad that we sometimes have to pretend to be someone other than ourselves in order to survive - but I guess that's part of living in an STS defined reality.

 

[mcb]

If you have to out and out lie just to get the job then you may find yourself having to do the same to keep it. I would think twice about that sort of job. More often, it's really a matter of presenting yourself in a favorable light without making things up, and adapting appropriately for each person standing between you and the job. That much is generally expected, at least in the part of the job market in which I participate.

 

[anart]

If you have to out and out lie just to get the job then you may find yourself having to do the same to keep it. I would think twice about that sort of job. More often, it's really a matter of presenting yourself in a favorable light without making things up, and adapting appropriately for each person standing between you and the job. That much is generally expected, at least in the part of the job market in which I participate.

I think it's important to remember that sincerity with everyone is a major weakness, if not insanity. To think that you don't have to lie - in a myriad of ways - to get or hold any number of jobs is really quite naive. Strategic Enclosure and playing a role is the whole point - to be in this world, but not of it. This applies as well to work, how could it not?

I don't think answering a personality test in the way that gets you the job is anything other than doing what is necessary to do - that's life - and that is playing a role and acting in a way that is wise, protects you and allows you to do what you need to do.

 

[Thomas Alan]

[/quote]

...Well, nobody likes a know-it-all, and I may not care for somebody pointing out what I'm doing wrong in front of others either, depending on the way it was presented. The higher up on the corporate ladder they are, the less they like having "mistakes" pointed out. Yeesh, if I went around here doing that, I'd be next on the layoff list! ;)

It depends on the result you are seeking. If what you want is to be "right" about it then go ahead and do whatever comes to mind. If you are seeking to promote actual change within the organization and you are dealing with this kind of person then something more subtle and adaptive would seem to be called for.

If you have to out and out lie just to get the job then you may find yourself having to do the same to keep it. I would think twice about that sort of job. More often, it's really a matter of presenting yourself in a favorable light without making things up, and adapting appropriately for each person standing between you and the job. That much is generally expected, at least in the part of the job market in which I participate.

I think it's important to remember that sincerity with everyone is a major weakness, if not insanity. To think that you don't have to lie - in a myriad of ways - to get or hold any number of jobs is really quite naive. Strategic Enclosure and playing a role is the whole point - to be in this world, but not of it. This applies as well to work, how could it not?

I don't think answering a personality test in the way that gets you the job is anything other than doing what is necessary to do - that's life - and that is playing a role and acting in a way that is wise, protects you and allows you to do what you need to do.

Perhaps my self-importance is getting in the way. I work where I do to make a living. Reforming the company is not my goal or even possible. I need to learn to play my role and get along with everyone the best I can. Besides, my comments were only tangentially related to HowToBe's concerns and not very helpful.

Mac

 

[mcb]

...I don't think answering a personality test in the way that gets you the job is anything other than doing what is necessary to do - that's life - and that is playing a role and acting in a way that is wise, protects you and allows you to do what you need to do.

Possibly in the context of a personality test, which is basically a game in which all answers are subjective, lying (or telling the truth) is not even possible. Whether "that's life" applies or not in general to role playing and truth telling, though, I can't say. For me it does not; for others it may.

But even for me there are other situations at work which are basically games as well and which call for making appropriate moves and have nothing directly to do with "truth," particularly when pathological behavior is involved. I do this in self defense, but I take care not use the knowledge I have to become one of the perpetrators.

 

[anart]

Possibly in the context of a personality test, which is basically a game in which all answers are subjective, lying (or telling the truth) is not even possible. Whether "that's life" applies or not in general to role playing and truth telling, though, I can't say. For me it does not; for others it may.

I think you're being a little disingenuous here. In a world of lies, how can role playing not apply? Are you honestly saying that you never lie in order to make life easier for yourself and others? That is, in a very real way, the definition of external consideration. The Law of Three always applies, Megan - a human being living on planet earth in 2012 must play a role in life, especially if they are involved in esoteric studies. Perhaps re-reading Mme de Salzmann's First Initiation may give you another perspective on this?

 

[mcb]

Possibly in the context of a personality test, which is basically a game in which all answers are subjective, lying (or telling the truth) is not even possible. Whether "that's life" applies or not in general to role playing and truth telling, though, I can't say. For me it does not; for others it may.

I think you're being a little disingenuous here. In a world of lies, how can role playing not apply? Are you honestly saying that you never lie in order to make life easier for yourself and others?...

No, I couldn't say that either. I do appreciate what you are saying about external consideration. For whatever reason, I am finding that I am not presently able to express my thoughts on this subject succinctly and I must defer until I have time to address that issue.

 

[Brenda86]

I'll chime in for this if it's not to late as I have taken and, as far as I know, always passed these kinds of tests and also know my brother who has trouble passing them. We've discussed these and figured a few things out that have fit with our experiences.
First, different people have different ideas about what is expected on these things and almost everyone adjusts according to those expectations.
But they are usually looking for compliant, cooperative people who can work well alone AND with others and people who are honest on the big things - like someone stealing DVDs from the movie store - but lets the small things slide - like not returning a pen or a co-worker making a quick personal phone call even though it's technically against the rules. They always weed out so-called 'taddle tales' because quite frankly its not cost effective to reprimand every unreturned pen or personal call and almost everyone bends the rules.
Its also important as I said before to strongly agree with anything about working alone AND anything about working in groups.
You'll want to agree to any questions gauging your willingness to do jobs outside your normal duties of those kinds of questions come up as well.
Anything regarding how to handle customer complaints you usually want to go middle of the road like trying to resolve the issue yourself only involving management if that doesn't work.

If you can remember specific questions/topics I can probably help more. And good luck!

 

[HowToBe]

If you have to out and out lie just to get the job then you may find yourself having to do the same to keep it. I would think twice about that sort of job. More often, it's really a matter of presenting yourself in a favorable light without making things up, and adapting appropriately for each person standing between you and the job. That much is generally expected, at least in the part of the job market in which I participate.

I think it's important to remember that sincerity with everyone is a major weakness, if not insanity. To think that you don't have to lie - in a myriad of ways - to get or hold any number of jobs is really quite naive. Strategic Enclosure and playing a role is the whole point - to be in this world, but not of it. This applies as well to work, how could it not?

I don't think answering a personality test in the way that gets you the job is anything other than doing what is necessary to do - that's life - and that is playing a role and acting in a way that is wise, protects you and allows you to do what you need to do.

I agree. My thinking is; If I answer the questions according to their expectations, with full intention of meeting those expectations (within reason; applying discernment), then where is the foul? I figure it could be a great learning experience in both Strategic Enclosure and External Considering (and who knows what else). At the same time I don't know if it will even happen, so I'm thinking about other options and have made some steps toward these.

On a more abstract line of thought, I was thinking recently about the idea that ultimately All Creation is God (DCM) pretending to be Not-God; that is, CHOOSING to BE in certain ways for the purpose of learning. I imagine the same is true for choices on our level, or maybe all levels; although some things have been decided for us as part of the "School", we have the ability to choose the role we wish to play within our learning environment - I suppose this amounts to "how" we wish to learn. So it seems to me that "playing roles" is not something far removed from the basic workings of the Universe. Just the result of some idle bed-time speculation. :)

Brenda86; I understand, and thanks for the tips. I think at this point the main thing that might get me is if their machine can detect that I've "got their number" (ie if I answer "too correctly"). But maybe I think too highly of my abilities, or too highly of their machine! :)

 

[mcb]

Possibly in the context of a personality test, which is basically a game in which all answers are subjective, lying (or telling the truth) is not even possible. Whether "that's life" applies or not in general to role playing and truth telling, though, I can't say. For me it does not; for others it may.

I think you're being a little disingenuous here. In a world of lies, how can role playing not apply? Are you honestly saying that you never lie in order to make life easier for yourself and others? That is, in a very real way, the definition of external consideration. The Law of Three always applies, Megan - a human being living on planet earth in 2012 must play a role in life, especially if they are involved in esoteric studies. Perhaps re-reading Mme de Salzmann's First Initiation may give you another perspective on this?

Anart - I am not disagreeing with you about the use of role playing in this situation. I am finding, however, that this is not a topic that I can discuss very well. I am better at some topics than others, and at some times than others. I am having trouble making out the important points, my time for replying is limited, and at times I am just not making sense.

I can't say that I don't ever lie to make life easier for myself and others, although it is something I have had to work on over the years, and it is something upon which I keep a close watch.

 

[Muxel]

Let me dissect this one, it's good mental exercise for me.

If you have to out and out lie ...

This is the crux of your argument IMO. And I agree, white lying - as with everything - must be done with the K-word (knowledge). Otherwise you will be found out by the Matrix.

Possibly in the context of a personality test, which is basically a game in which all answers are subjective, lying (or telling the truth) is not even possible.

Your concern here is "personality ≈ subjective". Can you lie about personality? IMO yes, but the K-word is the limiting factor here.

Example: Introvert pretending to be an Extrovert. He observes Extroverts and attempts to replicate their behavior. His success is measured by the response he gets.

Everybody wears masks. Look at the charming psychos. Even the "original personality" is a mask, which we developed as a survival mechanism. Perhaps you're worried that the "original mask" is too deeply engrained that it's difficult to take it off and put on a new one (old dog learning new tricks). The K-word here is, Know Thyself.

I hope that helped. :)

 

[HowToBe]

More info on the situation. For the moment, I'm basically on hold. The manager asked me to talk to someone who handles hiring last monday, and she looked at my application (I had since submitted a new application, applying the knowledge gained from my search, so I figure that is the one she saw). She told me that the position I applied for had been filled, and that they would keep my application on file for 60 days in case a position opened up. Of course this could just mean she didn't want to hire me; I don't know. I suppose I can call in each week and I'll be fresh on their minds if a position opens.



In the mean time I'm working on the options of mowing lawns for money and selling artwork, while considering my other options. We have a computer course in Spanish, so I could learn that, then practice up some on forums or something to improve vocabulary and naturalness, and do internet translating work.

Thanks to everyone for the help and discussion!

 

[Tristan]

I have also to pass a psychological test for a job, here it is said that it is better to respond with "extreme answers" in general. I do not know if someone could provide more information about since I urge to find an employment.

I feel a bit anxious for that reason but maybe someone would suggest me a paper about this subject

Thanx

 

[whitecoast]

I have also to pass a psychological test for a job, here it is said that it is better to respond with "extreme answers" in general. I do not know if someone could provide more information about since I urge to find an employment.

I feel a bit anxious for that reason but maybe someone would suggest me a paper about this subject

Thanx

I've heard that as well. There is also the sage advice of "Just pretend you're Ned Flanders."

 

[Buddy]

I have also to pass a psychological test for a job, here it is said that it is better to respond with "extreme answers" in general. I do not know if someone could provide more information about since I urge to find an employment.

I feel a bit anxious for that reason but maybe someone would suggest me a paper about this subject

Thanx

Hi Tristan. I haven't found a single best answer, so I'll repost that link to the SoTT article...

How To Pass a Psychological Employment Profile Test
http://www.sott.net/article/242040-US-How-To-Pass-a-Psychological-Employment-Profile-Test

...and a couple more you might find worth reading:

Faking It: Can Job Applicants 'Outsmart' Personality Tests?
_http://www.performanceprograms.com/surveys/Can_Applicants_Outsmart_Personality_Tests.html

4 Ways to Beat a Personality Test
_http://news.dice.com/2012/11/06/4-ways-beat-personality-test/