What is the deal with these tests? Some of the questions just make no sense. What are they looking for? I took notes this time, and I want to share them with you to get your input.
I am job hunting again. I have decided my current job is unacceptable. I am back to filling out job applications, and having to take the “psych tests.” :eek: I have a fear of these tests, due to something I was told at a job interview. I’ll spoiler it, because it makes an already long post too long, and really has nothing to do with the thread, read it if you want!
At a job interview for Lowe’s, the interviewer and I got along quite well. I was applying in the spring, and really wanted to work in the garden center. I expressed this desire, but stated I’d be happy to work in other departments as well. I admitted to not having much experience in DIY. I also told him that I learn rather quickly. We were chatting and laughing with each other during the interview. I was absolutely positive I had the job. He made the comment that I seemed rather intelligent. I admitted that I had been told that. He then warned me that the psych test is written for people of average intelligence, and not to put too much thought into the questions. “The more intelligent a person is, the more shades of gray they see. You need to think in black and white. Sadly, the test is skewed against you.” WHAT?! I was halfway through the test when he poked his head in the room, said “You’re not done yet?” And then he told me to hurry. I did not get the job.
Sample questions from the “makes no sense” category:
“There are 7 days in a week.”
“There are 80 days in a month.”
“You can count to 10.”
“You can read well enough to complete this survey.”
Why are they asking these questions? For what possible reason are they included in the test?
Then, there are the ones where I see shades of gray. How is a person supposed to answer these?
"You have days in which it seems that everything goes wrong." Yes, doesn’t everybody? No, wait, they said “everything.” Well, I woke up breathing, and I had a cup of coffee. But, I hear other people say “everything has gone wrong today,” so how the hell do you answer that question?
"You hate to work with ignorant people." Um, yes…? No, wait, I will be waiting on customers, they are allowed to be ignorant. What kind of ignorant are we talking about? I had a co-worker who KNEW he had a 20 minute break, knew what time he clocked out, and STILL had to ask me what time was he supposed to clock back in!! Let’s say he was not my favorite.
"You dislike people who always want something from you." My boss always wants something from me, I expect that and do not mind a bit. My neighbor, who never comes to “visit,” but only knocks when she wants something, I do not like. Learn to manage your money, do not ask me for money or food. I do dislike people who always want something from me, but since this is for a job, I disagreed, and now I’m second guessing myself.
"You enjoy making other people do what you want them to do." I have had management positions, I am good at figuring out my co-workers strengths and delegating accordingly. I enjoy that. However, the question has a bit of a “treating them like puppets” feel to it, and I’m not sure how they meant it. I agreed with the statement, and now I’m having second thoughts.
"You like to be with people all of the time." I like people, I like to be with people. All of the time? No, I like my private time, too. I disagreed with that statement. Are they going to decide I am anti-social, and not hire me?
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