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Capacity for Trust

Soft Skills
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The Capacity for Trust Test is a tool meant to measure job candidates' ability to trust others. The test consists of self-evaluation questions regarding activities such as letting go of a grudge, seeing the good in people, and forgiving people quickly. The results of the test can help employers better understand a candidate's capacity for trust and whether or not they would be a good fit for the position.

About the HiPeople Capacity for Trust Test

The Capacity for Trust Test at a Glance

When to use: This test can be used at any stage of the hiring process but may be most relevant in an early stage when getting to know the candidate.

Example question : Candidates rate how well they can perform a set of activities on a scale from one to seven. This is an example of an activity: "Let go of a grudge".

Response time: 2 minutes.

Result: An easy-to-interpret score that is benchmarked against hundreds of other candidates!

The Science Behind the Capacity for Trust Test

The Capacity for Trust Test is a measure of an individual's ability to trust others. The test was originally developed as part of the Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI), which is a comprehensive inventory of soft skills. The BESSI was developed by leading personality researchers Christopher Soto and Brent Roberts, and it has been shown to predict important life outcome. The Capacity for Trust Test is reliable and valid, and it can be used to screen candidates for positions that require a high degree of trust building.

If you are interested in the science behind the BESSI, start with this scientific publication.

Qualities of a Candidate With High Capacity for Trust Test Scores

According to the Capacity for Trust Test, individuals who score high typically do well with forgiving people quickly, trusting people, and seeing the good in others. This indicates that they are likely to be easygoing and have strong relationships with those around them. In terms of work behavior, this means that these individuals are likely to be great team players who are able to build strong rapport with their contacts. They may also be more inclined to overlook someone's mistake and give them the benefit of the doubt. If you're looking for someone who is supportive and trustworthy, consider hiring someone who scores high on the Capacity for Trust Test.

Optimal Roles for a High-Scoring Candidate

  • Product Managers: Product managers need to be able to let go of personal conflict so they can work well with their product team.
  • Partnership Manager: Partnership managers need to see the good in people so they can give every relationship a chance to succeed.
  • Nurse: Nurses need to assume the best about people so they can provide the best possible care for their patients.

Ready to find this candidate? Try the Capacity for Trust Test now!

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What is the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test?

The Capacity for Trust Assessment Test is a sophisticated evaluation tool designed to measure an individual's trustworthiness in the workplace. Developed by experts in the fields of psychology and organizational behavior, this assessment goes beyond conventional hiring methods to provide valuable insights into a candidate's character and potential for building trust-based relationships.

The test comprises a series of carefully crafted questions and scenarios that gauge essential traits, such as integrity, honesty, empathy, ethical decision-making, and communication skills. Candidates are evaluated based on their responses, which are then used to generate a trust capacity score—a numerical representation of their overall trustworthiness.

The Capacity for Trust Assessment Test is designed to be objective and consistent, allowing hiring managers to make well-informed decisions that align with their organization's values and culture. By incorporating this assessment into the pre-employment screening process, you can elevate your hiring standards and lay the foundation for a workplace built on trust and collaboration.

Importance of Trustworthiness in Pre-employment Screening

Trustworthiness is an essential trait that influences the success and longevity of an organization. As a hiring manager, recognizing the importance of trust in pre-employment screening is paramount to selecting candidates who can contribute positively to your company's growth and reputation.

  1. Team Cohesion: High levels of trust among team members lead to better collaboration, idea-sharing, and problem-solving. By hiring trustworthy individuals, you foster a culture of trust that extends throughout the entire organization.
  2. Customer Relations: Trust is the cornerstone of successful customer relationships. Candidates with high trust capacity are more likely to build strong connections with clients, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  3. Ethical Decision-Making: Employees with a strong sense of integrity and ethical decision-making are less likely to engage in fraudulent activities or unethical behavior, safeguarding your organization's reputation.
  4. Employee Retention: Trustworthy leaders and colleagues create a positive work environment, promoting higher employee satisfaction and reducing turnover rates.
  5. Organizational Reputation: Trustworthiness is a crucial component of your company's reputation. Hiring individuals who exemplify trustworthiness reinforces your organization's commitment to ethical practices and transparency.

By incorporating the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test into your hiring process, you gain a reliable tool for identifying candidates who embody trustworthiness and align with your organization's core values.

Benefits of Implementing the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test

The implementation of the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test brings numerous advantages to your pre-employment screening process and overall organizational success.

  1. Better Hiring Decisions: The test provides objective data that enables you to make more informed hiring decisions. By selecting candidates with high trust capacity, you increase the likelihood of recruiting individuals who positively impact your company.
  2. Reduced Employee Turnover: Employees who trust their colleagues and leaders are more likely to remain committed to the organization, leading to reduced employee turnover and the associated costs of recruitment and training.
  3. Improved Workplace Culture: Trust is contagious. Hiring trustworthy individuals enhances your workplace culture, fostering an environment of collaboration, open communication, and mutual respect.
  4. Enhanced Employee Performance: Employees who trust their peers and leaders are more motivated to perform at their best. This, in turn, leads to increased productivity and improved overall organizational performance.
  5. Mitigation of Legal Risks: Hiring individuals with high trust capacity can reduce the risk of potential workplace misconduct, fraud, or unethical behavior, minimizing legal and reputational risks.
  6. Strategic Alignment: By hiring candidates who align with your organization's values and culture, you create a cohesive and purpose-driven workforce that contributes to your long-term business goals.
  7. Customer Trust: Customers are more likely to trust a company with a workforce known for its integrity and reliability. This trust can lead to increased customer loyalty and a positive brand reputation.
  8. Positive Impact on Team Dynamics: Trustworthy employees contribute positively to team dynamics, leading to increased collaboration, effective communication, and greater synergy among team members.

By leveraging the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test, you unlock the potential to build a high-performing, cohesive, and trustworthy workforce, positioning your organization for sustained success in today's competitive business landscape.

Key Skills Tested by the Capacity for Trust Assessment

The Capacity for Trust Assessment Test evaluates several essential skills that contribute to an individual's trustworthiness in the workplace. Let's explore these skills in detail:

Integrity and Honesty

Integrity and honesty are at the core of trustworthiness. Candidates with high integrity demonstrate a commitment to ethical behavior, honesty, and upholding moral principles, making them valuable assets to your organization.

Reliability and Accountability

Reliable and accountable employees take ownership of their actions and responsibilities. They consistently meet deadlines and deliver on their promises, fostering trust within the team and with clients.

Ethical Decision-Making

Ethical decision-making is crucial for maintaining trust within the organization and with external stakeholders. Candidates with strong ethical decision-making skills are more likely to handle complex situations with integrity and transparency.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

Empathy and emotional intelligence enable employees to understand and connect with their colleagues and clients on a deeper level. Candidates who exhibit these traits are more likely to build strong and lasting relationships.

Communication and Transparency

Clear and transparent communication is key to establishing trust in any relationship. Candidates who can communicate effectively and honestly are better equipped to foster trust within the organization.

Implementing the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test

Now that you understand the significance of the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test, let's explore how you can effectively integrate it into your hiring process.

Integrating Trust Assessment into the Hiring Strategy

To leverage the full potential of the trust assessment test, it's essential to incorporate it strategically within your existing hiring process. Consider the following steps to seamlessly integrate the test:

  1. Define Assessment Objectives: Clearly outline the specific objectives you want to achieve through the trust assessment, such as identifying high-trust candidates or aligning candidates with your company culture.
  2. Choose Appropriate Test Format: Select the most suitable format for the assessment, such as online questionnaires, situational judgment tests, or interviews that assess trust-related scenarios.
  3. Timing of the Test: Determine the most appropriate stage of the hiring process to administer the trust assessment. Typically, this occurs after initial screenings but before final interviews.

Customizing the Test for Different Job Roles

Different job roles require varying degrees of trustworthiness. Tailor the trust assessment to suit the specific demands of each position, emphasizing the skills that are most relevant to the role.

Training Hiring Managers in Test Administration

To ensure consistent and fair evaluation of candidates, provide training to hiring managers on how to administer the trust assessment effectively. Familiarize them with the test objectives, scoring criteria, and interpretation of results.

Establishing Test Norms and Benchmarks

Establishing test norms and benchmarks will help you compare candidates' trust capacity against a standardized measure. This enables a more objective evaluation and helps identify candidates who stand out in terms of trustworthiness.

Interpreting Capacity for Trust Test Results

The results of the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test provide you with valuable insights into a candidate's trust capacity. Proper interpretation of these results is critical to making well-informed hiring decisions.

Understanding Trust Capacity Levels

The trust capacity score derived from the assessment indicates a candidate's overall trustworthiness. A higher score reflects a stronger potential for building and maintaining trust-based relationships.

Correlating Trust Capacity with Job Performance

Conduct a thorough analysis to determine whether there is a correlation between a candidate's trust capacity score and their potential for success in the specific job role. Identify patterns and trends that could impact job performance.

Identifying Red Flags and Areas for Improvement

The trust assessment results may reveal areas where a candidate's trust capacity falls short. Use this information to guide interview questions and further explore potential concerns or areas for improvement.

Balancing Trust Capacity with Other Competencies

While trustworthiness is essential, it should not overshadow other critical competencies required for the job role. Strike a balance between trust capacity and other skills, such as technical expertise and job-specific qualifications.

The Role of Capacity for Trust Assessment in Specific Job Positions

Leadership and Management Roles

In leadership and management positions, trust is paramount. High-trust leaders can inspire and motivate their teams, leading to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Use the trust assessment to identify individuals who possess the qualities required for effective leadership.

Customer-Facing Roles

Customer-facing roles require employees who can establish trust with clients, leading to long-lasting business relationships. Assessing trust capacity for candidates in sales and customer service positions can help you choose individuals who build rapport with customers.

Finance and Accounting Positions

In finance and accounting roles, trustworthiness is critical, as employees handle sensitive financial information. Ensure that candidates in these positions demonstrate a high level of integrity and accountability through the trust assessment.

Team Collaboration and Project Management Roles

Candidates in team collaboration and project management roles should be able to foster trust and cohesion within their teams. Utilize the trust assessment to identify candidates who excel in communication, empathy, and teamwork.

Addressing Potential Challenges and Misinterpretations

As with any assessment tool, the Capacity for Trust Assessment Test may present challenges and potential misinterpretations. Address these issues proactively to ensure accurate and fair evaluation of candidates.

Avoiding Bias in Test Administration and Evaluation

Guard against unconscious bias during the test administration and evaluation process. Train hiring managers to maintain objectivity and fairness throughout the assessment.

Recognizing Individual Differences in Trust Capacity

Understand that trust capacity may vary across individuals due to diverse backgrounds and experiences. Avoid rigid criteria and consider context and situational factors when interpreting results.

Supplementing the Test with Other Assessment Methods

While the trust assessment is a powerful tool, it should not be the sole determinant in hiring decisions. Supplement it with other assessment methods, such as interviews and reference checks, to gain a holistic view of a candidate's suitability.

Addressing Candidate Concerns and Inquiries

Be prepared to address any candidate concerns or questions about the trust assessment. Maintain transparency and provide feedback to candidates who may seek clarification on the evaluation process.

Preparing for the Capacity for Trust Test

Communicating Test Purpose and Expectations to Candidates

Inform candidates about the purpose and significance of the trust assessment. Transparency about the evaluation process will help candidates feel more at ease during the assessment.

Providing Resources for Test Preparation

Offer candidates resources or practice materials to familiarize themselves with the trust assessment format. This preparation can help them perform at their best during the actual evaluation.

Ensuring a Comfortable and Stress-Free Testing Environment

Create a conducive testing environment for candidates, free from distractions and unnecessary stress. This setting will enable candidates to focus on the assessment and provide authentic responses.

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