Perspective-Taking Skill
The Perspective-Taking Skill Test is designed to measure a job candidate's ability to take another person's perspective. The test consists of a series of questions that ask the candidate to sympathize with, feel compassion for, and understand the feelings of others. The test is meant to help employers identify candidates who are likely to be successful in jobs that require frequent interaction with other people.
The Perspective-Taking Skill 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: "Sympathize with other people's feelings".
Response time: 2 minutes.
Result: An easy-to-interpret score that is benchmarked against hundreds of other candidates!
This test is backed by real science
The Perspective-Taking Skill Test is a tool that was originally developed as part of the Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Skills Inventory (BESSI). The BESSI is a comprehensive inventory that was designed to measure an individual's soft skills. The BESSI was developed by leading personality researchers Christopher Soto and Brent Roberts. It is a reliable and valid tool that has been shown to predict important life outcomes. The Perspective-Taking Skill Test is just one part of the larger BESSI inventory. However, it is an important tool for assessing an individual's ability to take another person's perspective. This skill is essential for success in many aspects of life, including work.
If you are interested in the science behind the BESSI, start with this scientific publication.
The qualities of a candidate with high test scores
If you're looking for an employee who is good at empathizing with others, taking their perspective, and respecting their feelings, then you should consider someone who scores high on the Perspective-Taking Skill Test. This type of person typically does well in customer service or human resources roles, as they are able to see both sides of every issue and put themselves in other people's shoes. They make great mediators and can often diffuses heated situations before they get out of hand.
Examples of roles that would be an optimal fit for a high-scoring candidate:
Training and Development Manager. A training and development manager needs to be great at sympathizing with other people's feelings to be able to provide support and guidance to staff to improve their learning performance.
Human resources manager. A human resources manager needs to be great in at taking another person's perspective to be able to effectively mediate disputes between employees, and resolve conflict within the workplace.
Social worker. A social worker needs to be great in sensing other people's needs to be able to identify individuals and families who would benefit from social services, and connect them with the resources they need.
Ready to find this candidate? Try the Perspective-Taking Skill Test now!
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