Capacity for Optimism
The Capacity for Optimism Test is a tool used to measure job candidates' ability to maintain a positive outlook. The test consists of self-evaluative questions about the respondent's ability to stay optimistic in the face of adversity. The test is designed to help employers identify candidates who are likely to be successful in spite of challenges and setbacks.
The Capacity for Optimism 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: "Stop myself from feeling pessimistic".
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 Capacity for Optimism 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 of an individual's soft skills, and it is considered to be the most recent and exhaustive measure of these skills. The BESSI was developed by leading personality researchers Christopher Soto and Brent Roberts.
It has been shown that the BESSI predicts important life outcomes. This makes the BESSI a valuable tool for recruiters who want to get an accurate picture of a potential employee's capabilities. The BESSI is also reliable and valid; it was developed using self-report and observer-report data from thousands of adolescents and adults.
If you're interested in learning more about someone's capacity for optimism, then the Capacity for Optimism Test is a great place to start. It provides valuable insights into an individual's ability to cope with stressors and setbacks, which can be extremely helpful in predicting their future success.
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 to hire someone who is a glass-half-full kind of person, then you'll want to look for someone who scores high on the Capacity for Optimism Test. Individuals with this trait tend to do well in the workplace by keeping a positive outlook and maintaining good morale, even when things go wrong. They're able to stay calm under pressure and remain optimistic that things will eventually get better. This can be extremely helpful in maintaining productivity levels and preventing burnout in a work setting. If your team could use some more positivity, consider hiring somebody who scores high on the Capacity for Optimism Test!
Examples of roles that would be an optimal fit for a high-scoring candidate:
Salesperson. A salesperson needs to be great in staying positive when something bad happens because they will need to continue trying to sell the product no matter how the customer reacts.
Recruiter. A recruiter needs to be great in keeping a positive attitude because they will need to be able to see the potential in every candidate they speak with.
Customer Service Representative. A customer service representative needs to be great in staying in a good mood because they will need to be able to project positivity even if the customer is angry.
Ready to find this candidate? Try the Capacity for Optimism Test now!
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