Problem
You are applying for the job of sales associate. You have just found out that you will be given a personality assessment as part of the application process. You feel that this job requires someone who is very high in extraversion and who can handle stress well. You are relatively sociable and can cope with some stress, but honestly you are not very high in either trait. The job pays well, and it is a great stepping-stone to better jobs. How are you going to respond when completing the personality questions? Are you going to make an effort to represent yourself as you truly are? If so, there is a chance that you may not get the job. How about answering the questions to fit the salesperson profile? Isn't everyone doing this to some extent anyway?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of responding to the questions honestly?
• Would your chances to get the job increase if you responded in a way that matches what you think the company is looking for in a candidate? Explain.
• What would you really do in a situation like this? How would you respond?