Accidentally gaming the psychometrics, apparently
January 22, 2011 8:38 AM Subscribe
An (software engineering) internship application involves the Rembrandt profile. Could anyone familiar with this test explain what they might be looking for, and give some advice on how I should approach this? I've had to take similar tests before (Myers-Brigg and VARK), and they haven't been very accurate, so I'm worried about giving the wrong impression.
I'm worried because I had to take a bunch of similar tests for an experimental high school program and, historically, they don't seem very accurate for me. I got classified as a reading/writing learner in the VARK model even though I actually learn best by attending lecture and practicing on my own, and I remember my guidance counselor was very surprised by my Myers-Briggs. Apparently, I'm a feeling extrovert even though I actively distrust hunches and much prefer occasional intimate gatherings where we can actually talk about things.
More relevantly to my current quandary, some other test classified me as low initiative and more of a follower even though I've started my own business, proposed and led projects at work, made a regular habit of auditing a course on top of a full load at university, etc.
I don't know why I give such misleading answers, but I really don't want to do it here, especially when they're judging things like ability to work independently and focus. (How do you even get that out of a questionnaire?).
My (totally tested) suspicion is that the tests are somehow culturally biased and, being a recent immigrant, I misinterpret the questions. Certainly, I know I frequently surprise my white American friends when we play word-association games or discuss films and books. But that's total speculation.
I'm worried because I had to take a bunch of similar tests for an experimental high school program and, historically, they don't seem very accurate for me. I got classified as a reading/writing learner in the VARK model even though I actually learn best by attending lecture and practicing on my own, and I remember my guidance counselor was very surprised by my Myers-Briggs. Apparently, I'm a feeling extrovert even though I actively distrust hunches and much prefer occasional intimate gatherings where we can actually talk about things.
More relevantly to my current quandary, some other test classified me as low initiative and more of a follower even though I've started my own business, proposed and led projects at work, made a regular habit of auditing a course on top of a full load at university, etc.
I don't know why I give such misleading answers, but I really don't want to do it here, especially when they're judging things like ability to work independently and focus. (How do you even get that out of a questionnaire?).
My (totally tested) suspicion is that the tests are somehow culturally biased and, being a recent immigrant, I misinterpret the questions. Certainly, I know I frequently surprise my white American friends when we play word-association games or discuss films and books. But that's total speculation.
Any company that uses a psychometric profile for hiring a technical professional is not a company you want to work for. Frankly, I wouldn't even bother applying. From your description, it sounds like you'll have many other opportunities available to you.
posted by saeculorum at 9:44 AM on January 22, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by saeculorum at 9:44 AM on January 22, 2011 [3 favorites]
As others have said, this is very sketchy, especially for a software engineering position. Problem solving interviews certainly aren't uncommon, but personality tests are a big red flag. If you're really interested in the position, I'd do as garlic says and just try to answer honestly, but I would be very suspicious of this company and not be discouraged at all if I "failed" the test.
You could also try chatting with your university's career services office about this, as they may have other pointers.
posted by zachlipton at 11:12 AM on January 22, 2011
You could also try chatting with your university's career services office about this, as they may have other pointers.
posted by zachlipton at 11:12 AM on January 22, 2011
saeculorum: "Any company that uses a psychometric profile for hiring a technical professional is not a company you want to work for."
Hope this isn't a derail, but I'm not really familiar with how these tests are used in the business world. Could you explain why this is a deal-breaker?
posted by d. z. wang at 11:14 AM on January 22, 2011
Hope this isn't a derail, but I'm not really familiar with how these tests are used in the business world. Could you explain why this is a deal-breaker?
posted by d. z. wang at 11:14 AM on January 22, 2011
Could you explain why this is a deal-breaker?
Because they're stupid and have nothing to do with being a good engineer. They cannot predict if you will be a good contributor to your direct team and random people across the organization.
If you're interviewing for an engineering position and someone whips out a psychological examination, start pondering better places to apply.
posted by secret about box at 2:13 PM on January 22, 2011
Because they're stupid and have nothing to do with being a good engineer. They cannot predict if you will be a good contributor to your direct team and random people across the organization.
If you're interviewing for an engineering position and someone whips out a psychological examination, start pondering better places to apply.
posted by secret about box at 2:13 PM on January 22, 2011
They cannot predict if you will be a good contributor to your direct team and random people across the organization.
Going by the responses in this thread, the tests seem to be a good predictor of:
- the likelihood that you'll be an agitator or dummy spitter when asked to do something you don't agree with
- the extent to which you're sensitive / defensive about your own personality
posted by obiwanwasabi at 3:20 PM on January 22, 2011
Going by the responses in this thread, the tests seem to be a good predictor of:
- the likelihood that you'll be an agitator or dummy spitter when asked to do something you don't agree with
- the extent to which you're sensitive / defensive about your own personality
posted by obiwanwasabi at 3:20 PM on January 22, 2011
I hear studies have shown that diversity in teams leads to better outcomes, especially diverse backgrounds and personalities. If you're the rare feeling extrovert engineer, well, that should command a premium in the market, no?
I say don't sweat it. All that a personality profile shows is that nobody's paying close attention to the HR budget. Probably because it's just a small internship program budget.
posted by pwnguin at 4:30 PM on January 22, 2011
I say don't sweat it. All that a personality profile shows is that nobody's paying close attention to the HR budget. Probably because it's just a small internship program budget.
posted by pwnguin at 4:30 PM on January 22, 2011
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Don't forget that application is a two way process -- you're judging them as much as they're judging you. I don't believe Rembrandt profiles are common for engineering positions, so why are they using it at this job?
posted by garlic at 9:44 AM on January 22, 2011