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Pymetrics test: Altruism

pymetrics test
New answer on Feb 15, 2021
4 Answers
3.9 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Feb 13, 2021

Hi there, if i understand it correctly, the Pymetrics test measures, amongst others, "altruism" by providing candidates with the opportunity to give money to other people. Do you have any tips on what would be the response that would be most valued by a firm? On first sight, giving away all money and being complete selfless appears to be the most suitable choice. However, do you think there is like a second layer of this measure of altruism? I mean, might firms potentially see being too generous/selfless as something negative?

Best, F

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 13, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'd like to elaborate more on what Ken said: In essence, don't try to game personality/culture match tests.

Why?

1) Those tests are designed to measure fit. If you're cheating the game you're actually cheating yourself (hard to see when you're in it, but trust me, you don't want to go somewhere you don't belong)

2) You can't predict/outsmart these things. Given that, would you rather fail knowing you answered completely honestly and true to yourself OR, fail knowing you were ungenuine and just said what you thought they wanted? Imagine not getting in, based on answers that weren't you, and always wondering if you'd be in if you were just yourself!

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Florian
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Content Creator
replied on Feb 13, 2021
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

Generally, I agree with what Ken has already said.

Too much of one thing is not necessarily a good thing. Three things to keep in mind:

  • Overall its about a balanced personality profile, individual dimensions won't make or break the decision
  • The Pymetrics will never be used as a sole decision instrument at BCG
  • Be aware that personality test usually check whether or not you are honest by evaluating similar traits with different means :-) If you were to fake it you would need to show consistency across all questions

If you want to know more, I have written a free and detailed article on the BCG Pymetrics here: https://strategycase.com/bcg-pymetrics-test

Cheers,

Florian

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Feb 15, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

To add on top of what has been said already, as many things in life, this is a matter of balance. As when you do a group dynamic, you need to show that you are someone who is abe to work in groups and socially, but also fight for what is yours! -without stepping on others, of course-.

Cheers,

Clara

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Ken
Expert
replied on Feb 13, 2021
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

I have experience taking this test as a candidate too! Based on what I was told afterwards, it seems like it's really about being able to show you are balanced on that dimension based on several scenarios. Some candidates wrongly assume that the employer is testing for your selflessness and take it to extremes which is not a good sign either (i.e., dishonesty).

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Anonymous A on Feb 13, 2021

thanks! you mean dishonesty in terms of being fully altruistic by keeping no money for yourself at all?

Ken on Feb 13, 2021

Sorry I meant it more as in trying to come across the way you think your employer wants you to as opposed to who you actually are.

Anonymous A on Feb 13, 2021

thanks for clarification :)

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