What your imaginary twin says about you in a job interview

ADMITTING you had an imaginary twin as a child may not seem like the obvious way to impress a prospective employer, but it could help land your next job.

Britain’s biggest companies and government departments are now using deep psychological profiling to sift through job applicants.

A team of Cambridge University graduates has developed an in-depth psychometric screening test which uncovers “subconscious latent potential” while getting rid of jobseekers who look good on paper, but could prove a liability in the workplace.

The developers claim the 30-minute online Cambridge Code assessment can reveal underlying motivations and mental health problems.

The test asks 55 questions such as: “Have you ever had an imaginary twin?” and probes how people handle conflicts with their partners or parents.

The researchers say talking about an imaginary twin allows people to give information that they may have chosen to keep hidden about themselves.

Dr Curly Moloney, joint founder of The Cambridge Code, said: “Each question tells us a small thing but when put with other answers it becomes a small jigsaw piece in a big picture.”

She added that the test can pick up traits such as inner drive, which does not usually become apparent until after several months in the job.

It will also help women, and candidates who struggle with stressful social interactions, such as those on the autistic spectrum.

“I’ve come across many female CEOS who are great at running a company, but don’t interview well,” said Dr Moloney. “I think this is why a lot of women don’t end up on boards, even though they would be very good at it.”

The team is also hoping the test will also be used by doctors’ surgeries to give a rapid assessment of mental health conditions in patients.