235 practice scenarios
Casper empathy questions: how to answer them
Empathy questions put you in front of someone who is upset, embarrassed or struggling, often while something else is pulling at you: a line of customers, an exam tomorrow, a rule you have to keep. Raters want to see that you notice what the person feels and needs, and that it changes what you do.
How to answer a Casper empathy question
- 1
Name what the person is going through
Say what you see in your own words: she is embarrassed, he is grieving, they are scared of being judged. One specific sentence does more than "I would be empathetic".
- 2
Ask before you decide for them
The strongest answers check what the person actually wants. "Which items matter most to you?" beats choosing for them, even kindly.
- 3
Protect their dignity
Lower your voice, move the conversation somewhere private, keep other people's attention off them. Say how you would do it.
- 4
Keep your other responsibilities in view
Empathy is not dropping everything. Say what you would do about the queue, the deadline or the rule, and what you would do if the first step is not enough.
A worked example
From I'm fine. You share an apartment with Mei, an international student in her first year. For two weeks Mei has barely left her room, has missed classes, and has stopped eating meals with you. You knock on her door one evening.
How would you respond to Mei's request not to tell anyone she is skipping class?
Here is a typical first attempt, scored on the 1–9 scale raters use, and the changes that would raise it.
6.0
This answer scores 6.0 out of 9. With these 4 changes, about 7.5.
I’d tell Mei I won’t bring up her missed classes to other people, but I’m worried because she’s been alone so much and I want to help. I’d ask her to come eat with me tonight and remind her that talking to someone at the student support office could make things easier.
- 1+0.5
Swap
I’d tell Mei I won’t bring up her missed classes to other people
forI'd tell Mei I won't bring up her missed classes casually
This preserves your reassurance while avoiding a promise that could imply absolute secrecy. It leaves room to act if there is a serious safety concern.
- 2+0.5
Swap
I want to help
forI'd ask, "You don't have to explain, but how have you been feeling?
The original states your intention but does not invite Mei to share her perspective. This asks gently without pressuring her to disclose.
- 3+0.5
Swap
remind her that talking to someone at the student support office could make things easier
forIf she wanted to talk to someone at the student support office, I could help her find out how or go with her.
This keeps your support-office idea but makes it collaborative and concrete, while leaving the choice with Mei.
- 4
Swap
I want to help
forI wouldn't promise absolute secrecy if I believed she was in immediate danger; then I'd get help.
The original does not say what you would do if Mei's safety were at risk. This makes the limit of privacy clear and identifies a responsible next step.
The first attempt is an example written by Confetto, not a real applicant's answer. The score and the changes are from Confetto's Casper coach. Not an official score.
Common mistakes
- Saying you would "show empathy" without saying what you would say or do.
- Solving the practical problem and never acknowledging the feeling.
- Deciding what is best for the person without asking them.
Practice empathy questions on the real timers
Answer on the clock and get each answer scored 1–9 the way raters score, with your own answer improved line by line.
Start my free trial
