Scene to read · Professionalism, Empathy
Does advice include a visit?
You are a new employee working the customer service counter at a garden center.
At the counter, Armand, a longtime customer, age 41, asks you to visit his home after your shift to help plant his purchases. He understood the advertised included advice to mean home assistance, but it covers in-store guidance only. Ariadne, your coworker, age 28, is wearing her store uniform and offers her own paid planting service; the store has no clear policy on employee business referrals.
The scene
Armand: I thought planting advice included coming over; I can't manage this alone.
Ariadne: My own business offers home planting, but that's separate and costs extra.
Armand: I'm open to paying, but is that what the store recommends here?
Ariadne: We haven't discussed referrals. Can you explain before I share my rates?
The two questions
- 1What would you say to Armand and Ariadne, and what would you do next?
- 2Tell us about a time you had to clarify a misunderstanding about what you could offer someone. How did you handle it?
What raters look for
- Professionalism
- Is reliable, respects boundaries and confidentiality, and holds a consistent standard under pressure.
- Empathy
- Recognizes what others feel and need, and lets that shape the response without losing judgment.
Answer scenarios like this on the real timers
Answer both questions on the clock, and get each one scored 1–9 the way raters score. Your first set is free, no card.
Practice free
