Table 1 Skill and task variables

  Cognitive skills: cognitively oriented personality statements

1.

I like to have the responsibility of handling a situation that requires a lot of thinking.

2.

I prefer complex problems to simple problems.

3.

I enjoy tasks that involve coming up with good solutions for new problems.

4.

I prefer my life to be filled with puzzles that I must solve.

5.

The notion of thinking abstractly is appealing to me.

  Social skills: socially oriented personality statements

1.

I’m interested in other people.

2.

I make people feel at ease.

3.

I have social recognition.

4.

I start conversations.

5.

I feel comfortable around other people.

  Cognitive tasks

1.

Knowledge of use or operation of tools/equipment machinery.

2.

Solving problems.

3.

Analysing problems.

4.

Planning the work of others.

5.

Reading long documents.

6.

Writing long documents with correct spelling and grammar.

7.

Simple calculations.

8.

Calculations with math and/or statistics.

  Social tasks

1.

Dealing with people.

2.

Working together or in a team.

3.

Listening to other people.

4.

Teaching people.

5.

Making speeches/presentations.

6.

Selling a product or service.

7.

Persuading or influencing others.

8.

Counselling, advising, or caring for customers or clients.