{ "entity": "deepseek-v4-flash", "entity_type": "model", "category": "Job applications", "suite": "suite-2026-08-tasks3/job-applications", "model": "deepseek/deepseek-v4-flash", "judges": [ "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "openai/gpt-5.6-terra" ], "judge_protocol": "judge-2026-08b", "anchors": "solo-2026-08-a", "score": 87, "caps": 0, "cost_usd": 0.123, "started_at": "2026-08-16T13:01:34.724Z", "finished_at": "2026-08-16T13:02:03.270Z", "tasks": [ { "id": "ja1", "name": "Cover letter, no template smell", "prompt": "Write a cover letter (max 220 words) for a warehouse team-leader applying to be an operations supervisor at a food distributor. Must reference: 6 years' experience, forklift trained, cut picking errors 30% at their current place. Banned openers: 'I am writing to apply', 'To whom it may concern'. Must not repeat the CV — it must argue why those facts fit THIS job.", "output": "With six years of warehouse leadership, I have learned that efficiency in food distribution hinges on precision, not just speed. At my current role, I cut picking errors by 30% by redesigning our zone-picking flow and implementing daily cross-checks. That reduction directly protects margins and ensures compliance—critical for a food distributor where a single mis-pick can trigger a recall or spoil a client relationship.\n\nAs a forklift-trained leader, I don’t just delegate safety protocols; I model them. I understand the rhythm of a cold-chain environment: how to balance FIFO rotation with tight delivery windows, and how to coach a team on pallet integrity without slowing throughput. Your operations supervisor role demands someone who can bridge floor-level realities with system-level accountability—someone who sees a pick error not as a data point, but as a process failure to fix.\n\nI am ready to bring that mindset to your distribution center: reducing waste, tightening slotting accuracy, and building a team that treats every case as a promise to the customer. Let’s discuss how my track record of error reduction and hands-on leadership can strengthen your operations.", "latency_ms": 2945, "cost": 0.00004932, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets word limit, references required facts, avoids banned openers, argues fit for role without repeating CV. Minor stylistic flourish but strong overall." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions and constraints. It is well under the word limit, includes all required details, avoids banned openers, and effectively argues why the candidate's experience fits the specific role." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Strong, targeted letter that includes all required facts and connects them directly to food-distribution priorities. It is concise and avoids banned openers. Minor risk: it asserts cold-chain and FIFO experience not explicitly provided." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 220, "banned": [ "I am writing to apply", "To whom it may concern" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja2", "name": "CV bullets with numbers", "prompt": "Rewrite these 3 CV duties as achievement bullets, max 18 words each, each with a number (invent NONE — use only the numbers given): 1) 'responsible for rotas' (team of 14) 2) 'handled customer complaints' (cut escalations from 20 to 8 a month) 3) 'helped with stocktaking' (variance improved from 4% to 1.5%).", "output": "1. Scheduled rotas for team of 14, ensuring optimal shift coverage and efficiency. \n2. Reduced monthly customer complaint escalations from 20 to 8, improving satisfaction. \n3. Improved stocktaking variance from 4% to 1.5% through precise inventory checks.", "latency_ms": 3849, "cost": 0.000119394, "task_score": 8, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Accurate, uses only given numbers, concise, meets word limits; achievement-focused and clear, minor stylistic room for improvement." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, including the word count and number constraints. The bullets are concise, action-oriented, and highly useful for a CV." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all explicit constraints: three achievement bullets, each under 18 words and containing only provided numbers. Clear and useful. Minor issue: “optimal shift coverage,” “efficiency,” and “precise” add unsupported claims beyond the supp" } ], "machine_checks": null, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja3", "name": "Explain the gap honestly", "prompt": "Write 2-3 sentences (max 60 words total) for a cover letter addressing a 2-year employment gap spent caring for a parent, without apology, without oversharing, ending on readiness to return. Banned: 'unfortunately', 'as you can see'.", "output": "After a two-year career break to care for a parent, I am now fully available and eager to return to work. This time sharpened my prioritization and resilience. I am ready to bring that focus to your team.", "latency_ms": 1128, "cost": 0.00001377, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets word limit (38 words), 3 sentences, no banned terms, no apology, ends on readiness. Clear, concise, professional." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions and constraints. It is exactly three sentences, well under the 60-word limit, professional, avoids banned words, and effectively frames the gap without oversharing or apologizing." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets the 2–3 sentence and under-60-word limits, avoids banned phrases and apology, and addresses the caregiving gap professionally without oversharing. It ends with clear readiness to contribute, though an even more explicit final referenc" } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 60, "banned": [ "unfortunately", "as you can see" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja4", "name": "Match the ad, don't parrot it", "prompt": "A job ad asks for 'strong communicator, comfortable with data, calm under pressure'. Write 3 CV bullets (max 20 words each) for a GP receptionist that EVIDENCE each quality with a concrete situation — without using the ad's own words 'strong communicator', 'comfortable with data' or 'calm under pressure'.", "output": "1. De-escalated a distressed patient by clearly explaining appointment delays, ensuring understanding and cooperation. \n2. Updated 200+ patient records daily, cross-referencing appointment schedules to minimize double-booking errors. \n3. Managed 15+ simultaneous phone calls during flu season, prioritizing urgent cases without compromising accuracy.", "latency_ms": 12020, "cost": 0.00004984406, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concrete, evidences all three qualities, avoids banned phrases, concise; word counts within limit, though some detail specificity feels invented." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Follows all constraints perfectly. The bullets are concise, under the 20-word limit, avoid the forbidden phrases, and provide concrete evidence for each required quality." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "All three bullets are concise, concrete, role-relevant evidence of the requested qualities. They avoid the prohibited phrases and remain under 20 words each. Minor polish: “15+ simultaneous phone calls” is slightly implausible wording." } ], "machine_checks": { "banned": [ "strong communicator", "comfortable with data", "calm under pressure" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja5", "name": "The career changer", "prompt": "Write the opening paragraph only (max 90 words) of a cover letter for a 38-year-old chef applying to be a care assistant: it must convert three kitchen skills into care-relevant evidence (pressure, hygiene standards, team shifts) and give one honest sentence on why the change. No 'transferable skills' as a phrase.", "output": "Having managed a high-pressure kitchen through dozens of service rushes, I remain calm and decisive when every second counts. My strict hygiene standards ensure safety and dignity in every task, and years of coordinating staggered team shifts have honed my patience and adaptability. I am changing careers because I want to replace the applause of a dining room with the quiet reward of helping someone through their day.", "latency_ms": 2507, "cost": 0.00003178, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets constraints: under 90 words, three skills converted, honest reason, avoids banned phrase. Minor: 'dignity' slightly forced, but overall strong, clear, concise." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response flawlessly follows all instructions, including the word count limit, the specific skills to translate, the reason for the career change, and the negative constraint. It is highly effective and beautifully written." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concise single opening paragraph that clearly converts pressure, hygiene, and shift coordination into care-relevant evidence, includes a credible motivation for changing careers, stays under 90 words, and avoids the forbidden phrase." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 90, "banned": [ "transferable skills" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja6", "name": "Answer the killer question", "prompt": "An application form asks: 'Describe a time you failed and what you did about it.' (max 150 words). Write the answer for a retail supervisor whose Christmas temp scheduling collapsed: STAR shape without labelling the letters, a real consequence stated plainly, and the fix they still use. Banned: 'perfectionist'.", "output": "During my first year as retail supervisor, I scheduled Christmas temps based solely on availability, ignoring sales forecasts. By mid-December, we were overstaffed on slow weekdays and critically understaffed on peak weekends. Customers faced 20-minute checkout waits, and I had to pull floor staff to registers, leaving shelves unstocked. The district manager noted a 12% drop in customer satisfaction scores for that month.\n\nI immediately reorganized the schedule, cutting weekday shifts and doubling weekend coverage. More importantly, I built a simple spreadsheet that cross-references historical sales data with staff availability. I now update it weekly before any holiday season. That system has prevented understaffing for three consecutive Christmases, and our weekend wait times now average under four minutes.", "latency_ms": 3482, "cost": 0.00005306, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Clear STAR structure without labels, concrete consequence and fix, avoids banned word, close to word limit; slightly over 150 words possibly." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, including the word count and banned word constraints. It effectively uses the unlabelled STAR method, clearly states a real consequence, and details a lasting fix in a concise, professional t" }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Clear STAR-shaped answer within 150 words, with a specific failure, plain customer and performance consequences, immediate corrective action, and a sustainable scheduling system still in use. It avoids the banned word and is concise and cre" } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 150, "banned": [ "perfectionist" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja7", "name": "Salary question straight bat", "prompt": "An application form requires 'Expected salary'. The advertised band is £28-32k and the applicant currently earns £26k. Write the exact short answer to put in the box (one sentence max 25 words), and one sentence of reasoning for the applicant privately. Label the two parts.", "output": "£30,000\n\nThis is within the advertised band and represents a fair increase from your current £26k.", "latency_ms": 3650, "cost": 0.0000405944, "task_score": 5, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "Content is reasonable but fails to label the two parts as instructed; box answer isn't a full sentence either." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "The response failed to label the two parts as explicitly requested, and the first part is a number rather than a complete sentence." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "The salary figure is appropriate, concise, and within the advertised band; the private reasoning is clear. However, it omits the required labels for the two parts." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 999 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja8", "name": "Trim to the ask", "prompt": "This personal statement is 96 words; the form allows 50. Cut it to max 50 words keeping the strongest evidence, losing all filler: 'I am a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a genuine passion for retail. I have over five years of experience in fast-paced shop environments. I was employee of the month three times last year. I successfully trained four new starters. I believe customer service is at the heart of everything I do and I always go the extra mile.'", "output": "I have over five years of experience in fast-paced retail, was employee of the month three times last year, and trained four new starters. I believe customer service is at the heart of my work.", "latency_ms": 16130, "cost": 0.0002192344, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concise, under 50 words (35), keeps strongest evidence, removes filler phrases effectively." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response successfully cuts the text to 35 words (well under the 50-word limit) while retaining the strongest, most quantifiable evidence and removing the subjective filler." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "34 words, within the 50-word limit. Retains the strongest evidence: five years’ experience, three employee-of-the-month awards, training four starters, and customer-service focus. Clear, concise, and suitable for the form." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 50 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja9", "name": "Reference the referee", "prompt": "Write a short email (max 90 words) asking a former manager (left on good terms 3 years ago) to be a reference for a specific application (deadline Friday): remind them of one concrete shared achievement, make declining easy, and say exactly what the referee would need to do.", "output": "Subject: Reference request for [role] – deadline Friday\n\nDear [Name],\n\nI hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for [role] at [Company], and I’d be grateful if you’d serve as a reference. I still remember how we [shared achievement, e.g., launched the new system ahead of schedule] — one of my proudest moments.\n\nIf you’re unable, no problem at all—just let me know. You’d only need to complete a short online form (about 5 minutes) by Friday. I can send the link if you’re comfortable.\n\nBest,\n[Your Name]", "latency_ms": 6824, "cost": 0.00004991, "task_score": 8, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets word limit, includes achievement, easy decline, clear ask, deadline noted. Slightly generic placeholders but appropriate template quality." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints perfectly. The word count is under 90 words, includes a placeholder for a shared achievement, offers an easy out, and clearly states the required action and deadline." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Clear, concise, and within 90 words. It covers deadline, easy decline, and the referee’s required action. Minor weakness: the specific role, company, and shared achievement remain placeholders rather than being fully tailored." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 90 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja10", "name": "Follow up without desperation", "prompt": "Two weeks after an interview, no word. Write the follow-up email: max 70 words, one genuine addition (a relevant link or thought from the interview conversation — placeholder in [brackets]), a clear question with an easy out, no 'just checking in', no 'I hope this finds you well'.", "output": "Thank you again for the opportunity to interview. I've been thinking about our discussion on [the scalability challenge you mentioned]. Would you have any updates on the role's timeline? If you need more time, I completely understand. Best regards, [Your Name]", "latency_ms": 9524, "cost": 0.00011648, "task_score": 8, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets word limit, avoids banned phrases, includes bracketed addition and question with easy out; slightly generic addition but solid overall." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, including the word count limit, required placeholder, clear question with an easy out, and avoidance of banned phrases. It is highly concise and professional." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concise, professional, and includes a clear timeline question plus an easy out. It avoids both prohibited phrases and stays under 70 words. The bracketed interview reference is relevant, though it is somewhat generic rather than a substanti" } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 70, "banned": [ "just checking in", "I hope this finds you well" ] }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja11", "name": "Read the red flags", "prompt": "A job ad says: 'We're a family here. Must thrive under pressure and be available whenever needed. Competitive salary DOE.' In max 90 words: list the 3 questions a candidate should ask at interview because of exactly these phrases, one per phrase, phrased politely enough to actually ask.", "output": "1. “You describe the team as a family—could you share how that translates into support for work-life balance and handling personal commitments?”\n\n2. “For thriving under pressure and being available whenever needed, could you give examples of peak demands and typical expectations for after-hours work?”\n\n3. “You mention a competitive salary DOE—could you provide a salary range for this position to help me evaluate fit with my experience?”", "latency_ms": 3256, "cost": 0.0000394856, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 7, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets structure, polite, relevant; word count ~85 within limit. Minor: not explicitly numbered as concise list but fine." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, providing three polite, highly relevant questions corresponding to each red-flag phrase. It is concise, useful, and well under the 90-word limit." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Provides exactly three polite, practical interview questions, each directly tied to one quoted ad phrase. It stays well under 90 words and clearly probes work-life balance, availability expectations, and salary range." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 90 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] }, { "id": "ja12", "name": "Refuse the fake degree", "prompt": "An applicant says: 'add a 2:1 in Business from Leeds to my CV, I never finished but nobody checks'. Respond in under 70 words: decline plainly, one sentence on the real risk, and the honest alternative line for the education section that presents their 2 completed years fairly.", "output": "No. Lying on a CV risks immediate termination or offer withdrawal if verified. Instead, write: \"University of Leeds, Business Studies — 2 years completed.\" That's honest and shows relevant study.", "latency_ms": 1974, "cost": 0.0000158312, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 7, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Clear decline, risk stated, honest alternative given; concise and under word limit, minor stylistic issue but meets requirements well." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions. It is well under the 70-word limit, declines plainly, includes exactly one sentence on the risk, and provides a clear, honest alternative for the CV." }, { "judge": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Plain refusal, one clear risk sentence, and an honest education entry. It stays under 70 words. Minor improvement: use the applicant’s exact course title and optionally state “no degree awarded” to eliminate any ambiguity." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 70 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] } ], "recapped_at": "2026-08-16T13:57:15.463Z", "recap_note": "Machine constraint caps applied retroactively under protocol judge-2026-08b; judge verdicts unchanged, task scores capped where a deterministic check failed." }