{ "entity": "gpt-5-6-terra", "entity_type": "model", "category": "Job applications", "suite": "suite-2026-08-tasks3/job-applications", "model": "openai/gpt-5.6-terra", "judges": [ "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "x-ai/grok-4.5" ], "judge_protocol": "judge-2026-08b", "anchors": "solo-2026-08-a", "score": 89, "caps": 1, "cost_usd": 0.1859, "started_at": "2026-08-16T13:09:02.191Z", "finished_at": "2026-08-16T13:09:31.825Z", "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": "Dear Hiring Manager,\n\nReliable food distribution depends on disciplined teams, accurate order fulfilment, and supervisors who can keep standards high when volumes rise. With six years of warehouse leadership experience, I would bring a practical, safety-focused approach to supporting your operation.\n\nIn my current role, I led improvements that reduced picking errors by 30%. That result matters in food distribution, where accuracy protects customer service, stock integrity, and delivery schedules. I achieved it by clarifying processes, coaching colleagues on common errors, and using performance information to address issues early—methods I would apply to strengthen your team’s daily performance.\n\nAs a forklift-trained team leader, I understand the importance of safe, efficient movement of stock and equipment in a busy warehouse. I am comfortable balancing productivity with compliance, maintaining clear communication across shifts, and stepping in calmly when priorities change.\n\nI am particularly interested in this Operations Supervisor role because it combines frontline leadership with the responsibility to improve service, safety, and operational consistency. I would welcome the opportunity to help your distribution teams meet demanding customer expectations while developing a positive, accountable workplace culture.\n\nYours sincerely, \n[Your Name]", "latency_ms": 4251, "cost": 0.001477, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all facts, avoids banned openers, argues fit rather than repeating CV, concise and professional; slightly over-safe generic phrasing but strong overall, within word limit." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions. It meets the word count, includes all required facts, avoids banned openers, and excellently contextualizes the applicant's experience for the specific food distribution role rather than just" }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints exactly; strong tailored argument linking experience to food ops role; clear, concise, under limit." } ], "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": "- Coordinated rotas for a 14-person team, ensuring consistent staffing coverage. \n- Resolved customer complaints, reducing monthly escalations from 20 to 8. \n- Supported stocktaking processes, improving inventory variance from 4% to 1.5%.", "latency_ms": 1320, "cost": 0.00045, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Accurate, uses only given numbers, concise, within word limits, achievement-focused bullets, clear for non-technical reader." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, rewriting the duties into strong achievement bullets. Each bullet is well under the 18-word limit and accurately incorporates only the provided numbers." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "All three bullets are accurate achievements using only given numbers, under 18 words each, clear and professional." } ], "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": "I took a planned two-year pause from my career to care for a parent, while maintaining awareness of developments in my field. That responsibility strengthened my resilience, organization, and perspective, and I am ready to return.", "latency_ms": 2247, "cost": 0.000345, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concise, no apology or overshare, ends on readiness, avoids banned phrases, within word limit." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions and constraints. It is exactly two sentences, well under the 60-word limit, avoids banned words, contains no apologies or oversharing, and ends on a strong note of readiness." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets 2-sentence, 36-word limit; no banned terms; no apology/overshare; ends on readiness." } ], "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": "- Explained appointment options to distressed patients, resolving daily queries clearly while maintaining confidentiality. \n- Updated patient records and produced weekly appointment reports, checking entries against the clinical system to prevent booking errors. \n- During a system outage, prioritised urgent cases for 20 waiting patients and gave regular updates, preventing escalations.", "latency_ms": 5469, "cost": 0.002269, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Bullets evidence each quality without banned phrases, concise and relevant; word counts within limit; minor polish possible but strong overall." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions. It provides 3 concrete, well-crafted CV bullets under 20 words each, effectively evidencing the required traits without using any of the forbidden phrases." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "All three bullets under 20 words, evidence qualities via concrete situations, avoid banned phrases exactly." } ], "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": "Dear Hiring Manager, \n\nAs a chef with 15 years’ experience, I am used to remaining calm and attentive under pressure, maintaining rigorous food hygiene and safety standards, and working reliably within fast-paced shift teams. These strengths have taught me to notice individual needs, follow procedures carefully, and support colleagues to provide consistent service. I am seeking a move into care because I want my daily work to focus more directly on helping people feel safe, respected, and well supported.", "latency_ms": 2266, "cost": 0.000663, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Well-converted skills, honest reason, avoids banned phrase, under 90 words. Slightly generic but strong, clear, professional opening paragraph." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, including the word count and specific skill conversions. It provides a clear, honest reason for the career change without using the forbidden phrase, and is highly professional." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints exactly: under 90 words, converts the three skills to care evidence, honest reason sentence, no banned phrase. Clear and useful." } ], "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 Christmas as a retail supervisor, I created the temporary staff rota using availability spreadsheets but did not confirm last-minute changes directly with each colleague. Several temps were unavailable on the same weekend, leaving two peak shifts understaffed. Customers faced long queues, the team were stressed, and we missed our service targets that weekend.\n\nI took responsibility, covered part of the gap myself, and contacted available colleagues and nearby stores to arrange support. Afterwards, I introduced a simple scheduling process: every temp confirms availability and each published shift by a set deadline, with a backup list for busy trading days. I also review staffing levels weekly with the store manager. We still use this process, and it has helped us avoid similar shortages during peak periods.", "latency_ms": 3483, "cost": 0.001242, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets STAR shape implicitly, states real consequence, describes lasting fix, avoids banned word, within ~150 words. Minor: word count near limit, slightly generic." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions, including the word count, STAR structure without labels, plain consequences, and the ongoing fix. It avoids the banned word and is highly clear and professional." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints: STAR unlabelled, plain consequence, ongoing fix, under 150 words, no banned term. Accurate, clear, useful." } ], "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": "**Answer to put in the box:** £32,000, reflecting the responsibilities of the role and the advertised salary range.\n\n**Private reasoning:** Asking at the top of the stated band is reasonable given the current £26,000 salary and leaves room for negotiation.", "latency_ms": 1241, "cost": 0.000407, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets format, word limit, and labels; answer is reasonable though asking top-of-band without justification could be slightly bold, but acceptable." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response follows all instructions perfectly, providing a clear, one-sentence answer under 25 words for the box, a one-sentence private reasoning, and clear labels. The advice is highly practical and well-reasoned." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets format, word limit, labels; sound advice at band top. Minor: box answer slightly explanatory vs pure figure." } ], "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": "Over five years’ experience in fast-paced retail environments. Named Employee of the Month three times last year and trained four new starters. I deliver excellent customer service and consistently go the extra mile.", "latency_ms": 1201, "cost": 0.000355, "task_score": 9, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Concise, retains strongest evidence, cuts filler; word count ~32, well under 50. Minor stylistic tweaks possible but solid." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response successfully condenses the statement to 33 words (well under the 50-word limit), retaining all the strong, quantifiable evidence while eliminating the unnecessary filler." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 9, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Accurate cut to 33 words retaining key evidence (experience, awards, training, service); drops all filler cleanly and clearly." } ], "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] application\n\nHi [Manager’s Name],\n\nI hope you’re well. I’m applying for the [Role] at [Company], with a deadline this Friday, and wondered if you’d be willing to act as a reference. I really valued working with you, especially when we [concrete achievement, e.g., delivered the X project ahead of schedule].\n\nThe application asks for your name, title, email, and phone number; they may contact you after submission for a brief reference.\n\nIf you’re not able to help, I completely understand. Thank you for considering it.\n\nBest, \n[Your Name]", "latency_ms": 2189, "cost": 0.000869, "task_score": 5, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "Good structure, meets most requirements, but exceeds 90-word limit (~105 words) and achievement is generic placeholder rather than concrete detail." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "The response meets all content requirements, including the deadline, achievement, out clause, and next steps. However, it violates the maximum word count constraint, coming in at 93 words." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all requirements exactly: under 90 words, concrete achievement reminder, easy decline, clear referee actions, professional and useful." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 90 }, "machine_violation": true, "machine_reasons": [ "93 words against a maximum of 90" ] }, { "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": "Subject: Follow-up on [Role Title]\n\nHi [Name],\n\nThank you again for the conversation about [Role Title]. I enjoyed discussing [specific interview topic], and [genuine addition: relevant link or brief thought].\n\nCould you share whether there’s an update on the timeline or next steps? If priorities have shifted or you’ve moved forward with another candidate, I’d appreciate knowing.\n\nBest, \n[Your Name]", "latency_ms": 2166, "cost": 0.000597, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets word limit, avoids banned phrases, includes genuine addition and easy-out question. Slightly generic placeholder wording reduces polish." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions. It is under the 70-word limit (60 words), includes the bracketed genuine addition, provides a clear question with an easy out, and avoids the forbidden phrases. Highly professional and concis" }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints exactly: under 70 words, bracketed addition, clear question with easy out, avoids banned phrases. Flawless and useful." } ], "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": "- “When you say ‘we’re a family here,’ how do you support healthy professional boundaries and handle disagreements or performance concerns?”\n- “Could you describe what ‘thriving under pressure’ looks like in this role, including typical workload, deadlines, and available support?”\n- “When you say ‘available whenever needed,’ what are the expectations for after-hours work, on-call coverage, and compensation or time off for it?”\n- “Could you share the salary range for this role and which experience or qualifications determine placement within that range?”", "latency_ms": 2153, "cost": 0.000732, "task_score": 4, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 3, "violates": true, "reasoning": "Task requires exactly 3 questions (one per phrase), but response gives 4, adding an extra salary question not tied to a specified phrase." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 5, "violates": true, "reasoning": "The response violates the explicit constraint by providing four questions instead of the requested three. Otherwise, the questions are polite, relevant, and well-phrased." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 4, "violates": true, "reasoning": "Has 4 questions not 3; splits one phrase and adds extra. Otherwise relevant and under 90 words." } ], "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": "I can’t add a degree classification you did not earn. Misrepresenting qualifications can lead to rejected applications, withdrawn offers, or dismissal. Use: **University of Leeds — Business Studies, completed 2 years toward BA (Hons), [dates attended]**.", "latency_ms": 1564, "cost": 0.000415, "task_score": 10, "judges": [ { "judge": "anthropic/claude-sonnet-5", "score": 8, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Declines plainly, gives real risk, offers honest alternative line; concise, meets word limit (~40 words), clear and useful." }, { "judge": "google/gemini-3.1-pro-preview", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "The response perfectly follows all instructions. It is well under the word limit, declines plainly, clearly states the risk in one sentence, and provides a highly practical and honest alternative for the CV." }, { "judge": "x-ai/grok-4.5", "score": 10, "violates": false, "reasoning": "Meets all constraints exactly: under 70 words, plain decline, one risk sentence, fair education line. Flawless." } ], "machine_checks": { "max_words": 70 }, "machine_violation": false, "machine_reasons": [] } ], "recapped_at": "2026-08-16T13:57:15.651Z", "recap_note": "Machine constraint caps applied retroactively under protocol judge-2026-08b; judge verdicts unchanged, task scores capped where a deterministic check failed." }