A 2020 Guide to Situational Judgement Tests

2020 is undoubtedly not panning out exactly as anyone had planned. And although this unprecedented time of change may feel like a huge stumbling block on the path to career success, the extra time we’ve all got on our hands can have some real career benefits. Especially if you’re gearing up for assessment days and aptitude tests.

What is a situational judgement test?

Situational judgement tests are designed to assess how you’d approach common situations found in the workplace. On the test, you’ll encounter hypothetical scenarios that you’ll have to respond to using your common sense, while tapping into the values and ethics held by the company you’re applying for. Employers use this test to gauge who is likely to be the best fit for the role they’re hiring for, so making sure you have a solid understanding of how that company operates and what they place value on is just as important as practicing situational judgement tests. 

What is the format of a situational judgement test?

Often referred to as an SJT, the situational judgement test will give you a series of different scenarios that you’re likely to encounter in the workplace. Your challenge is to respond to those predicaments with the most rational answer; the answer most likely to correspond with the values and ethics of the company you’re applying for. The answers are multiple choice, but don’t be fooled into thinking this makes the task easier. When it comes to this type of aptitude test, and indeed all aptitude tests, there really is no substitute for practice and preparation. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be with the format and the more confident you’ll feel in answering the questions.

Why do employers use situational judgement  tests?

The key competencies employers are looking to see in your responses are communication, commercial awareness, relationship building skills and teamwork. Scoring highly suggests you are the type of person who will slot well into a team, and will be able to carry out your work while upholding the values, morals and ethics of the company.

When it comes to hiring graduates for a new role, it’s likely that an employer will receive a large volume of CVs and that candidates will have fairly similar levels of experience. Aptitude tests such as the situational judgement test offer employers an additional way of filtering out the people best suited to the role being advertised.

How can I prepare?

It may sound obvious, but we really cannot emphasise enough how important it is to practice situational judgement tests before taking the one that really counts. At Practice Aptitude Tests you’ll find lots of different tests to work through, and you’ll also pick up handy hints and tips that’ll make the process easier. When you do sit down to practice, we always recommend mimicking test conditions as closely as possible. That means put away your phone, ensure you have all the materials you need before you start, work somewhere as quiet and well-lit as possible and make sure you time yourself. The real deal will feel a lot less nerve-wracking if you’re replicating it a good few times before in your home.

Yes, we have to agree with you that 2020 probably won’t go down as the most exciting year in our history. But when it’s all over it’ll be amazing to look back at it as the time you laid the groundwork to getting your dream career.