Situational judgement tests: what they are, formats and how to prepare

Key takeaways

• →A situational judgement test is a set of multiple-choice questions about realistic work situations.
• →The usual formats are choosing the most and least effective action, picking what you would do, or ranking all the options.
• →Many graduate employers use them, and the scenarios often match the job you are applying for.
• →Research the employer’s values first, then read each scenario carefully and answer honestly.
• →Practise with free tests to learn the format, but check the employer’s own guidance too.

1. What is a situational judgement test?

A situational judgement testA test that shows a work scenario and asks what you would do., often shortened to SJT, is a set of multiple-choice questions based on situations you might face at work. Surrey’s careers service describes it as “a series of multiple choice questions”, while LSE says SJTs are designed to assess your ability to choose the most or least appropriate action in a range of workplace situations.^[1]

Employers use them as another way to see how you think. Surrey notes that most employers still ask competency-based questionsInterview questions that ask for past examples of a skill. in applications and interviews, and that SJTs test the same competencies “from a different perspective”.^[1]

2. What do the questions look like?

Each question describes a scenario, such as reprioritising your workload after an unexpected task, handling a mistake made by you or a colleague, or dealing with a difficult customer. LSE lists these as common scenarios. You then choose from several possible actions.^[2]

Sheffield gives an example from a housing advice centre: you overhear a colleague giving a client out-of-date regulations. The suggested best response is to step in and give the correct information, because accurate advice for the client comes first, and to raise the training issue with colleagues afterwards.^[3]

Tests may be paper-based or on a computer, and LSE says some include video clips or animations. Sheffield says most online SJTs are untimed, though some have a time limit, and LSE says a typical test lasts around 30 minutes.^[2]

3. Which employers use situational judgement tests?

LSE lists graduate recruiters that use them, including KPMG, PwC, Deloitte, the Civil Service Fast Stream, John Lewis, Network Rail and the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme. Surrey also names Ernst & Young and the medical Foundation ProgrammeThe two-year NHS training that follows medical school..^[2]

Sheffield adds that bespoke testsTests an employer has written specially for its own roles. are costly, so they were once uncommon in graduate recruitment, and that cheaper generic testsReady-made tests sold to many employers, not written for one job. are becoming more common. Employers usually write their own, so LSE says the scenarios often reflect the job you are applying for.^[3]

4. How should you answer?

Read the instructions and every scenario carefully. LSE suggests thinking about the employer’s values and what behaviour they are likely to want, and putting the business or the customer first, then your team.^[2]

Be honest. Surrey advises you to imagine yourself in the situation and respond honestly, because guessing the answer the employer wants may be wrong and you may not enjoy a job that expects behaviour you find uncomfortable. Sheffield agrees that employers use the answers to gain insight into your personality and fit.^[1]

Do not spend too long on one question. Both Sheffield and LSE say your first, natural response is often the best one.^[3]

5. How can you prepare?

Start by researching the employer’s values, culture and the typical demands of the job, as all three careers services advise. Think about relevant experience you have, such as customer service, volunteering or a part-time job, and what you saw of how managers dealt with problems.^[3]

Then try practice tests to learn the format and practise your timing. Sheffield says good practice tests are written by qualified occupational psychologistsSpecialists in behaviour at work who write many employer tests. and include answers with explanations. Free practice is available from several test sites, which Surrey and LSE name, but they will not match your sector exactly, so treat them as practice for the format.^[3]

Check the employer’s own guidance as well. Our STAR method guide helps with the interview stage, and our graduate schemes guide shows where tests fit in the selection process.

6. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and assessments. We help you understand the formats and practise working through scenarios calmly. We coach, so your answers are always your own, we never write applications or assessed work for you, and we cannot promise a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

1. 1. What is a situational judgement test?

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2. 2. Name two common formats.

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3. 3. Should you guess the answer the employer wants?

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4. 4. How long does a typical test last?

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Your next steps

1. 01

   Find out whether the employers you like use an SJT.

2. 02

   Read each employer’s values page.

3. 03

   Try one free practice test to learn the format.

4. 04

   Book a practice session with your careers service.