Situational judgment tests may not seem easy on your first attempt, but practice can make perfect, as with everything. And what better time to practice than a global lockdown?!
What is a situational judgment test?
Situational judgment tests assess how you approach typical workplace challenges. As a result, the test is very often part of the recruitment process for big and small companies, spanning a wide variety of industries. You’ll be expected to work through a series of hypothetical workplace scenarios and show how you would respond should you be faced with that challenge. This means it’s imperative to read up on the ethos, values, and objectives of the company you’re applying for, as understanding these nuances may greatly increase your chances of selecting the right answer.
What is the format of a situational judgment test?
A series of multiple-choice answers will follow each workplace scenario on the test. As there aren’t ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers like you’d find in a numerical reasoning test, your answer must reflect how aligned your values and morals are with the company you’re applying to work for. The main competencies you’re being tested on are communication, commercial awareness, teamwork, and relationship building. As with all aptitude tests, the best way you can improve your score is to practice as many aptitude tests as you can before the one that really counts.
Why do employers use situational judgment tests?
As tested skills are specific to the workplace, situational judgment tests are among the most commonly used aptitude tests by employers across a broad range of industries. The test helps employers gain a greater understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, where you stand on various moral issues, how sharp your business acumen is, and much more!
How can I prepare?
When it comes to situational judgment tests, the best place to start is extensive research into the company you’re applying for. And specifically, their ethos, values, and objectives. This will really help you get into your potential employer’s mindset when you answer the questions and make some of the trickier questions a little bit easier to answer.
It’s always best to practice aptitude tests somewhere quiet and make sure you time yourself as you work through each mock exam. Looking over your answers afterward is invaluable in helping you decipher where your weak spots lie.
So although situational judgment tests might not be easy the first time you try them, we promise that with a little bit of time and effort, you’ll be slipping into your potential employer’s shoes and answering the questions with confidence in no time!
