Why preparing for a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) matters
“There are no right or wrong answers”… or are there?
You may have heard that Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) have no strictly right or wrong answers. While it’s true SJTs assess judgement rather than factual knowledge, some responses better reflect the competencies and values employers seek. This means preparation is crucial—not to fake your personality, but to align your instincts with professional expectations and company culture.
Effective preparation transforms your approach from guesswork to strategic decision-making.
The role of preparation in success
As detailed in our comprehensive guide to SJTs, understanding the format and purpose of these tests is foundational. This article complements that by focusing on practical preparation strategies to improve your performance through consistent practice and self-awareness.
What does effective SJT preparation involve?
| Preparation domain | What it means | Why it matters | Practical tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Awareness | Understanding your natural responses | Align instincts with role expectations | Reflect on experiences using STAR |
| Speed | Responding quickly and confidently | SJTs are often timed | Time your practice sessions |
| Consistency | Answering coherently across scenarios | Shows stable judgement and values | Review for pattern alignment |
| Stress Management | Staying calm under pressure | Improves focus and performance | Use mindfulness techniques |
Debunking the myth: SJTs are “unpreparable”
Many believe SJTs are instinctive and can’t be prepared for. In reality, you can train your judgement and decision-making through targeted practice to reflect professional standards and role expectations.
Step-by-step SJT preparation framework
Step 1: Research the employer and role
Start by exploring the employer’s website, social media, and platforms like Glassdoor. Look for their core values—innovation, collaboration, ownership, etc. Understanding these helps predict what behaviours will be rewarded in SJTs.
Ask yourself:
- Is initiative highly valued?
- Is teamwork central to performance?
- Are decisions made autonomously or collaboratively?
Step 2: Understand common SJT scenarios
Most SJTs assess responses to situations involving:
- Conflict resolution
- Prioritisation and time management
- Ethical dilemmas
- Team collaboration
- Leadership decisions
Example:
A teammate misses a deadline. You…
1. Complete their task silently.
2. Escalate the issue to a manager.
3. Speak with the teammate privately.
4. Do nothing—it’s their responsibility.
This illustrates how nuanced responses need to be—balancing accountability, teamwork, and communication.
Step 3: Practise test logic and formats
- Ranking: Order responses from best to worst
- Multiple choice: Choose the single most effective action
- Two-choice: Select the best and worst options
Use platforms that replicate AssessFirst’s design to build familiarity with timing and logic.
Step 4: Use frameworks like STAR
STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a globally used model that structures responses to real-world scenarios. Originally popularised by NASA and the US government, it encourages clear, evidence-based decision-making.
- Situation: What’s going on?
- Task: What’s required?
- Action: What do you do?
- Result: What happens?
Step 5: Maintain consistency across responses
Avoid contradictions—like being passive in one scenario and aggressive in another. Employers value coherence and credibility.
Step 6: Reflect after every practice session
Keep a response journal. Ask yourself:
- Why did I pick this response?
- Does it align with my professional values?
- Am I avoiding or overusing certain behaviours?
Step 7: Prepare mentally for test day
- Choose a quiet, stable environment
- Use breathing or mindfulness exercises
- Avoid overthinking—trust your preparation
What makes AssessFirst SJTs different?
✅ Real-world calibration: Scenarios are tailored to reflect real company environments and job expectations.
✅ AI-enhanced scoring: Benchmarking based on internal top performers.
✅ Employer branding: Fully customisable design and tone to match your company culture.
When you prepare using AssessFirst’s format, you prepare for real-world success.
Final thoughts and quick recap
- Research the company’s values
- Understand SJT scenario types
- Practise test logic and timing
- Apply STAR to structure your thinking
- Check for consistency in your approach
- Reflect after each practice
- Manage your mindset on test day
Preparation builds clarity, confidence, and professionalism—not manipulation.
Explore our other resources
FAQ
Can you really prepare for an SJT?
Yes. Practice sharpens judgement, boosts speed, and ensures consistency.
What are the most common SJT scenarios?
Conflict resolution, ethics, time management, leadership, and teamwork.
How long does it take to improve?
Even a few days of focused practice can improve performance.
What makes AssessFirst SJTs unique?
Realistic, role-specific design and AI-powered scoring based on top performer data.
Can over-preparation hurt performance?
Only if you lose your authentic judgement. Stay thoughtful, not robotic.
