Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) are more than just recruitment hurdles; they are your opportunity to demonstrate decision-making, empathy, and readiness for real-world workplace challenges. Whether you’re applying for your first job or aiming for a leadership role, mastering the right situational judgement test tips can dramatically improve your performance and confidence.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential strategies, the biggest pitfalls to avoid, and how to turn your SJT results into career momentum. For a step-by-step overview of the SJT process, see our Situational Judgement Test: practical guide for smarter hiring.
What is a Situational Judgement Test?
An SJT presents you with hypothetical, job-related scenarios and asks you to choose or rank the most appropriate responses. These tests assess how you’d handle real challenges at work, from conflict resolution to ethical dilemmas.
An SJT is a test presenting realistic workplace scenarios where you choose or rank responses to assess decision‑making, empathy, teamwork and ethics.
Why do employers use SJTs?
SJTs evaluate soft skills, communication, problem-solving, teamwork — skills that are hard to measure through resumes or interviews alone. They help employers identify candidates who not only fit the job, but also the company culture. For a deeper dive into how SJTs are used in specific industries, check out SJT in healthcare: assessing medical professionalism or Customer Service SJT: evaluating interpersonal skills.
Key skills measured by SJTs
- Decision-Making: Can you make fair, logical choices under pressure?
- Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: How do you resolve disagreements and collaborate?
- Problem-Solving & Ethics: How do you handle ambiguous or ethically complex situations?
Common SJT formats
- Ranking Responses: Order several possible actions from most to least effective.
- Multiple Choice: Select the best (or worst) option(s) from a list.
- Best/Worst Response: Identify both the most and least appropriate actions.
For sample questions and explanations, see our 10 Situational Judgement Test Questions and Answers (2025 Guide).
Top Situational Judgement Test tips
1. Research the role and company
Understand the employer’s values and the key competencies for the role. Review the company website, social media, and platforms like Glassdoor to identify what behaviors are rewarded.
2. Practice with realistic scenarios
The more familiar you are with workplace dilemmas, the easier it is to respond appropriately. Use specialized tools like AssessFirst, which offers role-specific practice simulations and personalized feedback.
3. Use a structured approach
Apply the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to analyze scenarios. This ensures your decisions are logical and evidence-based.
4. Prioritize professionalism and ethics
Always choose responses that demonstrate respect, integrity, and responsibility — traits valued in every workplace.
5. Manage stress and time effectively
SJTs are often timed. Stay calm, read carefully, and avoid rushing. Use breathing techniques to maintain focus.
6. Trust your instincts — but double check
Your first reaction often reflects your natural work style, but always consider the specific context before submitting your answer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skimming scenarios: Read each question carefully — context matters!
- Ignoring the role perspective: Tailor your response to the hypothetical position (e.g., peer vs. manager).
- Choosing extreme responses: Avoid overly aggressive or passive actions. Balanced, well-reasoned choices are usually best.
Do’s and Don’ts for SJT success
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Read scenarios thoroughly | Rush through questions |
| Align answers with the job role | Ignore the role’s expectations |
| Prioritize ethics and teamwork | Focus only on personal gain |
| Use platforms like AssessFirst to practice | Rely solely on intuition |
| Reflect on feedback and improve | Repeat the same mistakes |
| Stay consistent in your responses | Contradict yourself |
| Manage your time and stress | Panic under pressure |
Tailoring your approach by job level
- Entry-Level Roles: Emphasize teamwork, willingness to learn, and professionalism.
- Managerial/Leadership Roles: Demonstrate strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and people management.
The role of emotional intelligence
- Self-Awareness & Empathy: Recognize your emotions and those of others to navigate workplace dynamics.
- Constructive Conflict Management: Show you can de-escalate tension while standing firm on key principles.
Tools & Platforms for SJT practice
Why use platforms like AssessFirst?
AssessFirst goes beyond test prep; it’s a predictive hiring platform using behavioral science to reveal how your personality and choices align with specific roles. Personalized feedback helps you target your strengths and development areas, accelerating your preparation and boosting your confidence.
Interpreting your SJT results
- What your score reveals: Your results offer a snapshot of your problem-solving style, emotional intelligence, and workplace readiness.
- Using results for career growth: High empathy and ethics? You may excel in HR. Analytical strengths? Consider finance or operations.
Future trends: AI and personalized assessment
The future of SJTs is adaptive and data-driven. Platforms like AssessFirst already leverage AI and behavioral science to deliver more accurate, personalized assessments, helping candidates and employers make smarter decisions.
Conclusion
Success on situational judgement tests isn’t about finding the “perfect” answer, it’s about understanding people, processes, and professionalism. By preparing thoughtfully and using trusted platforms like AssessFirst, you can walk into your next SJT with clarity and confidence.
Remember: Every SJT is a chance to showcase your potential and accelerate your career. Use these tips, practice consistently, and you’ll be ready to impress.
FAQ
How should I prepare for an SJT?
Practice with scenario-based tools like AssessFirst and research the job’s core competencies.
Are SJTs hard to pass?
They’re challenging but fair. With the right mindset and preparation, you can succeed.
Can I improve my SJT score over time?
Absolutely. Practice, reflection, and feedback are key to growth.
What should I avoid during the test?
Don’t rush, ignore the role’s perspective, or pick unprofessional options.
How long does an SJT usually take?
Most take 20–45 minutes, depending on complexity.
Are SJTs different for each employer?
Yes, companies tailor SJTs to their values and the specific role.
Can I “game” the test?
Modern SJTs use algorithms to spot inconsistencies. It’s best to be authentic and professional.
How to pass a situational judgement test as a graduate?
Focus on teamwork, problem‑solving, communication, use structured STAR method for early-career scenarios.
How to pass a situational judgement test for NHS jobs?
NHS SJTs assess empathy, integrity, teamwork and adaptability using real healthcare scenarios aligned with NHS values.
At a glance
| Indicator | UK Context (NHS/Med) | General & US Context |
|---|---|---|
| Typical number of questions | 50–75 (e.g., 53 for Public Health, 70 for med roles) | 25–50 in corporate SJTs |
| Test duration | 90–140 min depending on role | 20–45 min for entry-level roles |
| Response formats | Ranking, multiple choice, best/worst, sometimes video | Same across industries |
| Core skills evaluated | Empathy, integrity, teamwork, pressure management | Problem-solving, ethics, communication |
| Predictive validity (r) | Mid .20s to low .50s (med fields) | Meta-analysis ~.26 average |
