Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)
Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) are used as part of our recruitment process. This page provides information on what an SJT is, what to expect, and there is also a mini practice test you can try.
Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) explore the judgment and decision-making around criteria that are important for job roles. They do not require organisation knowledge. As they are set in a workplace context, they offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in a series of fictitious workplace situations. Due to confidentially, the situations in our SJTs don’t always precisely reflect our processes and ways of working.
Why are we using SJTs?
The following list provides just some of the reasons we are using SJTs:
Fair and reliable:SJTs are widely used across a diverse range of organisations because they are shown to be a fair, reliable and robust assessment method.
Accessible: our SJT is mobile and desktop compatible. Just make sure your device is charged, and you have a secure, stable internet connection when completing. There are also adjustments that can be made based on your needs. These could be adjustments that you can action, such as changing the font size or using an immersive reader, or it might involve talking to us so together we can decide on what adjustments could be made to help you to do your best.
Self-completed: you can take this test anywhere you like as long as it is secure. We highly recommend a quiet space where you feel comfortable and free from distraction.
Short: the test includes 18 scenarios, which should take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
Transparent: there are no ‘trick questions.’ We provide detailed guidance and an example scenario before you start the SJT. You can also try a mini practice test <here>
Untimed: you have the time for careful consideration and short breaks if you need them.
What does an SJT question look like?
Each question in an SJT has a short paragraph to read which sets out a workplace situation that someone is in. There are then four actions that the person could take to respond to the situation. Each action is one sentence long and you will be asked to rate how appropriate you think each of the responses are. Some of the best ways to deal with a situation, or what you think would be the ideal response, might not be presented as options. It is important that you focus on the options presented. Please look at the practice test below to see some example questions.
Guidance on the SJT format and how to complete it
- Each of the 18 scenarios will have four corresponding actions/options.
- Please consider and rate the appropriateness of each option in relation to the scenario you just read.
- You will be rating all options per scenario based on a 4-point scale:
- Inappropriate
- Somewhat inappropriate
- Somewhat appropriate
- Appropriate
- Please rate each option independently of the other options presented.
- You can allocate the same rating to more than one response option.
- Consider the options. You may think you would do something completely different, but please only rate the appropriateness of the options provided to you per scenario.
Practice SJT
Kiran works in the Counter Terrorism team and has finished work for the day. As they’re leaving the building, they see a colleague they know from another department, who is more senior, standing outside. The colleague is still wearing his work identity pass outside the building, which is against security policy.
How appropriate would each of the following be for Kiran?
Acknowledge the colleague but refrain from raising the issue as this is not their role
The next day inform their (Kiran's) line manager of what they observed, but do not reveal the colleague's identity
Politely remind the colleague that passes are not allowed to be worn outside the building
The next day report the colleague to Security for breaching security policy