The Situational Judgement Test (SJT)
Overview
These tests were introduced in 2006 to evaluate their suitability for the selection process. Since 2007 they now form part of the assessment in the Professional Dilemmas section. They are tests of judgement and your compatibility with the National Person Specification. This information is included for those who are interested to find out more such that you can be familiar with their format in advance.
Where have they come from and why?
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) has been used as a tool for employee selection across other disciplines for many decades. However, they have become increasingly popular in recent years and are essentially now 'in vogue' as a tool for assessment and selection. They are even used as part of the selection process for FBI recruitment.
These tests aim to present realistic work-related scenarios. Some require you to grade your most-effective and least-effective responses to the question. Others ask you to select the best combination of responses from a list of possible options. Usually, they are scored by the relative effectiveness of your response rather than whether simply right or wrong.
What do they test?
It has been proposed from recent research that these tests give valid predictors of job performance and are less susceptible to adverse bias such as against racial or culture differences than other traditional methods of assessment. They are tests of work-related knowledge and personality-related constructs, NOT academic knowledge.
Remember! The skills, attributes and qualities required are laid out in the National Person Specification. Some of the qualities probed by these types of questions might include:
- Ability to evaluate information and make judgment decisions
- Adaptability and ability to work with unfamiliar and changing situations
- Prioritisation, planning and organisation
- Professional integrity and moral judgement
- Ability to relate effectively with others
Example Question
You notice that large amounts of hospital property have been going missing over the past few weeks. You have noticed one of your colleagues putting stationary and equipment from the treatment room into her bag on a number of occasions and suspect that she is responsible. What is your response to the situation?
Rank the following options in order of the LEAST effective to MOST effective response
- A) Gather more evidence and catch her 'red handed'
- B) Confront your colleague and ask her about what you have noticed.
- C) Inform the ward sister that you suspect she is stealing.
- D) Don't do anything, if guilty she will be caught.
- E) Privately ask some of your colleagues if they have noticed anything.
Answers [ D, A, E, C, B ]
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5 - Option 'D'
This would be the worst option as it doesn't resolve the issue. You haven't addressed why this behaviour is occuring or confronted your suspicions. It may continue indefinately and the activity is illegal.
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4 - option 'A'
At least you are being pro-active, but you are not taking decisive action by 'spying' on your colleague. In the meantime more hospital property will be stolen and you are entering a gray area
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3 - option 'E'
Again, at least you are doing something, but are still not taking any decisive action and stalling for time whilst you are gathering information isn't going to bring about a resolution or allay your suspicions.
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2 - option 'C'
By doing this you take decisive action and at least then someone senior can deal with the situation through the correct channels. However, you might be wrong and you haven't given your colleague the chance to explain first.
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1 - option 'B'
This is the best option as it allows you to discuss the issue directly with your colleague addressing your suspicions and clearing any doubt or ambiguity. On the basis of this outcome you would then proceed to option 'C'.
Further Questions
For more detailed questions to improve your SJT score try one of our SJT Question Packages.