What are they?

Situational Judgment Tests or SJTs present the test taker with scenarios focused on the tasks and behaviors inherent in the target job. Each scenario describes a work-related situation and requires the user to choose a course of action by responding to multiple-choice questions (e.g., what would you do first or what is the most important action to take?). For each question they are given several possible responses. They must choose the best response which reflects their intended actions and decisions based upon their analysis of the situation. The responses are scored according to relative level of effectiveness as determined earlier by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel.

Certification—integral to an organization's training and certification efforts, e.g., ensuring internal and external partners have mastered training concepts and can apply the knowledge to service accounts or new equipment.

Training Needs Assessment—identifying the strengths and gaps in current training curriculum or assessing the impact of training and development efforts.

Leader Development—a key feature of an organization's leadership development and/or succession planning initiative, e.g., identifying high performers and future leaders. Sample competencies measured may include critical thinking, leading and influencing others, sales and service, market analysis, customer relationship management.

Hiring—ensuring that only the best and most qualified candidates are offered jobs, thereby reducing turnover, enhancing productivity, increasing retention, and lowering overall employee recruiting and screening costs.

Sample Situational Judgment Tests—IT and Sales

IT Scenario

There is an SVX 2400 with an issue concerning the boot process. The first Domain on the system will not boot. Your troubleshooting skills are needed. You arrive at the customer site and are given full access to the system via a console.

For each of the following questions, choose the BEST possible response.

1. What should you do FIRST?

A. Login to the console, access System V, and run the indicateplatform command.
B. Connect to the Domain's Open Boot Prom.
C. Investigate the symptoms leading up to the problem including discussing them with the customer.
D. Ask the customer to collect diagnostic information from the platform.

2. The system controller is inaccessible from the console. How do you proceed?

A. Use the key on the front of the machine to power cycle the platform.
B. Reboot the Console machine.
C. Shutdown Domains and reset Platform power.
D. Attempt to connect to the other system controller.

3. You are now able to connect the system controller. You realize that controller 0 is still not functional. Which of the following will correct the problem?

A. Use the key on the front of the cabinet to power cycle the platform.
B. Shutdown Domains and reset Platform power.
C. Push the TIC/Reset Button on the controller 0.
D. Use the reset command at the System Controller level.

Sales Scenario

You are a Business Representative in the MSD Group. You have been in contact with an import company, CREO Imports, that is developing its electronic equipment import business. This company has never had any personal contact with XYZ and has never shipped with XYZ. Most of its shipments have been truck to local markets, but the company is very interested in extending its reach. Its orders in these new markets correspond to 45 loads worth $110,000 in the first month, which represents a significant opportunity for XYZ.

The only relationship between CREO Imports and XYZ is your series of phone calls. You feel that a face-to-face meeting with them will be the most effective way to further the relationship and help them feel comfortable with using your services.

For each of the following questions, choose the best possible response.

1. What information would MOST help you to convince your management of the potential
opportunity at CREO?

A. Comparison numbers for electronic equipment traffic vs. other traffic.
B. A review of XYZ’s service capabilities from the ports.
C. The customer’s projected shipping volume and the revenue generated.
D. Revenue and volume information on all electronic equipment import customers.

2. What would be the MOST important thing to ask the customer to help you plan the
most productive first meeting?

A. What the customer hopes to accomplish at the meeting.
B. What the customer’s strategic market goals are.
C. What the customer takes into consideration when choosing a transportation provider.
D. How the company is currently shipping.

3. What should be the primary focus of your initial meeting with the customer?

A. The benefits XYZ can offer the company as it moves into new markets.
B. Basic shipping information for inexperienced shippers.
C. Potential problems that may occur.
D. Other electronic equipment traffic that XYZ ships from ports.