WHY DO TRAIN COMPANIES USE AN SJT?

Train Operating Companies (TOCs) often use these tests during their recruitment processes in order to assess candidates who show the correct skills and qualities to deal with an array of difference scenarios.

Train companies need to ensure that they employ people who show strong levels of professionalism, whilst maintaining the correct safety procedures. Candidates need to be able to show that they have the same qualities desired by the train company.

ABOUT THE TRAIN DRIVER SJT

Train Operating Companies (TOCs) often use these tests during their recruitment processes in order to assess candidates who show the correct skills and qualities to deal with an array of different scenarios.

Train companies need to ensure that they employ people who show strong levels of professionalism, whilst maintaining the correct safety procedures. Candidates need to be able to show that they have the same qualities desired by the train company.

HOW TO RATE THE RESPONSES

You will be given 5 options to choose from. You need to rate each response depending on how well you think it deals with the situation or task.

1. Very unhelpful – An inappropriate response which will make the situation worse.
2. Unhelpful – An action that will not help to resolve the situation and task. A poor response.
3. Neither helpful nor unhelpful – There is not enough information to determine whether the response is unhelpful or helpful.
4. Helpful – A reasonable response. A response that would resolve the situation or task.
5. Very helpful – A response that provides the best results which will improve the situation or task. A response which handles the situation or task in a professional and efficient way.

HOW YOUR RESPONSES ARE ASSESSED

Although there is no pass mark for the Situational Judgment Tests, your responses to the questions will be assessed during the multimodal interview stage of the train driver selection process.

People who score highly in the SJTs tend to be people who possess strong levels of skills and qualities in which the train company is looking for. Behavioural aspects of performance is the KEY element that is being assessed, and therefore, it is important that your responses reflect not only what you think is the best way to handle a situation, but how that ties in with the role of a train driver and their expected behaviour.

As mentioned previously, your responses will likely be assessed during the multi-modal interview stage whereby the answers that you provided will determine what questions you will be given during the interview. That way, potential employers will be able to make a judgement on you based on your initial responses and how you answer the follow-up questions.

HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE

The best way to prepare for Situational Judgement Tests is to undergo as many practice questions prior to your assessment.

You should also practice these questions using similar conditions to that of the real assessment. For example, your assessment will be taken on a computer, so make sure that you are able to read from the screen and move the mouse to select your chosen answers. You should also practice under the same time limit. For this exercise, you will be expected to finish the assessment in approximately 25 minutes. Therefore, you need to work on your speed as well as your accuracy.

You can prepare for the assessment by undergoing research into the train company in which you have applied for, the role of a train driver, and understand the characteristics and qualities which tie in with the job role.

On the day of your assessment, make sure that you:

• Respond to the scenario truthfully. The assessment is used to highlight candidates who show a strong level of preferred behaviour.
• Understand what your assessment is about and read everything carefully. Read the scenarios and responses thoroughly before making your decision. Note that your initial impression of each response in regards to how you rate it, is usually the best indication as to what your preferred options are.