Situational Strengths Tests

3 example situational strengths questions with answers

The examples below reflect typical situational strengths questions you might face when taking the test. Answers to each are below the questions.

For each of the three scenarios below, choose which of the four options you would most likely and least likely respond:

Situational strengths question 1

A) Respond to the email as best you can before leaving without having access to the key files and tell the client that you will double check everything first thing on Monday.

B) Call the client immediately to find out exactly when they need the information by. If they do need it this evening you can pop back to the office and talk them through the key information and then provide a more in-depth written response on Monday.

C) Reply immediately telling the client that you need to get more information for them before you can give them an answer in full and with that in mind you will get back to them first thing on Monday morning as a priority.

D) Leave the email for now and deal with it first thing on Monday morning. The client will have received your out of office response anyway and may have contacted a colleague already.

Situational strengths question 2

A) Explain that you have other priorities right now but suggest that as soon as you complete the healthy eating initiative you could start working with the student in question.

B) Tell the head of year 7 that you would love to work with this student on a one to one basis and look for other opportunities to work on the healthy eating initiative.

C) Agree to support the student but say that if the time required to support her should grow then the head of year 7 will need to find someone else to work with her.

D) Explain that you have a lot on at the moment but suggest that you could help the head of year 7 to find someone else who may be able to support this student.

Situational strengths question 3

A) Conduct some extra research in your own time to try and look at the likely benefits before discussing with anyone else.

B) Ask your manager what they think and whether it is worth investing any more time.

C) Dismiss the idea as it is only a feeling and you are all keen to get the project finished anyway.

D) Tell other managers in the business about your ideas so that they can choose whether to implement them in their own areas.

Answers

Question 1:
B for most likely. By calling the client you are ensuring that you are respond according to their needs. It may be that they can wait for the information but it is important to establish this. It recognises that even a simple verbal response must be correct and having access to the correct files is vital. As they are your client it is important that you demonstrate you are willing to go the extra mile.

D for least likely. This is a client you have been working with very closely for 6 months so it is you they need help from. By ignoring the email completely it is evident that you are not prepared to go the extra mile. You have a good relationship with them so simply ignoring them is not what they will expect from you.

Question 2:
B for most likely. Whilst you may have concerns that the needs of this student may grow, it seems that it is feasible to support her and to work on the healthy eating initiative as long as you plan your time well and maybe do a few hours in your own time. The key thing in this scenario is to monitor how the student is doing as the weeks progress and to keep your manager informed if you think she needs more time with you.

D for least likely. The head of year 7 has asked you specifically to support this student. This means she must believe you could do a good job. When you are on placements like this, it is wise to grasp every opportunity you can. If you are not comfortable going the extra mile you might not get asked again! It may feel like you are being helpful by offering to find someone else but the head of year 7 is more than capable of doing this for herself.

Question 3:
A for most likely.At the moment you have a ‘feeling’ that this approach could help others. It is worthwhile investing a little extra time to confirm this (or otherwise) before talking to anyone else. That way you can be more confident when discussing with others from across the business. Even if nothing comes of it, it is always advisable to have a good understanding of other parts of the business you are in.

C for least likely. This approach fails to recognise how important it is to think about one’s own work and objectives within the context of the wider business. Employers are looking for graduates who can see how their own input can benefit others. You have already conducted a lot of the research; it would seem like only a partial solution if you chose not to investigate further.