Watson glaser v situational judgement tests

[nav_yes]

Hi there,

I am currently a first year law student, I currently have completed a few watson glaser and situational judgement tests for numerous law firms and have received offers back.

Just wondering whether watson glaser is harder or easier than situational judgement tests. I would just like to know that and whether I should hold back from or apply to firms that do the watson glaser test. As well as that, how are assessment centres at firms for when you're applying to vacation schemes or training contracts.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi there,

I am currently a first year law student, I currently have completed a few watson glaser and situational judgement tests for numerous law firms and have received offers back.

Just wondering whether watson glaser is harder or easier than situational judgement tests. I would just like to know that and whether I should hold back from or apply to firms that do the watson glaser test. As well as that, how are assessment centres at firms for when you're applying to vacation schemes or training contracts.

Hey!

It's great to hear that you have already had some success with online tests - it is an area a lot of people struggle with, so it's good that you have had a strong start!

I don't think either the Watson Glaser or situational judgement tests are necessarily "easier" or "harder, as they assess different things and some people prefer each. In my experience, I found that the Watson Glaser test can be a bit easier to learn and improve at over time, because it is testing structured critical thinking (e.g. assumptions, inferences, etc), so practice can help you get familiar with the patterns. SJTs are slightly different in that you can prepare to an extent, but it is more about judgement and alignment with the firm, so there is less of a clear 'technique' beyond practising questions and understanding what firms are looking for. Anecdotally, I have only ever completed two WG tests in my time applying and I spent a bit of time preparing for each (+ managed to pass them both). On the other hand, I have completed quite a few SJT tests and found that I've had mixed results, no matter how much I prepare.

Because of that, I wouldn't avoid firms that use Watson Glaser at all - it is very common, and it is one of the more "trainable" tests once you get used to it and know what they are looking for.

For assessment centres, they do vary quite a lot from firm to firm, so I'd definitely do some research online! However, for VS/TC, you will usually see a mix of a case study or written exercise, an interview (motivations, competencies, commercial awareness), and sometimes a group task. At that stage, they're really looking at your performance a bit more holistically - they can tell from your application + online tests that you are capable of the role, and want to see how you think, communicate, and approach problems.

I would focus on getting comfortable with both types of tests, rather than trying to avoid one - it'll give you a lot more flexibility and confidence as you apply! There are plenty of free practice resources for the Watson Glaser (+ SJT) online, so it is worth checking them out.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications!

 

[nav_yes]

Hey!

It's great to hear that you have already had some success with online tests - it is an area a lot of people struggle with, so it's good that you have had a strong start!

I don't think either the Watson Glaser or situational judgement tests are necessarily "easier" or "harder, as they assess different things and some people prefer each. In my experience, I found that the Watson Glaser test can be a bit easier to learn and improve at over time, because it is testing structured critical thinking (e.g. assumptions, inferences, etc), so practice can help you get familiar with the patterns. SJTs are slightly different in that you can prepare to an extent, but it is more about judgement and alignment with the firm, so there is less of a clear 'technique' beyond practising questions and understanding what firms are looking for. Anecdotally, I have only ever completed two WG tests in my time applying and I spent a bit of time preparing for each (+ managed to pass them both). On the other hand, I have completed quite a few SJT tests and found that I've had mixed results, no matter how much I prepare.

Because of that, I wouldn't avoid firms that use Watson Glaser at all - it is very common, and it is one of the more "trainable" tests once you get used to it and know what they are looking for.

For assessment centres, they do vary quite a lot from firm to firm, so I'd definitely do some research online! However, for VS/TC, you will usually see a mix of a case study or written exercise, an interview (motivations, competencies, commercial awareness), and sometimes a group task. At that stage, they're really looking at your performance a bit more holistically - they can tell from your application + online tests that you are capable of the role, and want to see how you think, communicate, and approach problems.

I would focus on getting comfortable with both types of tests, rather than trying to avoid one - it'll give you a lot more flexibility and confidence as you apply! There are plenty of free practice resources for the Watson Glaser (+ SJT) online, so it is worth checking them out.

I hope that helps, and best of luck with your applications!

Hey there!

Thanks for replying I greatly appreciate everything you have told me. I have also found Watson Glaser a little easier when doing online practise tests, compared to do SJT. I mean at the start I have found WG more harder than SJT, partly because I haven't done something like this before, but I guess it is all part of the learning experience.

With assessment centres, I have been told it usually involves a group task (well an overwhelming amount of firms I've researched does a group task). When I went to an insight day with a firm they made us do a mock group task, which was a lot of fun to do, but gave a real insight on what the firm expects and what is required from you to succeed.

I guess between now and this October when VS/TC applications open it is just practising and hoping you do well on the actual assessment day.

Thanks for everything you've told me! I've noted some stuff down, which would be applicable to me when I start to apply.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hey there!

Thanks for replying I greatly appreciate everything you have told me. I have also found Watson Glaser a little easier when doing online practise tests, compared to do SJT. I mean at the start I have found WG more harder than SJT, partly because I haven't done something like this before, but I guess it is all part of the learning experience.

With assessment centres, I have been told it usually involves a group task (well an overwhelming amount of firms I've researched does a group task). When I went to an insight day with a firm they made us do a mock group task, which was a lot of fun to do, but gave a real insight on what the firm expects and what is required from you to succeed.

I guess between now and this October when VS/TC applications open it is just practising and hoping you do well on the actual assessment day.

Thanks for everything you've told me! I've noted some stuff down, which would be applicable to me when I start to apply.

Hey!

No problem at all - it sounds like you are approaching everything in a really sensible way already (+ you're way more on top of things than I was in first year!)! I completely agree that WG becomes much more manageable with practice, especially once you get used to the style of questions and know what they are looking for.

It is great that you got exposure to a mock group task too! They can definitely feel a bit intimidating at first, but they are also a really good opportunity to show communication and teamwork skills rather than just getting the "right" answer.

I'd also definitely agree that a lot of it between now and application season is just building familiarity with the process and confidence through practice. Best of luck with everything when applications open, and I'm glad some of the advice was helpful - just shout if you have any other questions!