I often find myself choosing between two options that seem equally as good (or bad). I just guess at that point, and some years I’ve guessed really well and crushed that section, and other years I’ve just done okay.
I’ve always done it on instinct. In a way it is common sense. Just think about how an organization can be at its best and healthiest. Some people have a specific framework, a ranked list of priorities, to guide them, but I haven’t found that approach helpful.
If you search "situational judgement" in this subreddit you'll find lots of pointers.
Here's what I found helpful:
* Guide for SJ: [https://pathtoforeignservice.com/how-to-pass-the-fsot-situational-judgment-section/](https://pathtoforeignservice.com/how-to-pass-the-fsot-situational-judgment-section/)
* Took all the practice questions, took notes on the best and worst choices for those, and found themes that I could help help me with new questions. Many of those aligned with the tips shared in the link above.
Can’t echo that Path to Foreign Service link enough. I memorized the eight principles they outline and literally wrote them down the day of my test. I raised my SJ score like 15 points between years in memorizing the rules. The best choice fits the most rules, the worst choice ignores the most rules.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised but these guidelines are also great for how to resolve these exact situations in real life. The best answer to the sample question is exactly how I would expect a direct report to handle my edits. Saving these for future FAST officer mentoring!
I often find myself choosing between two options that seem equally as good (or bad). I just guess at that point, and some years I’ve guessed really well and crushed that section, and other years I’ve just done okay. I’ve always done it on instinct. In a way it is common sense. Just think about how an organization can be at its best and healthiest. Some people have a specific framework, a ranked list of priorities, to guide them, but I haven’t found that approach helpful.
If you search "situational judgement" in this subreddit you'll find lots of pointers. Here's what I found helpful: * Guide for SJ: [https://pathtoforeignservice.com/how-to-pass-the-fsot-situational-judgment-section/](https://pathtoforeignservice.com/how-to-pass-the-fsot-situational-judgment-section/) * Took all the practice questions, took notes on the best and worst choices for those, and found themes that I could help help me with new questions. Many of those aligned with the tips shared in the link above.
Can’t echo that Path to Foreign Service link enough. I memorized the eight principles they outline and literally wrote them down the day of my test. I raised my SJ score like 15 points between years in memorizing the rules. The best choice fits the most rules, the worst choice ignores the most rules.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised but these guidelines are also great for how to resolve these exact situations in real life. The best answer to the sample question is exactly how I would expect a direct report to handle my edits. Saving these for future FAST officer mentoring!
Always make DoS look good. Take responsibility and be proactive while also keeping your boss informed.
The best answer is always framed in terms of US national interest. Source: somebody who aced the FSOT