California State Jobs Workplace Judgment and Scenarios Questions and Answers

Question 1

A member of the public calls you, extremely angry and yelling about a service they feel they were unfairly denied. They are using profane language and are not letting you speak.

Accepted Answer

Listen patiently until they pause, then calmly acknowledge their frustration and ask how you can direct their concern.

Answer

Immediately hang up on the caller, as abusive language is not tolerated.

Answer

Tell the caller to calm down and stop yelling so you can help them.

Answer

Transfer the call to your supervisor without explaining the situation.

Question 2

Your manager gives you a new assignment with a brief verbal instruction: 'Please research the public response to our new online portal and create a summary report.' The instructions are vague regarding the scope, format, and deadline.

Accepted Answer

Ask clarifying questions about the manager's expectations for the report's length, format, key areas of focus, and due date.

Answer

Begin researching immediately using a variety of sources to be as comprehensive as possible.

Answer

Look at previous summary reports created by your team to guess the expected format and scope.

Answer

Create a brief outline of what you plan to do and send it to your manager for approval before starting.

Question 3

You are facing multiple tasks and need to decide what to work on first. Which of the following is the MOST critical factor to consider when prioritizing your work?

Accepted Answer

The task that your supervisor assigned to you with a specific end-of-day deadline.

Answer

A request from a senior coworker in another unit who needs data for a report due tomorrow.

Answer

An urgent email from a member of the public complaining about an issue.

Answer

The task you can complete the quickest to feel a sense of accomplishment.

Question 4

You are working on a time-sensitive project and discover a more efficient way to complete a key process. However, this new method deviates from the established written procedures for your team. The project is due in two days, and your supervisor is out of the office until the deadline day.

Accepted Answer

Document the new method and the established procedure, then email your supervisor with the information and continue with the established procedure while awaiting a response.

Answer

Use the more efficient method to ensure the project is completed on time and inform your supervisor when they return.

Answer

Stick to the established procedures, even if it means you might miss the deadline.

Answer

Ask a senior coworker for their opinion and follow their advice without question.

Question 5

You and a colleague are assigned to a joint project. You feel your colleague is not completing their share of the work, which is jeopardizing the project's deadline.

Accepted Answer

Schedule a private conversation with your colleague to discuss the workload and express your concerns in a non-confrontational manner.

Answer

Immediately inform your supervisor that your colleague is not doing their work.

Answer

Complete your colleague's portion of the work yourself to ensure the project is finished on time.

Answer

Send an email to your colleague and copy your supervisor, outlining the tasks that have not been completed.

Question 6

A state employee notices their coworker frequently using the office's high-quality color printer and state-provided paper to print personal items, such as flyers for a side business.

Accepted Answer

Review the department's specific policy on the personal use of state resources to confirm if it's a violation before taking further action.

Answer

Report the coworker's actions directly to the department's human resources manager.

Answer

Anonymously leave a copy of the state's policy on appropriate use of resources on the coworker's desk.

Answer

Confront the coworker directly and tell them to stop immediately.

A member of the public calls you, extremely angry and yelling about a service they feel they were unfairly denied.They are using profane language and are not letting you speak.

A member of the public calls you, extremely angry and yelling about a service they feel they were unfairly denied.
They are using profane language and are not letting you speak.