Applied to Jefferies for summer 2028? Jefferies sends two SHL online assessments after you apply, and your application waits until both are done. Try the tests below in the real format, the situational judgment test and the interactive ability test on SHL's screens, then read what each asks, how long you have, how to answer and what comes next.
Key facts
- Assessment: Two online assessments on SHL, taken in order: a situational judgment test, then an interactive cognitive ability assessment.8,6,7
- When: Jefferies sends the tests by email as part of the application process, in an "Application Update - Invitation to Online Testing" email, so watch your inbox once you have applied.8
- Window: The invite recommends finishing both tests within 3 days, and Jefferies cannot review or move your application forward until they are done.8
- Situational judgment test: 14 situations at work, four responses each. You rate every response as more effective or less effective. No clock; the hub allows about 15 minutes.8,6,7
- Cognitive ability: SHL's interactive ability test: up to 24 questions in 36 minutes, about 90 seconds each, answered by setting charts, placing tasks, ranking and completing sequences rather than picking an option.5,8,6
- Device: SHL builds the ability test for any device, phones included, to be taken unsupervised in one sitting.5
- One try a cycle: Jefferies takes one application per recruiting cycle, and it cannot be moved to another posting, so plan on one assessment this season.1
Jefferies uses the results of both tests together with the rest of your application. It looks for strong analytical skills and attention to detail in its summer interns.8,4
Try the tests
Jefferies' two tests on SHL's screens, in the order its hub opens them, as the app draws them: the untimed situational judgment test, then the timed cognitive ability assessment. Each one opens in its own window, with a read of your answers at the end.
Situational judgment test
Situations you might meet in a role at Jefferies. Rate every one of the four responses as more effective or less effective. No clock.
3 situations · untimed, about 3 minutes
Cognitive ability assessment
The timed part. Set a pie chart, test an arrow's buttons and complete a sequence, all by tapping and dragging.
3 questions · 4:30 on the clock
What the Jefferies online assessment looks like
The email
Jefferies sends the tests by email once you have applied, headed "Invitation to Online Testing": two online assessments, recommended within 3 days. Jefferies cannot review or progress your application until both are done, so take them as soon as the email lands.8
SHL's hub
The link opens SHL's candidate hub in Jefferies' colors: a short page about the assessments, then a tile for each test. The situational judgment test opens first, and the ability test unlocks once it is done.8
The situational judgment test
14 situations you might meet in a role at Jefferies, each with a photo, a short scenario and four responses. You mark every response as more effective or less effective, and can clear a rating before you move on. There is no clock on the screen, and the only way on is a forward arrow, with no Back button; the hub allows about 15 minutes.8,6,7
The cognitive ability assessment
Up to 24 questions in 36 minutes, mixing numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning. Every answer is built on the screen: you set a pie chart or stacked bar, plot a graph, place tasks on a daily planner, pick dates on a calendar, rank items with numbered badges, test buttons to see how they move an arrow, or fill the next shape in a sequence.5,6,8
After you submit
Interviews go out in waves after the new year. For summer 2027, San Francisco Technology first rounds were out by Jan 8, 2026, Insight and diversity rounds came in mid-January, and regular first rounds followed group by group, some after a short phone screen.9,10,11
The assessment at a glance
- Situational judgment test Untimed, about 15 min
- 14 situations, four responses each, every response rated more or less effective.
- Cognitive ability assessment 24 in 36 min
- Interactive reasoning: charts, graphs, planners, calendars, rankings and sequences built on the screen.
- Window 3 days
- Recommended from the invite email; the application is not reviewed until both are done.
- Device Any
- A computer, tablet or phone.
The two tests, their order, the hub times and the 3-day window come from the Jefferies invite and hub; the 24 questions and the device rule are SHL's own. Read your invite for this cycle's window.8,5
Before you open the link
- Watch your inbox and spam folder after you apply: the tests come by email.
- Plan to finish both within 3 days of the email; your application waits until they are done.
- Allow about an hour in one quiet block: about 15 minutes for the situational test and 36 for the ability test.
- Read Jefferies' Core Principles letter before the situational test.
- Pen and paper ready for the ability test: the charts are only where the answer goes.
- A laptop makes dragging easiest, though a phone works.
The sections, one by one
One test reads how you would act at work; the other measures reasoning against the clock. SHL scores the ability test as general ability plus numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning.8,5
- More or less effective: A situation at work with four responses: rate each one on its own.
- Planners and calendars: Place tasks on a day or pick dates that meet every constraint.
- Charts and graphs: Set a pie chart, a stacked bar or a line graph to match short data.
- Rankings and sequences: Order items with numbered badges, or fill the next shape in a sequence.
Here is each test as it appears in Intervyo, on SHL's player in Jefferies' colors. The situational judgment test has no clock; the ability test has one clock for the whole test and a right answer to every question.8,5
1.Situational judgment testUntimed, about 15 min
14 situations you might meet in a role at Jefferies. Each has a photo, a short scenario and four responses. You mark every response as more effective or less effective, and a Clear control undoes a rating. A forward arrow takes you on, with no Back button. There is no clock on the screen; the hub allows about 15 minutes.8,6,3
What it measures: How you would act in situations at Jefferies. Jefferies' own core principles are the best guide to what reads well: clients first, partnership, rational thinking, a sense of urgency and humility.
How to answer it well
- 1Rate each response on its own merits, not against the other three. Two, three or even four can be effective.
- 2Favor responses that keep the client and the team informed early, and act today rather than tomorrow.
- 3Mark down responses that hide a problem, push it onto someone else or put your own comfort first.
- 4Read the whole scenario before rating: one detail, such as a deadline or who asked, often decides it.
2.Cognitive ability assessment24 questions in 36 min
SHL's interactive reasoning test: up to 24 questions in 36 minutes, about 90 seconds each. There are no options to pick. You set a pie chart or stacked bar from short data, plot a graph, place tasks on a daily planner, pick calendar dates, rank items with numbered badges, test buttons to see how they turn an arrow, or tap to fill the next shape in a sequence. The time left runs across the top, and Next moves you on with no Back.5,6,8
What it measures: Numerical, deductive and inductive reasoning, scored as general ability with a score for each. SHL builds it to adapt to your answers.
How to answer it well
- 1Do the arithmetic on paper first. The chart is only where the answer goes, so set it once.
- 2On planners and calendars, place the fixed items first, then the task with the tightest rule.
- 3Get each answer right before you press Next: there is no going back, and the test adapts to how you answer.
- 4Keep to about 90 seconds a question, and press on from one that stalls rather than spend three minutes on it.
Best guessThe mix is about a third each of numerical, deductive and inductive questions, as SHL scores all three.
Practice items and how to answer them
Practice situation (Intervyo): situational judgment"Intervyo practice situation: it is Thursday at 7 p.m. Your associate wants a comps table by 9 a.m. Friday for a client call. You notice two companies in the set report on a different fiscal year, which changes their multiples; fixing it properly takes about three hours. Rate each response more or less effective. A: Fix it tonight and send the corrected table with a short note on what changed. B: Send the table as it is; the difference is small. C: Message the associate now, explain the issue and the time the fix needs, and start on it. D: Drop the two companies so the set is consistent."3,8
- 1This is our own practice situation in the test's format; it is not a Jefferies item.
- 2Ask what the client gets: B and D both hand over a table that is wrong or quietly changed.
- 3Ask who should know: C tells the associate today, which is partnership and urgency together.
- 4Rate each response on its own: A and C can both be more effective.
Tip: Our reading: A and C more effective, B and D less effective. C edges A because the associate hears about the problem while there is still time to plan around it.
Cognitive ability: daily planner (Intervyo)"Intervyo practice item: the day runs 9:00 to 5:30. Fixed: team call 9:00 to 9:30, client lunch 12:00 to 1:00, board prep 3:00 to 4:00. Place three tasks: a 1.5-hour memo draft, as early as possible; a 1-hour model review, after the data arrives at 10:00 and before board prep; a 30-minute call with Priya, who is free only after 4:00."6
- 1Mark the free blocks: 9:30 to 12:00, 1:00 to 3:00 and 4:00 to 5:30.
- 2Place the strictest rule that also fixes a start: the memo as early as possible starts at 9:30 and runs to 11:00.
- 3Fit the model review after 10:00 and before 3:00: 11:00 to 12:00 is free.
- 4Put Priya's call in the only block after 4:00: 4:00 to 4:30.
Tip: Written by Intervyo in SHL's planner format. Not a Jefferies item. The trap is starting the model review at 10:00 because the data arrives then, which pushes the memo past lunch.
Example answer, written by Intervyo (not a real candidate)
Written by Intervyo as an example. Memo 9:30 to 11:00, model review 11:00 to 12:00, call with Priya 4:00 to 4:30.
Cognitive ability: plot a graph (Intervyo)"Intervyo practice item: a delivery van cost $40,000. Its value at the end of years 1 to 4 was $34,000, $29,000, $25,000 and $22,000. Plot, for each year, the percent decline in value from the purchase price."6
- 1Fix the base: every decline is measured against $40,000, not the year before.
- 2Find each drop in dollars: $6,000, $11,000, $15,000 and $18,000.
- 3Divide each by $40,000: 15%, 27.5%, 37.5% and 45%.
- 4Plot the four points once, checking the axis scale before you drag.
Tip: Written by Intervyo in SHL's graph format. Not a Jefferies item. The trap is year-on-year change: $29,000 against $34,000 is a 14.7% fall, which is not what the question asks.
Example answer, written by Intervyo (not a real candidate)
Written by Intervyo as an example. Year 1: 15%. Year 2: 27.5%. Year 3: 37.5%. Year 4: 45%.
Cognitive ability: ranking badges (Intervyo)"Intervyo practice item: drag badges 1 to 5 to rank five regional teams by revenue per head, highest first. North: $12.0M, 8 people. South: $15.0M, 12 people. East: $9.0M, 5 people. West: $14.0M, 10 people. Central: $6.6M, 4 people."6
- 1Turn each team into one number: revenue divided by people.
- 2North 1.5, South 1.25, East 1.8, West 1.4, Central 1.65 ($M per head).
- 3Order them highest first: East, Central, North, West, South.
- 4Drag the badges once, from 1 down.
Tip: Written by Intervyo in SHL's ranking format. Not a Jefferies item. The trap is ranking by total revenue, which puts South first when it is last per head.
Example answer, written by Intervyo (not a real candidate)
Written by Intervyo as an example. 1 East, 2 Central, 3 North, 4 West, 5 South.
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How long to hear back after the online assessment
The tests come after you apply, and the wait is for interviews: last cycle they went out in waves from early January, route by route and group by group.9,10,11
Dec 2025 (summer 2027)
Investment banking, New York
On Dec 18, Insight program interviews were set for mid-January, with regular New York first rounds expected from late January.9
Jan 2026 (summer 2027)
Investment banking, San Francisco Technology
First-round invites were out by Jan 8, with valuation and LBO questions expected.10
Jan 2026 (summer 2027)
Investment banking, US
On Jan 9, the diversity program's final rounds were set for the following week, with regular first rounds a couple of weeks after.10
Feb 2026 (summer 2027)
Investment banking, San Francisco Technology
A phone call on fit and background, a very technical first round, then an in-person superday.11
Jefferies cannot review or progress your application until both tests are done, so finish them the day the email lands rather than near the end of the 3 days.8
Best guessWith summer 2028 postings up on Nov 1 and 2, 2026, expect the test email within weeks of applying and interviews from about January 2027.
What happens after the online assessment
Online application
One application per recruiting cycle, to one group posting or the New York Generalist program; summer 2028 postings went up on Nov 1 and 2, 2026.1,2
Online assessmentYou are here
This page. Two SHL tests sent after you apply and recommended within 3 days: an untimed situational judgment test, then an interactive ability test of 24 questions in 36 minutes.8,5
Phone screen (some groups)
Some groups open with a short call on fit and background before the first round, as San Francisco Technology did (Feb 2026, summer 2027).11
First round (most candidates)
A first round with one or two bankers, behavioral and technical. Insight, diversity and some school routes skip straight to a superday.11,10,9
Superday
Short back-to-back interviews, often 2-on-1: two 20-minute interviews in New York (Jan 2025, summer 2026). On Zoom or in person by route and group.11,10
Online assessment vs first round
The tests come before Jefferies reviews your application; the first round is where you explain yourself and show your technicals.
Who gets it
Applicants Jefferies sends the invite to, after the application.8
Format
An untimed situational test and an interactive ability test of 24 in 36 minutes.8,5
One or two bankers, behavioral then technical; some groups open with a phone screen.11
Content
FAQ
What is on the Jefferies online assessment?
Two SHL tests in order: a situational judgment test of 14 situations, where you rate each of four responses more or less effective, then an interactive cognitive ability test of charts, graphs, planners, rankings and sequences.8,6,7
How long is the Jefferies SHL test?
The ability test is up to 24 questions in 36 minutes, about 90 seconds each. The situational judgment test has no clock and takes about 15 minutes, so allow about an hour in all.5,8
How long do you have to complete it?
The invite recommends finishing both tests within 3 days, and Jefferies cannot review or progress your application until they are done. The tests come by email after you apply.8
Is the Jefferies situational judgment test timed?
No. There is no clock on the situational test; the hub allows about 15 minutes. You cannot go back to a situation once you move on, so rate all four responses before pressing the arrow.8
How do I answer the Jefferies situational judgment test?
Rate each response on its own, more or less effective, against what Jefferies says it values: clients first, partnership, rational thinking, a sense of urgency and humility. Responses that flag a problem early and act on it usually read well.3,8
Can you retake the Jefferies online assessment?
Plan on one attempt. Jefferies takes one application per recruiting cycle, it cannot be moved to another posting, and SHL runs the ability test in one sitting.1,5
What happens after the Jefferies online assessment?
Interviews go out in waves after the new year: a phone screen in some groups, then a first round with one or two bankers and a superday. Last cycle, San Francisco Technology first rounds were out by Jan 8, 2026, and Insight and diversity rounds came in mid-January.9,10,11
Online assessment at other firms
Sources
Firm pages first, then dated candidate reports. Last checked Nov 12, 2026.
- 1Jefferies (job board): 2028 Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program - New York, Generalist
- 2Jefferies (job board): Campus Opportunities (job board feed)
- 3Jefferies: Core Principles Leading the Way, Always (Oct 2025)
- 4Jefferies: Students & Graduates
- 5SHL: SHL Verify Interactive G+, assessment fact sheet
- 6AssessmentPass: Jefferies Cognitive Ability Assessment Real Questions · prep site
- 7OurGen: Jefferies Online Assessment: What to Expect and How to Prepare (2026) · prep site
- 8Screens of a Jefferies SHL online assessment: invite email, candidate hub and both tests (collected Sep 2026)
- 9Candidate discussion on a public forum: Jeffries SA27 Thread (from Dec 2025)
- 10Candidate discussion on a public forum: Jefferies SA '27 (from Jan 2026)
- 11Candidate reports on a public forum: Jefferies Interview Questions (2026)
Intervyo isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Jefferies. Formats change between cycles and divisions, so always follow the instructions in your own invite.