SHL OPQ Do's and Don'ts 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended approach to time management when taking the SHL OPQ?
- Spend as long as you want, since it is untimed and self-paced
- Rush through to finish as fast as possible
- Skip questions you find difficult and return later
- Answer each question with a steady, considered pace without overthinking (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Answer each question with a steady, considered pace without overthinking
The OPQ is not strictly timed, but you should respond at a steady, instinctive pace rather than agonizing over each item.
Question 2: Should you try to give the same answer to questions that seem similar?
- Yes, always force identical answers to keep your profile clean
- No, answer each item honestly on its own merits even if wording overlaps (Correct answer)
- Only if you remember your earlier answer exactly
- Yes, because consistency scoring penalizes any variation
Correct answer: No, answer each item honestly on its own merits even if wording overlaps
Answer each item independently and honestly; deliberately forcing matching answers can distort your true profile.
Question 3: What should you do if a statement does not perfectly describe you?
- Leave it blank
- Pick the option that most closely reflects your typical behavior (Correct answer)
- Always choose the neutral midpoint
- Choose the answer you think the employer prefers
Correct answer: Pick the option that most closely reflects your typical behavior
Select the response closest to your genuine, typical behavior rather than leaving items blank or defaulting to neutral.
Question 4: Is it advisable to research the target job before taking the OPQ?
- Yes — to understand the role and reflect honestly on relevant traits (Correct answer)
- No — researching is considered cheating
- Yes — so you can fake the exact required profile
- No — it makes no difference at all
Correct answer: Yes — to understand the role and reflect honestly on relevant traits
Understanding the role helps you reflect honestly on relevant strengths, but you should never fabricate a profile.
Question 5: What is a key DON'T regarding the consistency/social desirability checks?
- Don't answer too quickly
- Don't present an unrealistically perfect or contradictory picture of yourself (Correct answer)
- Don't read the questions twice
- Don't take breaks between sections
Correct answer: Don't present an unrealistically perfect or contradictory picture of yourself
The OPQ flags overly idealized or contradictory responses, so avoid portraying an unrealistically flawless self.
Question 6: How should you handle the forced-choice 'most like me / least like me' format?
- Pick whichever sounds most impressive
- Genuinely identify which statement is most and least true for you (Correct answer)
- Always choose the first listed statement
- Leave 'least like me' blank when unsure
Correct answer: Genuinely identify which statement is most and least true for you
Honestly weigh which statement is genuinely most and least like you rather than choosing by impressiveness.
Question 7: What should you do about your environment before starting the OPQ online?
- Take it while multitasking to seem relaxed
- Find a quiet, distraction-free space to focus (Correct answer)
- Have friends help you answer
- Take it on your phone while commuting
Correct answer: Find a quiet, distraction-free space to focus
A quiet, distraction-free environment helps you give focused, honest responses.
SHL OPQ Do's and Don'ts 2
What is the recommended approach to time management when taking the SHL OPQ?