SHL OPQ Do's and Don'ts 2

Question 1

What is the recommended approach to time management when taking the SHL OPQ?

Accepted Answer

Answer each question with a steady, considered pace without overthinking

Answer

Spend as long as you want, since it is untimed and self-paced

Answer

Rush through to finish as fast as possible

Answer

Skip questions you find difficult and return later

Question 2

Should you try to give the same answer to questions that seem similar?

Accepted Answer

No, answer each item honestly on its own merits even if wording overlaps

Answer

Yes, always force identical answers to keep your profile clean

Answer

Only if you remember your earlier answer exactly

Answer

Yes, because consistency scoring penalizes any variation

Question 3

What should you do if a statement does not perfectly describe you?

Accepted Answer

Pick the option that most closely reflects your typical behavior

Answer

Leave it blank

Answer

Always choose the neutral midpoint

Answer

Choose the answer you think the employer prefers

Question 4

Is it advisable to research the target job before taking the OPQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes — to understand the role and reflect honestly on relevant traits

Answer

No — researching is considered cheating

Answer

Yes — so you can fake the exact required profile

Answer

No — it makes no difference at all

Question 5

What is a key DON'T regarding the consistency/social desirability checks?

Accepted Answer

Don't present an unrealistically perfect or contradictory picture of yourself

Answer

Don't answer too quickly

Answer

Don't read the questions twice

Answer

Don't take breaks between sections

Question 6

How should you handle the forced-choice 'most like me / least like me' format?

Accepted Answer

Genuinely identify which statement is most and least true for you

Answer

Pick whichever sounds most impressive

Answer

Always choose the first listed statement

Answer

Leave 'least like me' blank when unsure

Question 7

What should you do about your environment before starting the OPQ online?

Accepted Answer

Find a quiet, distraction-free space to focus

Answer

Take it while multitasking to seem relaxed

Answer

Have friends help you answer

Answer

Take it on your phone while commuting