SHL tests are often a central part of graduate recruitment campaigns, requiring a particular level of performance to progress further through the application process.
Aptitude tests, such as those produced by SHL, aim to assess an individual’s ability in a competency that has been identified as important for success in a job role. For instance, numerical reasoning aims to measure the computational skills required for a quantitative position.
While there are many kinds of SHL tests available, these are the main ones you’ll see:
In a verbal reasoning test, you are usually provided with a passage of text followed by one or more statements. In the example below, determine whether each statement is true or false, or whether you cannot say, given the information in the passage:
A – True (the statement follows logically from the information or opinions contained in the passage)
B – False (the statement is logically false from the information or opinions contained in the passage)
C – Cannot say (cannot determine whether the statement is true or false without further information)
Sample question
Give your answer to each question by clicking on either A, B, or C. You will be told whether or not your answer is correct.
Example:
“Many organisations find it beneficial to employ students over the summer. Permanent staff often wish to take their own holidays over this period. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and so require extra staff. Summer employment also attracts students who may return as well-qualified recruits to an organisation when they have completed their education. Ensuring that the students learn as much as possible about the organisation encourages interest in working on a permanent basis. Organisations pay students on a fixed rate without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or bonus schemes.”
Statement 1: It is possible that permanent staff who are on holiday can have their work carried out by students.
True
False
Not Sure
Statement 2: Students in summer employment are given the same paid holiday benefit as permanent staff.
True
False
Not Sure
In a numerical reasoning test, you are required to answer questions using facts and figures presented in statistical tables. In each question you are usually given a number of options to choose from. Only one of the options is correct in each case. Test takers are usually permitted to use a rough sheet of paper and/or a calculator. However, the use of a calculator may not be permitted in all test.
An inductive reasoning test measures abilities that are important in solving problems. They may also be referred to as abstract reasoning tests or diagrammatic style tests. These tests measure the ability to work flexibly with unfamiliar information and find solutions. People who perform well on these tests tend to have a greater capacity to think conceptually as well as analytically.