Unlock Your Potential with the SHL Motivational Questionnaire Guide [2025]

The SHL Motivational Questionnaire (also referred to as SHL MQ or MQM5) is a 150-question self-report personality test, designed to assess what motivates you at work. It will usually complement cognitive SHL tests or the SHL Personality Test (OPQ32).

In the test, you will be presented with approximately 150 short statements and need to rank how they affect your motivation at work.

The test is untimed, but you should expect it to take around 25 minutes.

Here’s what the test questions generally look like. Further below we discuss how to answer this question.

• Tip #1: During the SHL Motivational Questionnaire you can go back and change your last response, but no further than that!
• Tip #2: During the test, you will be able to track the percentage of questions you have completed, but you will not know how many questions you have already answered, or how many there are in the test in general.

Here are two SHL Motivational Questionnaire sample questions, adapted from an actual SHL MQ test:

The SHL Motivational Questionnaire may seem simple at first glance, but it’s a nuanced assessment designed to evaluate your consistency, balance, and motivational alignment for the role you’re targeting.

To succeed, consider these essential preparation steps:

Your responses should reflect the specific motivational traits required for the role you’re pursuing. For instance, a manager’s profile will differ significantly from that of a team member, just as technical roles vary from customer service or sales positions.

The SHL MQM5 evaluates 18 motivational factors, so it’s crucial to recognize how specific statements align with these traits. A clear understanding of these connections will help you craft targeted and relevant responses.

Authenticity is key. The test measures the consistency of your responses, ensuring they align with a cohesive personality profile. Avoid conflicting answers—don’t present as both a dominant leader and a humble team player. Watch out for interface prompts indicating repetitive answers.

While some traits carry more weight for a given role, avoid scoring too low on any single factor. A well-rounded profile increases your appeal to employers who value balanced candidates.

By mastering these strategies and understanding the motivational factors, you’ll be better equipped to excel in the SHL MQM5 assessment.

Preparing for the SHL Motivational Questionnaire (MQM5) can significantly enhance your performance, especially if you understand how to approach it strategically. The official tips provided by SHL vary in effectiveness, so let’s break them down and analyze what works and what doesn’t.

This tip is fundamental for any behavioral assessment, including the SHL MQM5.

• Focus on work-related behaviors and motivations, not personal or unrelated experiences.
• Employers are evaluating your professional traits, so ensure your answers reflect your motivations in a work environment.

Pro Tip: Visualize yourself in scenarios relevant to your target role to stay focused on job-specific responses.

This statement is misleading.

• While there’s no universal "right" answer, your responses must align with the motivational profile required for the role.
• The key is creating a consistent, balanced profile that resonates with the job you’re pursuing.

Pro Tip: Research the traits valued in your desired role and tailor your responses to emphasize those motivations.

This tip is partly true, but it needs context.

• The test is untimed, so there’s no need to rush. However, overanalyzing can lead to inconsistencies or hesitation, which may signal a lack of authenticity.
• The solution? Preparation. Familiarizing yourself with the test structure and the 18 motivational factors will help you respond quickly and accurately.

Pro Tip: Practice in advance so you can confidently identify which statement relates to which factor, ensuring your responses are both swift and aligned with your job profile.

Consistency is critical in the SHL MQM5, and completing the test in one sitting helps maintain focus and coherence.

• During the test, you’ll need to track your previous answers to ensure they align with your overall profile.
• If you prepare effectively, maintaining consistency will feel natural and manageable.

Pro Tip: Practice mock assessments to build your ability to recall and align answers within a cohesive motivational framework.