SHL Direct - Frequently Asked Questions
SHL Direct offers a free platform for job seekers, graduates and others to undertake more extensive practice by taking part in our test trials. This page offers some guidance around the most frequently asked questions relating to undertaking the tests.
Why isn't the test appearing?
The tests run in a separate window. It is likely that you have a pop-up blocker installed on your machine that is preventing this window from opening. Please deactivate this temporarily to access the tests. It may be useful to note that Internet explorer has a pop-up blocker pre-installed, as does any anti-virus software such as Norton. Therefore please read the manual, which accompanied your anti-virus software to determine how to temporarily deactivate this.
With Internet Explorer, you can click on "tools" and then "internet options" which will allow you to select or de-select the pop-up blocker. On Norton Anti-virus, temporarily deactivate this by right clicking on the Norton Icon that appears in the task bar at the bottom right of the screen.
It is possible that your computer may lack Java Applets, something that is no longer installed on Windows software (XP versions and on). You will have to install these before you can run the test.
Alternatively, a setting in Java may not be checked to allow support for Java applets in Internet Explorer (or possibly if you are running Mozilla or Netscape). Please go through the following steps to turn this on:
1. Close all Browsers
2. Open Control Panel / Java
3. Click on Tab "Advanced"
4. Expand menu "<APPLET> Tag Support"
5. Check the box "Internet Explorer" (and/or Mozilla and Netscape if required)
6. Reopen browser
Why have not I received/Why can't I open the Feedback Report or results?
If you have been taking the inductive reasoning test, once you have finished you should have received an email explaining that your results are now available. You will need to use the link in this email and your username and password and this will take you to the task list page. You then need to click on the Feedback Report link, it will take a few moments to load, but you will then be able to check your performance.
If you have taken the verbal and numerical tests you will need to complete both tests for feedback to be generated.
In both cases, the report is an MS Word document. Please click on the feedback link to download the report and open it.
If however you have taken the online interview test or the personality questionnaire, feedback can take up to 3 weeks to be generated. It will be sent directly to you via email.
Why don't I have a response string?
During a test, if the computer experiences an interruption to the Internet connection, then you can be disconnected from the test. If this is a problem with the test site you should be provided with a string of numbers, which you should highlight, and copy. Once you log back into the test, you will be prompted to provide this response string, which you can then enter and continue from where you left off.
If however, the interruption was caused by anything other than the test site (such as trying to re-enter a test that you have previously exited), you will not be presented with a response string and you will need to re-register and take the tests again by visiting www.shldirect.com.
Where can I gain more practice?
There are a number of books that you can purchase from authors such as Andrea Shavick. A simple search for aptitude tests will reveal much relevant information:
Management Level Psychometric & Assessment Tests (ISBN 1845280288). Buy this book on Amazon
Practice Psychometric Tests (ISBN 1845280202). Buy this book on Amazon
Why can’t I log in?
Please ensure that you are attempting to log in at www.ondemand.shl.com using the user name and password provided to you via email. Remember that the username and password are case sensitive so it may be easier to copy the details from the e-mail and paste them directly into the log in field.