Google has recently started requiring candidates to fill out a kind of psychometric test that checks their tendencies and behaviors in a work environment — things like communication style, collaboration, and problem-solving ability. This helps them judge whether a candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed at the company. Because of the sheer volume of applications they receive, they introduced this assessment.
Usually, the day after you apply for a position, Google emails you a link to Qualtrics. They give you up to 4 days to complete the assessment. They expect the test to take no more than 30 minutes. If you need to pause, you can use the link in the email to return to the survey (assessment).
The test presents around 111 statements, and for each one you're asked to pick an answer on a Likert scale — "Strongly Disagree," "Disagree," "Neutral," "Agree," "Strongly Agree." After you finish, Google sends you the results the next day or the day after. They score it with simple arithmetic, no AI involved. If your score is above a certain threshold, you pass. If you pass, the result is valid for 24 months. If you fail, they ask you to wait 6 months before applying to any position again. Even if you pass, you can still be rejected for the position you applied to — passing the test does not guarantee an interview.
How do you succeed?
Assume you're in an ideal work situation, on a team with trust and respect.
Answer with high ethical standards. Make sure your answers align closely with Google's values (integrity, collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving ability, organization, strong work ethic, effective communication, and honesty).
People on Reddit and Blind mention avoiding "Neutral" answers (since it signals indecision), and instead choosing "Strongly Agree" or "Strongly Disagree" for most statements.
There's no way to go back to a previous statement and change your answer. Most statements should be answered "Strongly Agree."
Be careful with your answers, because they may try to trick you. A lot of statements repeat the same idea in different words, or rephrase it with a negative meaning ("My communication at work is ineffective," "Workplace rules were made to be broken"), or throw in an absurd statement ("I am fluent in over fifty languages"). Candidates should keep their answers consistent.
Before you start the assessment, you're asked to read the honor code and agree to it. They ask you to answer with your own answers, not collaborate with anyone else, and not copy anyone else's work. They also ask you not to share the questions or answers (including screenshots).
Note: there's no visible timer running, but Qualtrics does track how long you spend on each question, your monitor resolution, browser type, IP, and geolocation. If you have a second monitor, you can search things up or use GPT.
Note: Qualtrics doesn't let you select text with your mouse, so you can't copy the statements.
There's an FAQ you can check. Managers and interviewers don't see this test score.
All the statements I encountered are listed below, grouped by topic. Unless otherwise noted, every answer is "Strongly Agree." I passed the test.
Integrity and Ethics
Acting with integrity is important to me.
Companies should hold employees accountable for engaging in misconduct.
Ethical behavior is a top priority for me at work.
I act ethically at work, even when no one knows about it.
I am comfortable breaking rules when it is necessary for the welfare of the company. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I am the most responsible person I know. (With caution, chose Agree)
I am the perfect teammate. (With caution, chose Agree)
I am willing to disregard ethics if it means achieving my goals. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I complete tasks at work that are assigned to me.
I complete tasks I commit to at work.
I encourage ethical behavior among my colleagues.
I model ethical behavior at work.
I recognize my colleagues when they behave ethically.
I tolerate unethical behavior at work when I believe it is necessary. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I would follow my employer's code of conduct.
It is important that the company I work for does good in the world.
It is important to abide by a set of rules.
It is important to address behaviors that violate the company's code of conduct.
It is important to follow my organization's ethical guidelines.
It is important to me that my company prioritizes ethics.
Sometimes, it is okay to be untruthful when dealing with colleagues. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Workplace rules were made to be broken. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for positive statements that emphasize ethics, commitment, and integrity; "Strongly Disagree" for reversed statements that imply compromising ethics.
Adaptability (Handling Ambiguity) and Change
I adjust to changing work circumstances.
I am able to be productive when given ambiguous instructions at work.
I am able to complete ambiguous work tasks.
I am adaptable to new possibilities at work.
I am not concerned by changing work circumstances.
I am resilient in times of change.
I am resilient when dealing with ongoing challenges at work.
I can update my project plans easily when deadlines change.
I change my plans when an unexpected work situation arises.
I do well in ambiguous work situations.
I easily adjust to changes in my work instructions.
I focus on the benefits of change at work.
I get frustrated when I need to change the way I work. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I handle uncertainty at work well.
I hesitate to adapt in times of change at work. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for statements that show adaptability and resilience, and the ability to stay flexible and effective in new challenges and environments; "Strongly Disagree" for statements that imply resistance to change.
Collaboration
Collaboration requires only one person. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Coworkers look to me to provide structure.
Discussing ideas with colleagues negatively impacts progress. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I accept collaboration opportunities.
I aim to help my colleagues.
I am a reliable colleague.
I am able to work on projects with collaborators from different teams.
I am able to work with colleagues who have varying degrees of expertise.
I build connections between people and teams at work.
I can accomplish goals when working with my colleagues.
I can collaborate with others at work.
I can connect different teams together at work.
I effectively collaborate with others.
I look for ways to work with colleagues.
I search for ways to connect with other teams.
I seek opportunities to connect people at work.
I try to avoid working with others. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
My colleagues seek my help in brainstorming solutions to work problems.
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for statements that promote collaboration, teamwork, and building connections between teams and colleagues; "Strongly Disagree" for statements that oppose collaboration or imply a lack of collaboration or team spirit.
Problem Solving
Before solving a problem, it is important to determine what is causing it.
Considering multiple solutions is important when problem solving.
I consider multiple solutions while problem solving.
I consider multiple ways to solve issues at work.
I consider possible causes when thinking about a problem at work.
I have the ability to do any task. (Chose Agree)
I need specific instructions to be productive. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
I solve challenging work problems after evaluating multiple solutions.
I solve problems in ambiguous situations.
I test out different problem-solving strategies at work.
I try to find the most efficient way to perform tasks while staying within company guidelines.
I try to get to the underlying cause of a problem.
I try to understand the underlying issue while problem solving.
To fix a problem, you first need to understand what is causing it.
When I need to solve a problem at work, I identify multiple possible solutions.
When solving a problem, I try to accurately identify the original cause.
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for all statements that emphasize a thorough and varied approach to problem-solving, including identifying multiple solutions and understanding the underlying issue. "Strongly Disagree" if the statement says you need specific instructions to work effectively.
Work Habits, Organization
I am self-disciplined at work.
I am self-motivated when it comes to managing my projects.
I complete my work on time.
I double-check my work.
I organize my work efficiently.
I prepare for my meetings ahead of time.
I prioritize my work for maximum efficiency every workday.
I spend time adding structure to my work.
I start immediately if something important needs to get done.
I start right away when I have a time sensitive project.
I strive to complete the tasks assigned to me at work.
I take time to prioritize my responsibilities at work.
I work diligently on my assigned work projects.
When I have a time-sensitive project, I start work right away.
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for all statements that indicate good work habits, productivity, and proactively handling tasks and responsibilities.
Communication
Audiences need different information depending on who is present. (Chose Agree)
I am able to share information effectively.
I am honest with colleagues in difficult situations.
I am mindful of the audience's knowledge when I communicate at work.
I ask clarifying questions when I do not understand something at work.
I can communicate complex information easily.
I can effectively share my perspective with colleagues.
I check my work for accuracy before I share it with others.
I consult with colleagues when evaluating solutions to a problem.
I customize the information I present based on who is in the audience. (Chose Agree)
I make sure my messages are effectively communicated to the audience.
I provide honest feedback to my coworkers.
I provide timely updates to work colleagues.
I share updates about my work progress with my colleagues who directly work with me.
I think through what I write in work emails.
I try to anticipate questions ahead of time before giving a presentation.
My communication at work is ineffective. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
When discussing my work with coworkers, I can answer their questions effectively.
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for statements that emphasize effective, honest communication and the ability to accurately convey information; "Strongly Disagree" for statements that imply ineffective communication.
Decision-Making and Fairness
I am decisive when given a difficult choice at work.
I am fair in my decision-making.
I can make work decisions with limited guidance.
I can make workplace decisions with little guidance.
I misjudge situations. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for statements that reflect fair, independent decision-making that considers all stakeholders and shows leadership and integrity.
Attention to Detail
Minor details are not as important as the overall vision. (Balanced view, chose Disagree)
Paying attention to small details is extremely important. (Chose Agree)
Recommended response: a balanced response that reflects the importance of both attention to detail and keeping sight of the bigger picture. "Agree" for statements that recognize the importance of detail in achieving quality outcomes, and also "Agree" for statements that recognize the value of a broader vision.
Honesty
I am fluent in over fifty languages. (Inverse — Strongly Disagree)
Recommended response: "Strongly Agree" for statements that reflect honesty, transparency, and a realistic self-assessment. "Strongly Disagree" for unrealistic claims (like claiming to be fluent in more than fifty languages), to emphasize the importance of integrity and honest communication in the workplace.
Discussion
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