How to assess reasoning skills

Identifying individuals with excellent reasoning skills is a common goal when making new hires. The ability of your employees to analyze information, think critically, and draw logical conclusions is crucial in today’s dynamic professional landscape. 

Pre-employment assessments offer great value by effectively assessing these essential capabilities. 

TestGorilla’s assessments objectively gauge a candidate’s ability to solve problems, evaluate arguments, and draw logical inferences. By leveraging these assessments, you can secure candidates with the cognitive skills necessary for analytical thinking and decision-making.

What is a reasoning skills assessment?

A reasoning skills assessment is a valuable tool that can provide insights into a candidate’s ability to analyze information, think critically, and make logical deductions. 

This assessment aims to evaluate an individual’s cognitive skills related to problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical thinking.

There are several types of cognitive ability tests that can aid in assessing reasoning. During a reasoning skills assessment, candidates are presented with various scenarios, questions, or problems that require them to apply logical thinking and problem-solving techniques. 

It can involve evaluating arguments, identifying patterns, making inferences, or solving puzzles. 

Assessments often use standardized tests or exercises that measure different aspects of reasoning. They’re designed to objectively evaluate a candidate’s cognitive abilities rather than simply relying on qualifications or experience. 

Using a reasoning skills assessment, you can make more informed decisions about a candidate’s aptitude for sound reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Why are reasoning skills important?

Effective problem-solving

Employees with solid reasoning skills can tackle complex problems with clarity and efficiency. They can analyze information, identify patterns, and make logical connections, enabling them to devise smart ways to meet challenges. 

Their problem-solving ability enhances productivity, streamlines work processes, and drives continuous organizational improvement. This is why you need analytic skills testing in your hiring process if you want to find the best candidates.

Quality decision-making

Reasoning skills contribute to effective decision-making. Employees who think critically and can logically evaluate information are more likely to make informed decisions based on evidence and careful analysis. 

Their ability to weigh options, consider potential outcomes, and anticipate risks helps mitigate errors.

Adaptability and flexibility

Individuals who can think critically and analyze situations from different angles are better equipped to embrace new challenges, adjust their approach, and find new strategies. 

Their adaptability fosters resilience, enabling them to thrive in fast-paced industries and contribute to organizational growth and success.

Enhanced innovation

Reasoning skills are at the core of innovative thinking. Employees who excel in reasoning can identify gaps, find opportunities, and connect seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts. 

Their ability to analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and come up with creative new tactics drives innovation. Hiring individuals with superb reasoning skills encourage the development of new groundbreaking ideas.

Effective risk management

Employees with exemplary reasoning abilities can evaluate potential risks, weigh their impact, and consider mitigation strategies. 

Their ability to anticipate challenges and make calculated decisions reduces the likelihood of costly errors or setbacks, contributing to effective risk management within your organization.

Continued learning and growth

People with great reasoning skills tend to be lifelong learners. They have a natural curiosity and a desire to expand their knowledge and skills. 

Their ability to think critically and adapt enables them to embrace new information, learn from experiences, and grow professionally. 

Effective communication and collaboration

Employees with reasoning skills can think critically and express their ideas clearly. They can engage in meaningful discussions, contribute valuable insights, and articulate their viewpoints. 

They can also understand and respect diverse perspectives, leading to enhanced teamwork, collaboration, and the generation of new, exciting courses of action through collective intelligence.

What skills and traits do employees with good reasoning have?

Critical thinking

Individuals with good reasoning skills demonstrate strong critical thinking abilities. They can analyze information objectively, evaluate arguments, and identify logical inconsistencies. 

Their critical thinking skills enable them to approach problems and challenges with a logical and rational mindset, enabling them to make sound decisions and solve complex issues effectively.

Problem-solving aptitude

Excellent reasoning skills often go hand in hand with exceptional problem-solving aptitude. Candidates who excel in reasoning can break down complex problems into manageable components, identify patterns, and come up with innovative new strategies. 

They exhibit a natural curiosity, a willingness to explore different approaches, and the ability to think outside the box, enabling them to overcome obstacles and find creative resolutions.

Analytical thinking

A key trait of individuals with good reasoning skills is their ability to think analytically. They can dissect complex information, identify key components, and draw connections between various data points. 

With their analytical thinking skills, they can examine data objectively, discern trends or patterns, and make informed decisions based on evidence and logical deductions.

Logical reasoning

Strong reasoning skills are often indicative of individuals who possess logical reasoning abilities. They can follow sequences, identify cause-and-effect relationships, and draw conclusions based on deductive or inductive reasoning. 

Their logical reasoning skills enable them to evaluate options, anticipate potential outcomes, and choose the most appropriate course of action.

Flexible thinking

Employees with good reasoning skills often exhibit cognitive flexibility. They can adapt their thinking and approach to different situations, incorporating new information and adjusting their perspectives as needed. 

Their cognitive flexibility lets them consider multiple viewpoints, explore alternative options, and navigate complex challenges with an open mind. They re-evaluate assumptions and revise their thinking based on new insights or evidence.

Communication skills

For reasoning skills to be effective in the workplace, communication is key. It’s important that employees can articulate their thoughts clearly, present logical arguments, and express complex ideas in a concise manner. 

The ability to communicate effectively helps to convey the reasoning process, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate with others, fostering better teamwork and understanding within the organization. 

Workplace communication tests can evaluate candidates’ ability to communicate at work.

Curiosity

Individuals with good reasoning skills demonstrate a natural curiosity and a thirst for continuous learning. 

They have a genuine interest in expanding their knowledge, exploring new ideas, and seeking out information to enhance their understanding. 

Their curiosity drives them to stay updated on industry trends, engage in self-improvement, and continuously develop their reasoning abilities.

Tests for evaluating reasoning skills

When it comes to assessing a candidate’s reasoning skills, it’s important to delve deeper beyond surface-level observations. Understanding their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities is crucial. That’s where TestGorilla can lend a hand. 

Our extensive test library is a treasure trove of options to suit your needs. You can mix and match tests to create an assessment that aligns perfectly with your company’s requirements. 

Whether you’re searching for top-notch analysts or logical thinkers who thrive in challenging situations, our tests can help you discover exceptional candidates with the cognitive skills to excel.

Here are some of our most popular tests for assessing reasoning skills:

Critical Thinking test

At TestGorilla, we understand the significance of this test in evaluating a candidate’s ability to analyze information, make logical connections, and approach problems from multiple perspectives.

By incorporating the Critical Thinking test into your reasoning skills assessment, you gain valuable insights into an individual’s cognitive abilities and capacity to think critically in real-world scenarios. 

This test goes beyond simple memorization or rote learning; it assesses how candidates can apply their knowledge, reason through complex situations, and arrive at sound conclusions.

Verbal Reasoning test

Our Verbal Reasoning test is essential because it assesses language comprehension, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. It evaluates an individual’s capacity to understand written information and draw logical conclusions. 

This test also indirectly measures language proficiency and communication skills. Verbal reasoning tests are widely used because they predict academic and occupational success, and they provide a fair and accessible assessment tool for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Spatial Reasoning test

TestGorilla’s Spatial Reasoning test assesses a candidate’s capacity to perceive and understand spatial relationships, shapes, and patterns. 

This skill is particularly relevant in fields such as engineering, architecture, design, and logistics, where professionals often encounter complex spatial problems. 

The Spatial Reasoning test also assesses a candidate’s capacity to mentally visualize and manipulate objects in space. These abilities are essential for tasks that involve spatial planning, such as interpreting maps, organizing physical spaces, or understanding 3D models. 

Candidates who perform well in spatial reasoning tests demonstrate a heightened ability to think ahead, anticipate outcomes, and develop effective strategies based on spatial information. 

Numerical Reasoning test

The Numerical Reasoning test provides valuable insights into a job candidate’s reasoning skills, particularly in terms of quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and logical thinking. 

By assessing a candidate’s proficiency in interpreting numerical data and making accurate deductions, this test assists you in identifying those who possess the numerical acumen necessary for roles involving financial analysis, data-driven decision-making, and problem-solving using quantitative methods.

Mechanical Reasoning test

While not all job roles require mechanical reasoning, this test is pertinent for positions that involve machinery, engineering, or technical operations by providing crucial insights into a candidate’s reasoning abilities in these areas.

The Mechanical Reasoning test evaluates a candidate’s understanding of mechanical principles and ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems. 

This test presents candidates with scenarios and questions that require them to analyze mechanical systems, interpret diagrams, and make logical deductions.

Problem Solving test

Problem-solving tests evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for analyzing issues from different perspectives, breaking them down into manageable components, and applying logical reasoning to reach effective resolutions. 

The Problem Solving test measures a candidate’s ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and adapt their problem-solving approach as necessary. 

Strong problem-solving skills are not limited to specific industries or job roles; they are highly transferable and valuable across various fields, including business, technology, healthcare, and customer service.

Attention to Detail (Textual) test

TestGorilla’s Attention to Detail (Textual) test offers valuable insights into a job candidate’s reasoning skills, particularly in assessing their ability to analyze and comprehend written information with precision and accuracy.

In most professional settings, the ability to pay close attention to detail is paramount. The Attention to Detail (Textual) test assesses a candidate’s proficiency in reading, comprehending, and scrutinizing written information, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Big 5 (OCEAN) test

Reasoning skills are not solely dependent on cognitive abilities but are also influenced by an individual’s personality traits. 

The Big 5 (OCEAN) test assesses a candidate’s personality dimensions, providing a deeper understanding of their approach to challenges, level of openness to new ideas, organizational skills, propensity for collaboration, and emotional stability. 

For example, candidates with a high score in Conscientiousness demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and a structured approach to problem-solving, while those who get a high score in Openness exhibit creativity and a willingness to explore new ways of moving forward. 

By considering these traits alongside reasoning skills, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s potential to excel in tasks requiring critical thinking and reasoning.

Understanding Instructions test

The Understanding Instructions test plays a useful role in evaluating a job candidate’s reasoning skills, specifically their ability to understand and execute tasks based on given instructions accurately. 

This test focuses on assessing an individual’s attention to detail, critical thinking, and capacity to analyze and interpret instructions. 

It offers valuable insights into a candidate’s logical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and potential for success in roles that require close adherence to guidelines.

How TestGorilla can help you find candidates with reasoning skills

If you’re looking to identify candidates with exceptional reasoning skills, TestGorilla is here to support your hiring journey. With our extensive range of scientifically designed tests, we provide you with a powerful tool to assess and evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

By incorporating TestGorilla’s assessments into your hiring process, you’ll gain valuable insights into each candidate’s capacity to analyze, strategize, and make informed decisions, setting the stage for building a team of exceptional talent.

At TestGorilla, we understand that finding individuals who can think critically and adapt to complex challenges is crucial for your company’s success. Our tests are carefully crafted to gauge candidates’ logical reasoning, analytical skills, and cognitive abilities, giving you a comprehensive understanding of their reasoning prowess. 

By relying on TestGorilla’s innovative assessment platform, you can confidently identify top-tier candidates who will contribute fresh perspectives, creativity, and ingenuity to your organization.

Let us help you identify candidates with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities your company needs to thrive.

Sign up for TestGorilla’s free plan today and experience the power of our reasoning skills assessments firsthand.