Problem-solving tests for adults: Your top recruitment guide

Problem-solving is fundamental for achieving targets in the workplace: Good problem solvers will work productively and efficiently. But how can you evaluate and recruit applicants with excellent problem-solving skills? 

Our Problem Solving skills test offers one of the best options to help you spot logical thinkers, especially when you follow it up with effective problem-solving questions in an interview. Get all the information about these recruitment methods in this recruitment guide.

What is problem solving, and what makes it so important in the workplace?

Problem solving is a process in which employees complete four essential steps:

• Step one – employees define a problem that they need to solve

• Step two – they find out the root cause or causes of the problem

• Step three – they identify and prioritize potential solutions for the problem

• Step four – they implement the most efficient solutions

It’s a process that requires perceptive deduction, effective tools, and the best practices to help your team tap into innovative solutions for complex challenges. 

Problem solving is vital in the workplace, helping your organization achieve its objectives. It will ensure your business implements effective solutions to resolve critical issues and keep your organization performing well.

If your employees and new hires have exceptional problem-solving skills, they will be less apprehensive when confronting challenges and have the confidence to assist their team members. 

2 examples of creative problem-solving

Let’s now consider a couple of examples of creative problem solving in the work environment.

1. Aligning a company’s customer service to the changing needs of consumers

Even when an organization considers its customer service to be exceptional, it can strive to better align its standards with the changing requirements of its consumers. Organizations hoping to ada[t their customer service in this way will have to implement top problem-solving strategies, such as gathering information through interviews, creating journey maps to review the consumer experience, and building insights reports.

Having completed the research, organizations can then identify and prioritize potential solutions (such as rolling out inquiry centers or online support for products) and implement the most efficient solutions.

2. Catering to clients’ online services requirements during a pandemic

When face-to-face communication isn’t possible such as during a global pandemic), organizations must seek creative ways to meet their clients’ online service requirements. 

Businesses may consider solutions few organizations offer, such as developing and finding universally accepted and easily navigable tools that all clients can use. Your company may plan to build inclusive software, solution, or tools, and the smoother the user experience, the better.

With such plans developed, you simply need to set up the software or solution to resolve the issue and retain customer loyalty.

What are good problem-solving questions?

You can ask your applicants problem-solving questions for adults to review their problem-solving abilities, which may include gathering data, assessing a problem, reviewing the advantages and disadvantages, and implementing a decision. You should decide on several creative problem-solving questions and answers before beginning the interview to streamline your hiring process. 

What are some examples of problem-solving questions for adults?

To hire exceptional problem solvers, you will need to ask candidates creative problem-solving questions. Here are five problem-solving interview questions and the answers you may consider asking your applicants before hiring.

1. Which method do you use to consider solutions to a problem?

Applicants and employees may mention that research is critical to finding solutions for a complex problem. They may also consider methods that others have used to solve similar problems and review the efficiency of these methods to decide which is the best solution.

2. What is the ideal way to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a solution?

Do your candidates know that making a list of the advantages and disadvantages of a strategy is critical when weighing up the potential solutions they want to implement? Do they know that seeking the support of their co-workers or manager can also help them review these pros and cons?

3. Which approach would you use to satisfy an unhappy customer?

Applicants and employees may begin by using empathy to diffuse tension and learn the root cause of the customer’s dissatisfaction. They may also discuss other important details, such as the previously implemented solutions, to determine what has gone wrong. Can your candidates use the information they gather and communicate with the customer to solve their problem?

4. Have you ever had to find a solution to a problem without sufficient information? 

When responding to this problem-solving interview question, interviewees should note that gathering information is a critical first step to solving the problem. They may use strategies such as conducting interviews or distributing surveys to receive the information required to understand the problem. Finally, they may implement solutions based on the information they have.

5. Have you ever had to alter your plans when solving a complex problem? 

Your interviewees may have had to change their plans in the process of addressing complex problems. One strategy might be to gather ideas for an article or change their software development plans to create the perfect end product. Listen for answers that prioritize planning.

What are some examples of excellent problem-solving skills?

When hiring a top problem solver, make sure to pay attention to the top three problem-solving skills:

1. Analytical skills and attention to detail 

If your candidates are analytical, they can pinpoint a problem’s causes and foresee its potential knock-on effects. They should also know how to identify the effectiveness of different solutions, using reason to deduce which solution is most suitable. To find the best candidates, review your applicants’ analytical skills with our Attention to Detail skills test before you hire.

2. Communication and active listening skills

Communication and active listening skills help individuals gather accurate and valuable information from co-workers and customers. Employees effective at this are more likely to implement appropriate solutions based on relevant information. Use our Communication skills test to ensure your candidates and employees have top communication and active listening skills.

3. Critical thinking

Deductive reasoning and critical thinking are fundamental for problem-solving. These skills help employees evaluate any information they gather and make logical conclusions when deciding on the best course of action. Make sure your employees and potential new hires have critical-thinking skills by assessing them with our Critical Thinking test.

Find a problem solver fast: Review your applicants’ skills with TestGorilla

Finding a problem solver doesn’t have to be impossible. Combining our problem-solving questions for adults and skills tests is the best way to identify the best candidates for your open role.

Gauge every candidate’s analytical skills to learn more about their creativity and problem-solving abilities, and make use of our Problem Solving and Critical Thinking skills tests to simplify your hiring process by signing up for your free plan today.