How to Pass Verbal and Numerical Reasoning Tests

After sending their application to entry level jobs, engineering job candidates often face a series of reasoning tests designed to evaluate their problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and critical thinking. These tests are crucial in the hiring process as they help employers identify individuals who possess the technical and cognitive capabilities necessary for engineering roles. Understanding the most common types of reasoning tests and how to prepare for them can significantly enhance your chances of success. This guide will explore numerical, logic-based, and verbal reasoning tests, and provide practical tips for effective preparation.

What are the most common reasonings tests given to engineering job applicants?

Numerical reasoning tests

A numerical reasoning test evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand and work with numerical data through a variety of problems. These tests typically involve basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, fractions, and decimals, as well as interpreting data from graphs, charts, and tables. Candidates also solve word problems, identify sequences and patterns, and make estimations and approximations.

Logic-based reasoning tests

A logic-based reasoning test assesses a candidate’s ability to identify patterns, sequences, and relationships within sets of data or symbols and to apply these observations to solve problems or predict outcomes. These tests typically include tasks such as pattern recognition, where candidates must identify the underlying rule or pattern in a series of shapes, numbers, or symbols. They also involve sequencing and arrangement tasks, which require arranging items in a specific order based on given rules or determining the next item in a sequence. Diagrammatic reasoning tasks involve inferring rules and relationships from diagrams and applying them to new contexts. Additionally, logical deductions require solving problems by deducing the correct conclusion from a set of premises or conditions. Spatial reasoning tasks include visualising and manipulating objects in space, such as rotating shapes to fit into a given framework.

Verbal Reasoning tests

A verbal reasoning test evaluates a candidate’s ability to understand, analyse, and interpret written information. These tests typically involve reading passages of text and answering questions that assess comprehension, logical deduction, and critical thinking. Candidates must determine whether statements are true, false, or cannot be determined based on the provided information. The test may also include tasks such as identifying the main idea, drawing inferences, understanding the author’s intent, and evaluating arguments. These tests are essential for roles that require strong communication skills, critical analysis, and the ability to process and interpret complex information quickly and accurately.

How to prepare for logical, verbal and numerical reasoning tests?

Stop hating the game

You will find annoying games that need to be played at each step in your career.

At your current level, one of the games is verbal and numerical reasoning tests. Each following level has its own annoying games. The quicker you accept and adapt to these games without complaining, the faster you'll climb the ladder.

Stop complaining and get practising.

Practice Under Real Test Conditions

When practicing reasoning tests, simulate real test conditions as closely as possible. This means timing yourself and working in a quiet, distraction-free environment. By mimicking the test environment, you’ll be better prepared to handle the pressure and pace of the actual test.

Review your reasoning test mistakes

After each session of practicing reasoning tests, thoroughly review any mistakes you made. Understanding why you got a numerical reasoning test question wrong is crucial for improvement. Look for patterns in your mistakes and focus your practice on those areas. This targeted approach will help you strengthen your weak points and improve your overall performance.

Engage in ‘spaced repetition’

It's better to practice reasoning tests consistently each day, ideally for an hour, over several months, rather than trying to cram in full-day sessions over a week.

This effectiveness stems from the concept of 'spaced repetition’ which suggests that brain processes are better encoded into long-term memory when training sessions are spaced out. This spacing allows the brain time to consolidate knowledge and incrementally build upon it.

Understand what you’re being tested on.

Verbal and numerical reasoning tests are easy if you have enough time.

Anybody smart enough to apply to an engineering graduate scheme can crush these tests. The challenge is finishing them quickly.

Get more sleep

Getting a full 8 hours of sleep is essential for peak cognitive performance. Sleep enhances creativity, problem-solving skills, and logical thinking. It also clears the brain's neural pathways, improving memory and information processing, and boosts emotional resilience, crucial for managing test anxiety.

Good sleep isn't just important the night before a test; it's important throughout the entire preparation period.

If you aren’t cracking reasoning tests, check if you’re getting enough sleep.

What to remember during a reasoning test

Move on if you get stuck

If you find yourself stuck in a reasoning test, don't be stubborn. This is common advice but it can’t be repeated enough.

Reasoning tests are always trying to trick you

Imagine this: you're taking a numerical reasoning test. After doing a calculation, you get a result of 4.66. You check the multiple-choice options and see 4.66, so you select this answer and move on. Later, you discover that your answer was wrong.

Reasoning tests often include multiple choice answers designed to catch out leaps in logic.

Use the same (good) calculator

Get a calculator with large keys and a clear display. Learn its buttons by heart. Do not use your phone calculator.

Master the use of parentheses and power functions for multi-step calculations. Learn to use the memory functions to handle multiple numbers simultaneously.

Once you pass the reasoning tests

Reasoning tests are a key component of the selection process for engineering job applicants. By understanding the nature of numerical, logic-based, and verbal reasoning tests, and employing effective preparation strategies, you can significantly improve your performance. Accepting the challenge, practicing under real test conditions, reviewing your mistakes, and ensuring adequate sleep are all essential steps. Remember, these tests are not just hurdles but opportunities to showcase your skills and stand out in a competitive field. With diligent preparation and a strategic approach, you can excel in these assessments and advance towards securing an interview.