01
Understanding problems
Consider how candidates approach the situation.
Explore how candidates think through a problem.
A problem solving test for hiring into operations, support and project roles. Candidates respond to the same workplace problems, so you compare how they think before interview.
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AM
Alex MorganProblem Solving profile
CompletedJUDGEMENT BY TOPIC
See how they approach it.
Explore strengths and the topics to discuss further.
Understanding problemsStrong judgement
Considering solutionsSound judgement
Choosing a responseExplore further
The judgement behind the response.
A conversation you can focus.
A conversation you can focus.
WHAT THE TEST EXPLORES
Workplace judgement, made visible.
Explore candidates’ choices before you ask how they would put them into practice.
8questions10minutesSituational judgementquestion format
02
Considering solutions
Explore the judgement behind their choices.
03
Choosing a response
Focus a follow-up conversation on their response.
A RANGE OF DIFFICULTY
One test. Different abilities.
Explore different situations and the judgement behind each choice.
The Problem Solving test presents workplace situations to explore candidates’ responses. Use the results to shape follow-up questions about relevant experience.
TESTS IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES
English, plus 13 languages.
Assess candidates in the language they work in.
- English
- Chinese (simplified)
- Japanese
- Korean
- Thai
- Vietnamese
- Indonesian
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Italian
- Dutch
- Arabic
Languages available across our test suite. Options vary by test and level.
TRY AN EXAMPLE QUESTION
Try a Problem Solving question.
Problem SolvingWorkplace scenario
You are working in a manufacturing company specializing in organic health and beauty products. For the last six months, you have been part of a team working on the concept of a new men’s shampoo to be added to the existing product range.
With the help of a junior employee, you have been overseeing the market research and have just finished conducting a large number of customer focus groups. Unfortunately, the evidence is overwhelming that the concept as it stands will not be successful after all of the team's hard work.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE
Using Problem Solving in recruitment.
What does the Problem Solving test assess?
Each question describes a workplace problem, such as a product issue found late in a project, and asks what the candidate would do first. The strongest answers understand the issue before acting, consider more than one option and choose a response that fits the information available. It measures practical judgement, not puzzle-solving speed.
How can you use the Problem Solving results?
Use the result to shortlist, then give finalists a real problem from your business and ask how they would approach it. Pair problem solving with a logical reasoning test for analytical roles, with a customer service test for support roles and with a time management test where problems arrive under deadline.
Which situations matter for your role?
- OperationsUnderstanding the issue before choosing a solution.
- Customer supportConsidering options when the first approach does not work.
- Project teamsExplaining how information would guide the next step.
Choosing tests for your vacancy
Choose Problem Solving when candidates need to understand an issue and consider possible solutions. Add Decision-Making for selecting a response, or Logical Reasoning for drawing conclusions from information. These tests address different questions; retain each only where the job needs it.
HOW THIS TEST WAS BUILT
How Problem Solving was built.
Developed and validated by occupational psychologists and industry experts.
- Occupational psychologists
- Industry experts
- Validated
Group: Soft skills
Research for this kind of test: situational judgement tests predict job performance at .26.
Read our methodologySEE THE RESULTS FOR YOURSELF
See the person behind the score.
Explore a complete sample report, from test results and candidate comparisons to focused interview questions.
BEFORE YOU START
Your Problem Solving questions, answered.
Does the Problem Solving test show how someone will behave at work?
It shows how candidates choose to respond to workplace situations. A selected response does not establish how they will behave in real work. Ask for a relevant example at interview.
Which Problem Solving topics should matter for my role?
Start with the work the person will do. This page covers understanding problems, considering solutions, choosing a response. Decide which of those areas matter for your role before reviewing results, and explore any specialist requirements separately.
Can I combine Problem Solving with other tests?
Yes. Add Problem Solving alongside other relevant tests in one assessment. Choose the combination for your role and review the total time before inviting candidates.
Can I assess real candidates for free?
Yes. Create your account, build an assessment and invite candidates. Your first 5 candidate results are free. No credit card is required.
What happens after my free results?
You pay per candidate result you unlock, rather than per test. There is no subscription or annual commitment. Check the pricing page for current rates.
How should I use the Problem Solving results?
Compare results against the knowledge or ability your role needs. Use them to focus interviews and practical tasks, alongside relevant experience. A test score should not decide who you hire on its own.