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Using the Standard Solitaire Game to Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Abilities

In today’s fast-paced world, problem-solving skills are more important than ever. Whether it’s in your personal life or professional career, the ability to think critically and find solutions is highly valued. One way to enhance these skills is by playing the standard solitaire game. While many people may see solitaire as a simple card game, it actually offers numerous benefits for improving problem-solving abilities. In this article, we will explore how playing the standard solitaire game can help sharpen your problem-solving skills.

Enhancing Strategic Thinking

Playing the standard solitaire game requires strategic thinking and planning ahead. As you lay out your cards and make moves, you must consider various possibilities and anticipate future moves. This process encourages you to analyze different scenarios and make decisions based on potential outcomes.

Furthermore, solitaire also teaches you the importance of prioritization. You need to prioritize which cards to move first and which ones to leave behind. This skill translates directly into real-life situations where you must prioritize tasks or actions based on their importance or urgency.

By regularly engaging in strategic thinking while playing solitaire, you can develop a more analytical mindset that will benefit you in all areas of life.

Developing Patience

Patience is a virtue that can greatly contribute to effective problem-solving. In the standard solitaire game, patience is key as success often requires multiple rounds of trial and error before finding the right solution.

The process of patiently trying different moves and experimenting with various strategies teaches valuable lessons about persistence and resilience. It trains your mind not to give up easily when faced with challenges but instead motivates you to keep trying until you find a solution.

Developing patience through playing solitaire can be a valuable asset when faced with complex problems that require time and perseverance to solve effectively.

Making Skills

In solitaire, every move you make is a decision that can impact the outcome of the game. The ability to make informed decisions quickly is crucial for success. By playing the standard solitaire game regularly, you can improve your decision-making skills.

As you become more experienced in solitaire, you will start recognizing patterns and developing strategies that maximize your chances of winning. This process trains your brain to analyze information efficiently and make decisions based on logical reasoning.

Moreover, solitaire also teaches you to evaluate risks and rewards. Some moves may seem appealing in the short term but could lead to unfavorable outcomes later on. Learning to assess potential risks and rewards helps you make better decisions not only in the game but also in real-life situations where critical thinking is required.

Enhancing Concentration and Focus

Playing solitaire requires concentration and focus as you need to pay attention to every card on the table and track their movements. Distractions can lead to mistakes that could cost you the game.

Regularly engaging in solitaire can help improve your ability to concentrate for extended periods. This skill is transferable to various areas of life where focus is necessary, such as work tasks or studying.

Additionally, solitaire can serve as a form of meditation by providing a momentary escape from daily stressors. It allows you to clear your mind, focus solely on the game at hand, and recharge your mental energy.

The standard solitaire game offers more than just entertainment; it provides an opportunity to enhance problem-solving abilities through strategic thinking, patience development, improved decision-making skills, and enhanced concentration/focus.

By incorporating regular sessions of solitaire into your routine, you can sharpen these essential skills that are valuable in both personal and professional settings. So next time you find yourself with some free time or need a break from work-related tasks, consider playing a round of solitaire – it might just give your problem-solving abilities a boost.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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 Analytical Reasoning Questions

Find the number of triangles in the given figure.

The simplest triangles are AML, LRK, KWD, DWJ, JXI, IYC, CYH, HTG, GOB, BOF, FNE and EMA i.e. 12 in number.

The triangles composed of two components each are AEL, KDJ, HIC and FBG i.e. 4 in number.

The triangles composed of three components each are APF, EQB, BQH, GVC, CVJ, IUD, DUL and KPA i.e. 8 in number.

The triangles composed of six components each are ASB, BSG, CSD, DSA, AKF, EBH, GGJ and IDL i.e. 8 in number.

The triangles composed of twelve components each are ADB, ABC, BCD and CDA i.e. 4 in number.

Total number of triangles in the figure = 12 + 4 + 8 + 8 + 4 = 36.

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Find the minimum number of straight lines required to make the given figure.

The horizontal lines are AK, BJ, CI, DH and EG i.e. 5 in number.

The vertical lines are AE, LF and KG i.e. 3 in number.

The slanting lines are LC, CF, FI, LI, EK and AG i.e. 6 in number.

Thus, there are 5 + 3 + 6 = 14 straight lines in the figure.

Choose the alternative which is closely resembles the water image of the given combination/figure.

View Answer Report Error Discuss Filed Under: Analytical Reasoning - Non Verbal Reasoning Exam Prep: AIEEE , Bank Exams , CAT , GRE , TOEFL Job Role: Bank Clerk , Bank PO

What is the number of straight lines and the number of triangles in the given figure.

The Horizontal lines are DF and BC i.e. 2 in number.

The Vertical lines are DG, AH and FI i.e. 3 in number.

The Slanting lines are AB, AC, BF and DC i.e. 4 in number.

Thus, there are 2 + 3 + 4 = 9 straight lines in the figure.

Now, we shall count the number of triangles in the figure.

The simplest triangles are ADE, AEF, DEK, EFK, DJK, FLK, DJB, FLC, BJG and LIC i.e. 10 in number.

The triangles composed of two components each are ADF, AFK, DFK, ADK, DKB, FCK, BKH, KHC, DGB and FIC i.e. 10 in number.

The triangles composed of three components each are DFJ and DFL i.e. 2 in number.

The triangles composed of four components each are ABK, ACK, BFI, CDG, DFB, DFC and BKC i.e. 7 in number.

The triangles composed of six components each are ABH, ACH, ABF, ACD, BFC and CDB i.e. 6 in number.

There is only one triangle i.e. ABC composed of twelve components.

There are 10 + 10 + 2 + 7 + 6+ 1 = 36 triangles in the figure.

What is the number of triangles that can be formed whose vertices are the vertices of an octagon but have only one side common with that of octagon?

When the triangles are drawn in an octagon with vertices same as those of the octagon and having one side common to that of the octagon, the figure will appear as shown in (Fig. 1).

Now, we shall first consider the triangles having only one side AB common with octagon ABCDEFGH and having vertices common with the octagon (See Fig. 2).Such triangles are ABD, ABE, ABF and ABG i.e. 4 in number.

Similarly, the triangles having only one side BC common with the octagon and also having vertices common with the octagon are BCE, BCF, BCG and BCH (as shown in Fig. 3). i.e. There are 4 such triangles.

This way, we have 4 triangles for each side of the octagon. Thus, there are 8 x 4 = 32 such triangles.

Count the number of triangles and squares in the given figure.

The figure may be labelled as shown 

Triangles :

The Simplest triangles are BGM, GHM, HAM, ABM, GIN, IJN, JHN, HGN, IKO, KLO, LJO, JIO, KDP, DEP, ELP, LKP, BCD and AFE i.e 18 in number

The triangles composed of two components each are ABG, BGH, GHA, HAB, HGI, GIJ, IJH, JHG, JIK, IKL, KLJ,LJI, LKD, KDE, DEL and ELK i.e 16 in number.

The triangles composed of four components each are BHI, GJK, ILD, AGJ, HIL and JKE i.e 6 in number.

Total number of triangles in the figure = 18 + 16 + 6 =40.

The Squares composed of two components each are MGNH, NIOJ, and OKPL i.e 3 in number

The Squares composed of four components each are BGHA, GIJH, IKJL and KDEL i.e 4 in number

Total number of squares in the figure = 3 + 4 =7

View Answer Report Error Discuss Filed Under: Analytical Reasoning - Non Verbal Reasoning Exam Prep: AIEEE , Bank Exams , CAT Job Role: Bank Clerk , Bank PO

Find the number of triangles in the given figure ?

The given figure can be labelled as :

The simplest triangles are AJF, FBG, HDI, GCH and JEI i.e 5 in number. The triangles composed of the three components each are AIC, FCE, ADG, EBH and DJB i.e 5 in number. Thus, there are 5 + 5 = 10 triangles in the given figure.

View Answer Report Error Discuss Filed Under: Analytical Reasoning - Non Verbal Reasoning Exam Prep: Bank Exams , CAT Job Role: Bank Clerk , Bank PO

The simplest triangles are AKI, AIL, EKD, LFB, DJC, DKJ, KIJ, ILJ, JLB, BJC, DHC and BCG i.e. 12 in number. The triangles composed of two components each are AKJ, ALJ, AKL, ADJ, AJB and DBC i.e. 6 in number. The triangles composed of the three components each are ADC and ABC i.e. 2 in number. There is only one triangle i.e. ADB composed of four components. Thus, there are 12 + 6 + 2 + 1 = 21 triangles in the figure.

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• Interview Questions

Analytical Skills Interview Questions With Answers

Did you know that analytical skills are one of the most important qualities employers look for when hiring? As per Ziprecruiter’s findings, about 2.7 million job postings have listed analytical skills as a top requirement for potential employees.

One of the best ways to hire someone with analytical skills is to do so through an interview. Analytical skills interview questions are designed to assess how the candidate approaches and solves problems. Such questions can also help evaluate the candidate’s thought processes, logic, communication, and organisational and decision-making skills.

Questions to ask to evaluate a candidate’s analytical skills

Listed here are the top ten analytical skills interview questions to ask candidates. These questions can provide helpful insights into a candidate’s mindset and problem-solving abilities. So, let’s get started:

1.Describe the process you go through when you are faced with a problem or issue.

This question helps us to gauge the candidate’s approach to problem-solving. It will give us a glimpse into their thought processes and how they go about tackling an issue. It also provides the candidate with an opportunity to showcase their analytical skills.

sample answer- When faced with a problem or issue, I typically start by gathering as much information as possible about the situation. I then analyze the information to identify potential solutions and evaluate their feasibility and effectiveness. Once I have a clear understanding of the options, I choose the best course of action and implement it, while continually monitoring and adjusting the approach as needed. Throughout the process, I remain open to feedback and input from others and seek out resources and support as necessary.

2.How do you break down a complex problem?

This question provides insight into the candidate’s abilities to identify the key components of a complex problem and to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This question can also help to determine if the candidate can think critically and analyze problems thoroughly.

Sample answer- when faced with a complex problem, I first start by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. I take time to carefully analyze the problem, identify its key components, and understand how they all relate to each other. Once I have a clear understanding of the problem and its parts, I develop a plan for addressing each part and determining how they can be integrated to create a comprehensive solution. Throughout the process, I remain flexible and open to new information or approaches, and I continually reassess my plan to ensure that it remains on track and is moving towards a successful resolution.

3.How do you prioritize tasks?

This question assesses the candidate’s organisational skills and how they prioritize tasks. It will help to determine if the candidate can manage their workload effectively and if they can identify tasks that need to be addressed first. This will prove useful in situations where multiple tasks need to be handled at the same time.

Sample answer- I prioritize tasks by first assessing the urgency and importance of each task. I identify which tasks need immediate attention and which ones can wait. Then, I organize my to-do list based on these priorities and break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. I also consider any deadlines and ensure that I allocate enough time to complete each task. Overall, I prioritize tasks by balancing urgency, importance, and deadlines to ensure that I meet all of my obligations in a timely and effective manner.

4.How do you use data to make decisions?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to use data and data analysis to make informed decisions. The candidate should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of how to interpret data and how to use it to inform decisions.

Sample answer- I believe that using data to make decisions is a crucial part of my decision-making process. I start by identifying the problem or question that needs to be answered and then collect and analyze relevant data to gain insights and support my decision-making. Ultimately, I aim to make informed decisions based on the evidence I have gathered, while also being mindful of any potential biases or limitations in the data. By using data-driven decision-making, I can make more accurate and effective decisions that are based on objective information rather than subjective opinions.

5.Can you give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem? How did you go about it?

This question assesses the candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to think on their feet. It will give us an idea of how the candidate handles unexpected situations and how they approach problem-solving. Moreover, getting to know about a real-life problem-solving situation helps us to get a more practical understanding of the candidate’s skills.

Sample answer- A few months ago, I was working on a project where we had to deliver a presentation to a client in a week’s time. Unfortunately, one of our team members unexpectedly fell ill, which meant we were short-staffed and struggling to meet the deadline.

To solve this problem, I decided to take on some of the missing team member’s responsibilities and work longer hours to make sure we met the deadline. I also communicated the situation to the client and asked for an extension, which they granted. Overall, my problem-solving approach involved taking on additional responsibilities, communicating clearly, and seeking out external support when necessary. In the end, we were able to deliver the project on time and to the client’s satisfaction.

Visualize a dilemma where your coworkers have divided opinions on how to resolve an issue. They come to you, wanting guidance in selecting the best approach. How do you respond?

This question can assess the candidate’s ability to mediate conflict between coworkers and their capacity for making sound decisions. It will also uncover the candidate’s problem-solving skills and how they handle difficult situations. Moreover, it will provide us with an idea of the candidate’s communication skills and how well they can explain their reasoning.

Sample answer- My first step would be to gather all the necessary information and perspectives on the issue at hand. I would then analyze each approach and weigh the potential consequences of each decision. I would consider the long-term impact of each approach and evaluate which approach aligns with the company’s values and goals. I would also encourage open and respectful communication between coworkers with differing opinions and facilitate a collaborative discussion to find a mutually beneficial solution. Ultimately, my goal would be to guide my coworkers toward a resolution that is ethical, effective, and sustainable for the company.

How do you compare the pros and cons of different options to make a decision?

This question allows us to assess the candidate’s decision-making skills and how they weigh the benefits and drawbacks of different options. It can also help to identify if the candidate can make well-informed and rational decisions. This will help in future situations where they need to choose between different options when solving a problem for our business.

Sample Answer- When comparing the pros and cons of different options to make a decision, I start by clearly defining the problem and the decision criteria. Then, I gather relevant information and weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option against those criteria. I also consider any potential risks and uncertainties and seek input from stakeholders or subject matter experts. Finally, I make a decision based on a rational and informed analysis of the available options, while also taking into account my own intuition and judgment.

Describe a situation where you had to analyze multiple sources of data to solve a problem.

This question helps to evaluate the candidate’s competence in gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources. It can also provide insight into the candidate’s ability to make sense of complex information and identify useful patterns.

Sample Answer- In my previous job as a marketing analyst, I was tasked with identifying the most effective advertising channels for a new product launch. To do this, I had to analyze data from multiple sources, including customer surveys, website analytics, and social media metrics. After carefully reviewing each data set, I found that social media advertising was the most successful channel for reaching our target audience. I then presented my findings to the marketing team, which helped them make informed decisions about their advertising strategy.

How do you think critically while problem-solving?

This question can help us to assess the candidate’s ability to think critically and rationally. It will determine if the candidate can examine an issue from different perspectives and identify the most logical solution.

Sample Answer- I approach problem-solving with a critical thinking mindset by first analyzing the situation and identifying the root cause of the problem. I then gather relevant information and data to develop potential solutions, weighing the pros and cons of each. I also consider any potential risks and their potential impact on the solution. Finally, I choose the best solution based on the analysis and implement it while monitoring the results to ensure its effectiveness.

How do you effectively communicate your analysis to stakeholders?

This question provides us with a judgment of the candidate’s communication skills and how they present their analysis. It will help us to determine if the candidate can effectively explain their conclusions in a way that is clear and understandable to stakeholders.

Sample Answer- I believe that effective communication of analysis to stakeholders requires clear and concise messaging tailored to the audience. I would first ensure that I have a deep understanding of the stakeholders’ needs, goals, and priorities. Then, I would present my findings using visual aids such as charts, graphs, or tables that are easy to understand. I would also use non-technical language and avoid jargon as much as possible. Finally, I would be prepared to answer questions and provide additional context or explanation as needed.

Additional Questions To Consider

In addition to the questions mentioned above, also ask the following questions to assess the candidate’s analytical skills further:

• How do you test to make sure that your solutions work correctly?
• Describe a time when you had to adjust your approach to solving a problem.
• What resources do you rely on when analysing data?
• How do you make sure that your analysis is accurate?
• Describe a time when you had to work with incomplete information to make a decision.
• How do you react when your solution doesn’t produce the expected result?
• What are the other important skills, in addition to analytical thinking , that you think are necessary for problem-solving?
• Do you ask anyone for help, or do you look for solutions on your own?
• Do you reflect on your decisions after the problem has been solved?
• Would you like to add any other information that we should consider when assessing your analytical skills?

These are some questions to ask candidates to evaluate their analytical skills. By asking these questions, one can gain insight into the candidate’s problem-solving capabilities. It will help determine if they are the right fit for an organisation.

Red Flags To Watch Out For

When interviewing a candidate, it is important to look out for certain “red flags” that could point to poor analytical skills. Some of the red flags to watch out for include the following:

Giving Canned Answers

Candidates often lie about having “good analytical skills” on their resumes. However, in reality, the story is often quite different. When interviewing a candidate, if they give canned answers or offer little detail when asked analytical skills interview questions, it could be a sign that they are not as skilled as they claim.

Poor Communication Skills

Another sign of weak analytical skills is when a candidate is unable to explain their methods and thought processes when solving a problem. If they cannot break down their solutions into simple blocks, it could be a sign that the candidate does not have the skills needed for the job.

Jumping To Conclusions

Good analytical skills require the ability to assess a situation from different angles and come to a logical conclusion. If a candidate jumps to conclusions without examining all the necessary information first, it could be an indicator of weak analytical skills.

Poor Critical Thinking Skills

Analytical thinking and critical thinking skills go hand-in-hand. If a candidate cannot think critically, it could be a sign of weak analytical skills. Look out for candidates who cannot evaluate a problem from multiple perspectives or who cannot think of multiple solutions to a problem.

By asking strategic questions and looking out for red flags during the interview process, employers can identify candidates who possess the analytical skills necessary to succeed in their company.

Tips For Analysing Candidates’ Analytical Skills

As an HR, one can use the following tips to assess candidates’ analytical skills in the interview process:

Ask open-ended questions that require detailed answers

This will allow one to gain insight into the candidate’s thought processes and problem-solving capabilities.

Listen carefully for meaningful answers

This will help to identify candidates who can explain their ideas clearly and concisely.

Give the candidate plenty of time to think before answering questions

This will allow the candidate to demonstrate their analytical skills and present their most thought-out answers.

Provide feedback during the interview

This will help the candidate understand where they can improve their analytical skills.

Present candidates with a real-world problem and ask them to explain their approach to solving it

This will help employers assess the candidate’s problem-solving capabilities.

By following these tips, one can effectively assess candidates’ analytical skills in the interview process and ensure that they make the right hire. This will help to create a team of talented professionals who possess the skills necessary for success.

To summarise, analytical skills are essential for driving organisational success. Asking the right questions during the interview process and looking out for red flags can help employers identify candidates who possess strong analytical skills.

Moreover, employing the tips outlined in this article will enable us to assess candidates’ analytical skills effectively and make the best hiring decisions. By making the right hire, one can ensure that a business has a team of talented people who are equipped with the skills necessary for success.

1.How can I describe my analytical skills?

Analytical skills refer to the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret complex information to identify patterns, trends, and relationships. To describe your analytical skills, you can highlight your experience in problem-solving, data analysis, critical thinking, and decision-making. You can also mention any software, tools, or techniques you’re proficient in, such as Excel, SQL, or statistical modeling.Providing specific examples of how you’ve applied your analytical skills in past roles can also help demonstrate your proficiency.

2.What is a good example of analytical skills?

A good example of analytical skills is the ability to break down complex information into smaller parts, identify patterns and relationships, and draw meaningful insights from data.

3.What are some analytical skills questions for freshers?

• Can you walk me through your problem-solving process?
• Describe a complex problem you faced and how you went about solving it.
• How do you approach data analysis and decision-making?

4.How do I prepare for an analytical skills test?

Preparing for an analytical skills test requires a combination of practice, study, and familiarity with the types of questions that may be asked. Begin by reviewing the key concepts and topics that are likely to be covered in the test, such as statistics, data analysis, and logical reasoning. Practice solving problems and answering questions in these areas using resources such as practice exams, study guides, and online tutorials. Additionally, hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing and interpreting data, identifying patterns and trends, and making logical inferences.

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What Is an Analytical Reasoning Test?

What are analytical reasoning tests used for, analytical reasoning test practice questions (2023), tips for preparing for an analytical reasoning test in 2023, frequently asked questions, analytical reasoning tests (2023 guide).

Updated June 12, 2023

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Analytical reasoning tests assess a candidate’s ability to study information and apply logic to find patterns or make inferences.

At work, people use analysis to scrutinise speech, documents, diagrams, charts and graphs, and gather the most relevant information. Those with strong analytical skills will consider how key elements within that information relate to one another, and are more likely to notice crucial patterns and details.

Analytical reasoning tests measure a candidate’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Data may be presented in the form of written passages, graphs, tables or shapes.

Where questions are based on a series of images , they have much in common with inductive reasoning and non-verbal reasoning tests.

Written analytical reasoning questions assess many of the same skills as verbal reasoning tests .

Prepare for Any Job Assessment Test with JobTestPrep

Recruiters use analytical reasoning tests to evaluate inductive and deductive skills in potential employees.

Deductive reasoning is the process of reaching a logical conclusion based on one or more given statements, or premises.

Inductive reasoning involves taking specific information and making predictions based on that.

Candidates do not need any specialist knowledge for analytical reasoning tests, but they must be able to think logically and pay close attention to detail. Those who demonstrate strong analytical reasoning skills are generally highly intelligent, quick to learn and more likely to improve over time in a role.

Non-verbal reasoning tests can also be helpful in assessing international candidates, or applicants who do not have English as their first language.

Candidates applying for mid- to higher-level positions may be asked to take an analytical reasoning test as part of the selection process. Analytical skills are particularly important for jobs that involve maths and numerical reasoning.

They also extend into roles where decision-making and problem-solving are key. So companies may use these tests when recruiting for positions such as computer software engineers, financial analysts, human resources managers and office managers.

Many law firms also assess analytical reasoning skills as part of their recruitment process. And analytical reasoning tests may form part of a leadership assessment process, such as a graduate recruitment scheme.

Analytical reasoning tests use both verbal and non-verbal questions.

In inductive reasoning tests , questions usually involve a series of diagrams or pictures. The candidate must find the pattern, rule or link between each item. They can then use this knowledge to decide what comes next in the sequence.

Deductive reasoning tests are typically verbal. The candidate must read a statement, or series of statements, and then choose the logically correct answer.

Examples of both are given below, with answers and explanations.

Question 1: Which Box Is Next in the Sequence?

This is an example of a question where things move around. There are many variations on this theme.

At its most basic level, elements will move around inside a box and the candidate must understand why they are moving in a particular order. By understanding this they will be able to correctly select the image that comes next.

Which box is next in the sequence?

If you need to prepare for a number of different employment tests and want to outsmart the competition, choose a Premium Membership from JobTestPrep . You will get access to three PrepPacks of your choice, from a database that covers all the major test providers and employers and tailored profession packs.

Question 2: Which Box Is Next in the Sequence?

Candidates may also be asked to find the relationship between a set of items. There are a number of ways that elements can have relationships with one another, for example:

• Where they are in relation to each other
• The number of sides that different shapes have in relation to each other
• Numbers that incrementally increase or decrease

To solve these types of questions you need to identify the rule that governs the relationship and then apply it, as in the following example:

In this sort of question, remember also to look for relationships between odd and even numbers.

Question 3: What Most Weakens the Argument?

The following question is an example of deductive reasoning . Here the candidate must read the passage and then come to a logically correct conclusion.

This question involves identifying an assumption . An assumption is a belief that is not explicitly stated within the text but must exist to link the argument’s evidence and conclusion. To successfully answer these types of question you must find that missing link between the evidence and conclusion and then fill it.

"If all beaches were publicly owned, we would have to rely on government funds to maintain them. It is true that more people would have access to the ocean and beaches, but at what cost? If the beaches are not cared for adequately, soon there will be nothing left worth having access to. We should consider carefully before nationalising more coastal property."

Which of the following, if true , would most weaken the argument above?

A – The public does not want additional access to beaches. B – The government is currently responsible for the maintenance of all public and private beaches. C – The public already has some access to many beaches. D – Other property has been nationalised in the past, with no complaints from the original owners of the property. E – Some privately owned beaches are not well maintained.

Analytical reasoning tests can be daunting, even for confident problem solvers. You may not have come across these types of questions before, so it is essential to take plenty of time to prepare properly. This will prevent you from panicking and ensure that you gain the highest score possible.

The following tips and techniques will help you to begin the test ready to perform your best:

Know what to expect . Employers and test publishers may use terms such as inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning when referring to their tests. It is worth contacting the employer or company assessing you to ask more about the test you will be sitting. Most will be helpful in clarifying the nature of the test. They might provide a few example questions too.

Practise. And then practise some more . The more tests you do, the more familiar you will become with the types of questions that may come up, and the more confident you will feel. You will also begin to develop your own strategies for solving questions. Identify which types of question you find the hardest and then focus on finding the best ways to tackle them. JobTestPrep is a useful resource for sample tests and answers.

Manage your time . It is likely that you will be under pressure to complete all the questions within an allocated time. Work out how long you have to answer each question and then stick to your schedule. Don’t waste time labouring over a question that is proving particularly difficult. Move on, and then come back to any questions you have skipped over at the end if have time to spare.

What are the main topics of analytical reasoning tests?

Analytical reasoning tests can be broken down into four key areas: inductive and deductive reasoning and verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

The purpose of the test questions is to enable employers to understand how candidates assess and interpret information.

What are the best books to prepare for analytical reasoning tests?

Many different textbooks allow you to prepare for an analytical reasoning test .

You may need to focus your study on books that specialize in the type of test you are taking.

Some books will focus on the theory behind analytical reasoning tests; others will come complete with practice test questions.

When choosing a book to purchase as a study aid, try to read some reviews to decipher if it’s the right book for you.

Top choices based upon reader feedback from Amazon include:

The Fallacy Detective: Thirty-Eight Lessons on How to Recognize Bad Reasoning (written by Nathaniel Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn)

Powerscore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible by David M Killoran

Which organizations and institutions use analytical reasoning tests?

Analytical reasoning tests are highly regarded by civil service, private sector employers and educational institutions because they are recognized as beneficial and insightful assessments.

These tests are commonly used for jobs including computer software professionals, financial analysts and human resources.

That is because these jobs rely on critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.

How many questions are asked on analytical reasoning tests?

This will depend on the type of analytical reasoning test that you are being asked to take. Typically, most tests will be timed, and you can expect to have at least one minute to answer each question.

If you are taking the LSAT exam, you can expect to be asked 22-24 multiple-choice questions.

What is a good resource to use for testing and improving my logical problem-solving skills for analytical reasoning tests?

There are a few ways to prepare for an analytical reasoning test . You can buy study books from all good bookstores, but you can also make the most of practice tests online.

The advantage of free online test sites is that you can put yourself into a hypothetical testing scenario and see how you are likely to react under test conditions.

It can also help you learn how to time your test to feel confident that you have enough time to answer all of the questions.

What are the best sites to get prepared for analytical reasoning tests?

Several websites offer comprehensive resources that allow you to practice analytical reasoning tests .

One of the most well-known is JobTestPrep , a site that offers exceptional study guides, answer explanations, and practice drills to help you prepare for your analytical reasoning assessment.

As a paid-for resource, this allows you to sign up for one week, one month, or three-month subscriptions, offering value for money.

Other notable sites that offer excellent free study aids and free practice tests online include practiceapptitudetests.com and practice4me.co.uk.

What is the difference between logical, analytical, non-verbal and verbal reasoning?

Logical reasoning is a series of questions that ask the participant to answer through a logical process. To conclude, you need to take a step-by-step approach to the information provided.

In contrast, analytical reasoning is about thinking critically about information presented to you and paying close attention to detail to form a conclusion.

For example, you may be asked to spot a pattern or identify the answer based on the available information.

Non-verbal reasoning is about understanding how to analyze and interpret information based upon visual aids.

For example, this could be through shapes, diagrams or patterns. Non-verbal reasoning is important for employers to understand that you can solve problems without being limited by language barriers.

Verbal reasoning is about problem-solving using words, language, and grammar. Questions are often based on spotting word problems using a true/false premise, solving patterns, and identifying how the context of a sentence can change based upon the grammar used.

What are some examples of analytical questions?

Here is an example of a typical verbal reasoning question :

Statement: 'Many employers benefit from seasonal workforces. They like to hire students and graduates in the summer months, allowing permanent employees to take a vacation. Seasonal work is beneficial to employers because they can take advantage of qualified workforces who are close to finishing their education and have yet to secure permanent employment. Some employers provide additional training and development for their seasonal staff to encourage them to join as full-time employees after graduation. A financial incentive for employers is paying seasonal staff lower wages because they are on fixed-term contracts that may not be eligible for employee benefits.'

Q: Staff who take vacation leave can have their work covered by students.

A: True / False / Cannot say

Can I fail an analytical reasoning test?

This will depend on the type of test that you are taking. Often, there are no specific pass/fail gradings, but you will be given two distinct scores. One score will be your exact test results which will detail how many questions you got right or wrong. The other score is your percentile score. This is a comparison of your results against other test-takers.

Employers need to review your percentile score because it allows them to put your score into context. Let’s imagine that you scored 70% on your test. You may be happy with this raw score, as it indicates a high level of success. But if the rest of the test takers were scoring 90% on the test, your results suddenly don’t look as good.

In contrast, perhaps you’ve scored 80% on a test, and the rest of the test takers have scored an average of 65% – in this scenario, you would be viewed in high regard by the employer as they’ve seen your results in context.

Why do employers use Analytical Reasoning Tests?

Employers use Analytical Reasoning Tests for several reasons:

• Assessing problem-solving skills
• Predicting job performance
• Objective evaluation
• Efficient screening process
• Identifying potential leaders
• Enhancing diversity and inclusion

Overall, employers use Analytical Reasoning Tests to assess candidates' problem-solving skills, predict job performance, streamline the screening process, identify potential leaders and foster diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices.

How do analytical reasoning tests work?

Analytical reasoning tests, also known as logical reasoning tests or deductive reasoning tests, assess an individual's ability to analyze information, recognize patterns, draw logical conclusions and solve complex problems.

These tests are often used to evaluate a person's critical thinking skills and their capacity to make sound decisions based on logical reasoning.

You might also be interested in these other WikiJob articles:

Or explore the Aptitude Tests / Test Types sections.

Non Verbal Reasoning - Analytical Reasoning

Why should i learn to solve non verbal reasoning questions and answers section on "analytical reasoning".

Learn and practise solving Non Verbal Reasoning questions and answers section on "Analytical Reasoning" to enhance your skills so that you can clear interviews, competitive examinations, and various entrance tests (CAT, GATE, GRE, MAT, bank exams, railway exams, etc.) with full confidence.

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IndiaBIX provides you with numerous Non Verbal Reasoning questions and answers based on "Analytical Reasoning" along with fully solved examples and detailed explanations that will be easy to understand.

Where can I get the Non Verbal Reasoning section on "Analytical Reasoning" MCQ-type interview questions and answers (objective type, multiple choice)?

Here you can find multiple-choice Non Verbal Reasoning questions and answers based on "Analytical Reasoning" for your placement interviews and competitive exams. Objective-type and true-or-false-type questions are given too.

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You can download the Non Verbal Reasoning quiz questions and answers section on "Analytical Reasoning" as PDF files or eBooks.

How do I solve Non Verbal Reasoning quiz problems based on "Analytical Reasoning"?

You can easily solve Non Verbal Reasoning quiz problems based on "Analytical Reasoning" by practising the given exercises, including shortcuts and tricks.

• Analytical Reasoning - Section 1
• Analytical Reasoning - Section 2

Find the number of triangles in the given figure.

The figure may be labelled as shown.

The simplest triangles are AHG, AIG, AIB, JFE, CJE and CED i.e. 6 in number.

The triangles composed of two components each are ABG, CFE, ACJ and EGI i.e. 4 in number.

The triangles composed of three components each are ACE, AGE and CFD i.e. 3 in number.

There is only one triangle i.e. AHE composed of four components.

Therefore, There are 6 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 14 triangles in the given figure.

Find the minimum number of straight lines required to make the given figure.

The horizontal lines are IK, AB, HG and DC i.e. 4 in number.

The vertical lines are AD, EH, JM, FG and BC i.e. 5 in number.

The slanting lines are IE, JE, JF, KF, DE, DH, FC and GC i.e. 8 is number.

Thus, there are 4 + 5 + 8 = 17 straight lines in the figure.

The simplest triangles are AGH, GFO, LFO, DJK, EKP, PEL and IMN i.e. 7 in number.

The triangles having two components each are GFL, KEL, AMO, NDP, BHN, CMJ, NEJ and HFM i.e. 8 in number.

The triangles having three components each are IOE, IFP, BIF and CEI i.e. 4 in number.

The triangles having four components each are ANE and DMF i.e. 2 in number.

The triangles having five components each are FCK, BGE and ADL i.e. 3 in number.

The triangles having six components each are BPF, COE, DHF and AJE i.e. 4 in number.

Total number of triangles in the figure = 7 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 28.

The simplest triangles are AHB, GHI, BJC, GFE, GIE, IJE, CEJ and CDE i.e. 8 in number.

The triangles composed of two components each are HEG, BEC, HBE, JGE and ICE i.e. 5 in number.

The triangles composed of three components each are FHE, GCE and BED i.e. 3 in number.

There is only one triangle i.e. AGC composed of four components.

There is only one triangle i.e. AFD composed of nine components.

Thus, there are 8 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 18 triangles in the given figure.

The simplest triangles are IJO, BCJ, CDK, KQL, MLQ, GFM, GHN and NIO i.e. 8 in number.

The triangles composed of two components each are ABO, AHO, NIJ, IGP, ICP, DEQ, FEQ, KLM, LCP and LGP i.e.10 in number.

The triangles composed of four components each are HAB, DEF, LGI, GIC, ICL and GLC i.e. 6 in number.

Total number of triangles in the figure = 8 + 10 + 6 = 24.

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Top 25 Analytical Interview Questions and Answers in 2023

Before attending an analytical interview, you must identify what it entails. Whether it’s a business analyst interview, data entry interview, analytical chemistry, financial analyst, or any other, you must put in the effort and prepare to realize a positive outcome.

Analytical interview questions help test an interviewee’s ability to think logically and analyze data. They examine a candidate’s reaction when you present them with complex situations. Still, they measure a candidate’s ability to think logically, evaluate pros and cons and analyze data.

Before going for an analytical interview, be aware that the process entails testing your ability to find solutions that solve problems. To some extent, almost every job you apply for requires some basic knowledge of analytical skills. Some positions that utilize analytical thinking include market strategist, investment expert, business professionals, and marketing managers, among many others.

You cannot deliver and be productive at your job without adequate analytical skills. For many positions, it is beneficial to use an analytical skill test. Below are a sample of analytical questions and examples of possible answers.

1.  Why Do You Have An Interest In This Role? 

I’ve always been passionate about analyzing data and have been an analyst for five years .  My interest started in high school, where I developed an interest in this field. It is my English teacher who played a role in helping me identify the problem-solving skills that led me to this career path.

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2.  Why Did You Choose This Course?

I’ve always loved to analyze situations because it helps me come up with solutions to complex problems. I know that this position demands that I have excellent analytical skills that will prepare me for leadership and managerial roles.

I recently enrolled in an introductory course as a financial analyst to better groom myself for the job market. I believe a career in this industry needs someone with proper critical skills who can find lasting solutions to any arising challenges.

I also chose a career in analytics because of the numerous opportunities that will propel me to a successful career. I thoroughly enjoy analyzing data, monitoring stock markets, and assisting people in making sound financial choices.

3. Why Do You Need A Job In Our Company? 

I am passionate about analysis with five years of working experience. I have always desired to apply the skills gained in a successful forward-moving company like yours. My desire to work with you started long ago while still on campus. When I saw your advertisement, I could not resist and had to make my application.

Working in your organization will be a dream come true as it will allow me to utilize my skills and positively contribute to your business.

4. What Qualities Do You Need To Succeed In This Role? 

• Excellent research skills that entail data collection and analysis,
• IT competency and computer proficiency,
• Good written and oral communication skills to help compile interpreted data,
• Problem-solving abilities to overcome arising challenges within the workplace and demystify complex issues,
• Organizational skills to help meet set deadlines irrespective of the workload,
• Intervention skills that simplify complex information and break down technical data.

5. Share An Instance Where You Faced A Challenge, But The Information Given Was Scanty. How Did You Tackle This Challenge?

My current job description involves developing improved processes within the department to help improve efficiency while minimizing overhead costs. I analyzed our databases to understand what worked or did not work in the past.

One specific process we used would involve updating information on the cloud and Google Sheets. However, I noticed irregularities on further analysis as most critical information was missing on both applications. I shared this oversight with my boss, who tasked me with updating information on both databases. Keenly updating data has helped improve accuracy when analyzing data.

If I don’t have adequate information when handling a task, I look at our written policies and procedures to determine whether the information there can help solve the matter. Previous challenges have led us to update our policies to correspond with modern technological processes.

6. How Do A Situation’s Pros And Cons Influence Your Decision-Making Process? 

Looking analytically at the advantages and disadvantages helps me assess the positive and negative sides of a situation to help me make better decisions. As much as possible, I try to simplify the process by critically analyzing both options. If the benefits outweigh the cons, I move forward with that decision and implement it.

For example, there are instances where the advantages outweigh the disadvantages by only one aspect. So I had to delve deeper into understanding how this choice would impact our business. Apart from the financial aspect, I also analyzed other related factors and realized that such a decision would be costlier in the long run and negatively impact the company. So we opted to forego that decision and found a more appropriate solution to our current challenges.

7. What Procedure Do You Use When Troubleshooting An Issue? 

First, I always strive to understand the genesis of a problem and how it came about. From there, I analyzed each step to see if I had missed doing something that led to the current crisis. After that, I try to integrate different ways to fix the problem by testing multiple available options. Hopefully, at this juncture, a solution is imminent. If not, I always backtrack to identify anything I may have missed, and when an answer isn’t forthcoming, I involve my seniors.

8. Which Type Of Metrics Do You Usually Track, And How Do You Integrate Them Into Your Decision-Making Processes? 

I have been using analytical applications to track websites, page clicks, and site visitors for a long time. My team and I use these crucial metrics to develop campaigns that attract potential customers to our brand. It helps us track the performance of a new marketing strategy in terms of traffic and engagement on our website. We use these metrics to decide on the trajectory of our next campaign and if we need to stop current promotions that aren’t working as we had hoped they would.

9. Share An Instance That Led You To Take Risks To Achieve Your Desired Goal. What Was Your Approach, And Outcome? 

Recently, my department needed to devise a solution for our company website because our contact page wouldn’t load despite our attempts to resolve the matter. Unknown to us, something in our coding was amiss that we had previously not noticed. I brought it up in our departmental meeting, where I became responsible for analyzing the problem further to get to its root. With my background in IT, I was able to rectify the oversight and restore our contact page. Under normal circumstances, we would first carry out assessments, but since it was an emergency, we had to act fast, which paid off.

10. From Your Experience, Can You Say Integrating An Elaborate Procedure Is Always Necessary For Your Job?

I know that I am highly productive when I follow a detailed procedure at work. Testing and developing a comprehensive approach helps me work better while saving time. It also allows me to adjust an existing process based on evolving technologies. It is cheaper and faster to modify a current business process than blindly using a trial and error approach. From my understanding, I advocate that a detailed work process is necessary and helps improve efficiency at work.

11. How Do You Integrate Recommendations When Your Boss Needs Your Input On A Field You Are Not An Expert In? 

In an earlier role, my manager asked for my opinion on implementing new software. Before giving my feedback, I did thorough online research and checked out reviews from previous customers who’ve used similar software. I also looked at various new software components while comparing them with our company’s specific needs.

I studied the pros and cons of the software’s effectiveness on our business processes. I then consulted the finance department about the budget to ensure we could afford it without straining our existing budget.

Having analyzed all these factors, I then approached my manager with my honest opinion. He took my advice and recommendations, thereby implementing that software. It was a beneficial move that improved efficiency and productivity and helped save precious time. 

12. Which Major Challenges Have You Encountered At Work, And How Did You Manage Them? 

Soon after college, I got an internship position at Detex International. My greatest challenge at the time was the workload. I was a fresh graduate with no work experience, so the assignment was overwhelming.

I had to adjust and formulate a workable solution to that challenge.

First, I learned to prioritize urgent tasks and complete them immediately, allowing me to concentrate on the more complex, time-consuming tasks. I always create a checklist to ensure I don’t forget essential processes. Handling easier duties first helped me work faster without losing my enthusiasm. Within a month, I organized my work schedule and won the best intern award that season. The organization’s management invited me to apply for a long-term position once I graduated, an offer that I humbly accepted.

13. Describe Your Day-To-Day Work Routine As An Analyst? 

My daily responsibilities revolve around creating and preparing materials for the department, analyzing, interpreting, compiling data, and contacting clients or stakeholders. Whenever I get out of the office, I create time to visit a client or hold a meeting with company stakeholders. I regularly meet with my team to be at par and discuss various options for tackling existing projects.

To effectively meet my targets, I create a weekly to-do list that helps me prepare for my weekly tasks. Early preparation helps me be more effective and productive. Each day before leaving the office, I dedicate an hour to going through my online analysis journals and industry newsletters that I have subscribed to.

14. Briefly Describe Your Work-Related Experience? 

I have worked as an analyst for the last five years, having joined my previous role as an intern. I obtained most of my experience in handling financial study for the company. My work experience taught me to utilize technology and software to analyze data.

Dedication and leadership skills have also helped me rise through the ranks to head a department. Leading a team has helped enhance my managerial skills. I have also learned how to identify and utilize skills in others while placing suitable candidates for different roles. Learning to work in a team has helped me meet deadlines and improve efficiency at work.

15. From Your Experience, What Strategies Are Beneficial For This Role? 

Data analysis can become overwhelming as it requires a high level of accuracy. One beneficial strategy for success is teamwork. When each team member handles their area of specialization professionally, the outcome is a success because it brings together individuals specializing in different skills, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.

16. What Is The Greatest Setback You Foresee In This Role, And What Strategies Do You Have To Help You Overcome It? 

I have created time to study your organization and am pleased with my findings. Most of the challenges I have come across in the past are adequately taken care of here. I cannot pinpoint any specific issue at the moment. However, with your guidance, I can always find solutions to any arising challenges. 

17. How Do You Motivate Yourself At The Workplace?

I stay focused through meditation and discipline, which are traits I have developed over a prolonged period. I love achieving success in everything I do, which drives me to stay committed despite any challenges I may be facing.

18. Share An Experience Where You Failed At Work And The Lessons You Derived From That Experience?

In my last role, my responsibilities included a project that proved too overwhelming for me. My greatest mistake was handling it alone instead of involving my teammates. The experience left me feeling stressed as I worked long hours and still could not meet the set milestones. The outcome was a rushed project that was below the standard, resulting in me receiving a warning letter. I was under probation, which almost led me to lose my job.

From then on, I learned the benefits of teamwork. Had I involved others, we would have done a better job as each member would contribute their area of specialization and make work lighter. From that day onwards, I learned the skills within each member where I could delegate tasks to the most qualified candidates.

19. What Are Thoughts On Analytical Risk?

Risk fascinates me as it helps me work hard to develop solutions to complex challenges. From experience, I have learned to mitigate risk and forecast workable solutions within short periods. Too much risk is dangerous as it may lead to massive losses or bankruptcy.

20. How Do You Document Data And Organize Your Files? 

While paperwork can be repetitive, I appreciate its role in compiling data. I have devised strategies to help me organize files and documents, allowing my team to retrieve data efficiently. I save essential files on the cloud and Google drive ensuring that relevant individuals can access sensitive data.

21. How Do You Maintain Relevance In Your Work Strategies While Ensuring You Remain Tech Savvy?

My passion for analysis helps me go out of my way to update my knowledge on the subject. The frequent introduction of new applications and software makes me dedicate considerable time to learning and remaining relevant in this field.

From time to time, I enroll in online classes to sharpen my skills, attend industry workshops, and network with experts in this industry. I also learn a lot from my mentors through webinars and seminars on different analysis topics.

22. How Do You Deal With Pressure? 

First, I identify the source of the pressure. Suppose the cause is workload. I devise a strategy on how I will effectively handle it. I also try to remain calm and have learned to multitask. Dealing with distractions has also helped me utilize my time wisely and ensure I meet set goals and maintain productivity.

23. Why Do You Believe That You Are The Best Candidate For This Role? 

I always dedicate time and effort to sharpen my skills. I consider myself a resilient, determined and capable candidate who can thrust your company to greater heights. My long-term working experience makes me an ideal candidate to improve efficiency and productivity.

24. In Your View, What Is The Best Approach To Mitigate Risk?

The most effective way to minimize risk at work is to prioritize risk control by testing new strategies to determine their impact before integrating them.

25. What Procedure Do You Utilize For Risk Identification? 

First, I understand the business goals and then create strategies for identifying potential risks. I research to determine if the company has adequate tools and staffing available to handle any emerging threats. A well-equipped company with proper machinery, software applications, and staffing has a better chance of minimizing and adequately addressing unexpected risks.

Job recruiters ask analytical questions to assess your level of critical thinking skills and if you can get solutions to complex problems within the workplace. Ensure your answers reflect your ability to compile and critically analyze information while creating workable cost-effective solutions. Expect recruiters to ask you theoretical and case-specific questions. If the opportunity presents itself, ask follow-up questions to understand better what is expected of you when you get hired. Asking questions eliminates assumptions while showing the interviewer of your interest. Don’t forget that analytical thinkers always prioritize facts over assumptions.

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Analytical Skills Interview Questions & Answers

Market research analyst, financial analyst, SEO analyst– we can find dozens of job titles that directly refer to analytical skills. But even for positions which name does not directly indicate the importance of certain skills, ability to analyze information , to problem solve , and to make decisions matters.

Surely, when you try to hire a new cashier or assembly line worker or perhaps a butcher, the level of analytical skills of job candidates won’t play a major role in your decision making process . But for any role in management, financial and business analysis, and IT, great analytical skills may find their place on your ideal candidate profile’s checklist.

In this article I will look at some questions that allow you to test these skills in an interview. I will also give you some hints how to assess these skills without even asking any questions . Whether you are going to lead the interviews, or are just trying to overcome your nerves and prepare for your meeting with a prospective employer (you are in the shoes of job seeker this time), it should help you to succeed in your efforts. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

Describe the biggest problem you faced in your last job, and explain how you solved it.

Behavioral questions will help you learn a lot about each job candidate. First of all, notice what problem they pick. Is it really something big, or rather something trivial, something you wouldn’t call a problem at all ?

Then you should just listen to their narrative. Did they manage to solve the problem alone, or did they need help ? Did they proceed systematicall y when solving the problem? What information did they gather, and what conclusions did they arrive to?

Certainly you can ask them additional questions if they struggle while narrating their story. Do not forget to observe their emotions, and whether they actually enjoy solving problems. They should, if they will do it often in their new job…

Here is a problem (you describe some problem that occurred to you or one of your colleagues in work, or something that may happen in the job). How would you proceed to solve it?

Give them some time to work on a solution. Work-related problems, situations that can realistically happen in their new job are your best bet, since someone may find it easy to solve math problems, but they will struggle with certain situations on the workplace.

Positive signs to notice:

• They ask you additional questions to gather more information about the situation (which allows for a more precise solution).
• Writing notes, drawing charts- they try to understand the interrelation of given data, and do not make quick assumptions).
• Offering more than one solution to the problem- world is not black and white for them, they inspect different possibilities, play with different ideas.

* Special Tip : Interview questions testing your analytical skills aren’t the only tricky questions you will face while interviewing for a job in any Fortune 500 corporation . If you want to avoid “interview headaches”, and finally streamline your preparation for the big day, have a look at our Interview Success Package . Up to 10 premium answers for each difficult interview question will help you stand out in the interviews, impress the hiring managers, and get an amazing offer at the end. Thank you for checking it out!

Here is a Rubik’s cube (or other tough puzzle). You have twenty minutes. Do your best.

Now the key is not to see who can solve the puzzle in 20 minutes. In case of a Rubik’s cube, almost nobody in the world would succeed in such a short time (unless they know the trick, unless they solved it before, of course).

But any puzzle allows you to observe candidates while they try to solve it . Red flags:

• They get nervous quickly, gesticulate
• They give up quickly
• Candidate claims that it is impossible to solve the puzzle in such a short time, without even trying.

Oppositely, if the candidate works diligently and systematically on the puzzle , trying different ways, looking at it from different angles, you know that you have someone capable of solving difficult problems, and of maintaining their concentration and focus for a long time.

Whether they eventually solve the puzzle is not the most important thin g. The way they work on it is.

Imagine that you were responsible for purchasing new robotic equipment  (anything else they may purchase in their new job). What sort of data would you collect before deciding about the purchase?

Ability to gather the right data (while trying to decide about an expensive purchase) definitely characterizes someone with great analytical skills. What’s more, such a simple exercise can tell you a lot about their style of work, how diligently they approach their tasks, and so on.

• they suggest researching about various suppliers, including reviews from existing customers, online reputation, profit and loss, and so on.
• in case of expensive purchases they suggest visiting suppliers in person.
• they do not consider price only, but also quality, guarantees, technical support; simply gathering as much data as possible, trying make the most qualified decision.

If you decide to test job applicants with this question, it is important to design a case study that you can realistically evaluate . You should not end up being unable to tell whether a candidate referred to a sensible solution or talked trash…

* May also help you succeed : Emotional intelligence interview questions .

What was the toughest decision you had to make in your last job?

They may talk about different things at this point. Perhaps they had to dismiss their colleague , a good friend (if they had a managerial role). Talking about such situation won’t help you much with assessing their analytical skills, but at least you will learn that they can make difficult and unpopular decisions, and take the best action for the company .

But if they had some analytical role in the past, and faced a close call (deciding between two or three options), this question is a great way to observe how they reacted in the situation, and whether they eventually made the decision.

Red flags :

• they cannot recall any difficult decision they had to make in their last job.
• they did not decide on their own, and let someone else to make the call.
• thinking about the problem for too long they eventually lost their opportunity, and could not take the best possible action once they finally made up their mind.

How would you describe your analytical skills?

You can also try a direct approach , asking them about their skills, without any tough task to solve. Certainly some applicants will pretend, and if they understand that analytical skills matter for the job, they may claim to excel in this area.

However, you can at least see what they imagine behind the expression , what analytical skills mean to them. What’s more, you can later confront their observations with reality, once you test them with some real problem (just like I described in other questions).

Conclusion, other ways of assessing someone’s analytical skills

When you want to find out whether a dog can swim, you throw the poor brute in the water. That’s the best approach to conducting interviews .

If you want to find out whether someone can solve problems, and analyze data, picking the most important information from the pack, you present them with a difficult problem, or let them analyze a set of data .

It’s your choice whether you opt for work-related stuff, or, looking for some geniuses, you ask candidates solve a difficult math puzzle, such as a Rubik’s cube.

The most important thing is to know what you are doing in an interview, and what answer, solution, or attitude you expect from an ideal candidate for the job.

And while analytical skills matters, you should test also other skills and abilities. Check our articles to learn how you can do it:

• Emotional intelligence interview questions
• Teamwork interview questions
• Communication skills interview questions
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