What are numerical reasoning tests?

All too often, recruitment decisions are based entirely on how well a candidate comes across on paper, but when HR departments are blinded by glittering CVs, they can often let some real gems slip past unnoticed. When it comes to finding the best candidates, there are far more accurate ways of measuring how well potential recruits will fit into your organisation, especially when it comes to finding those with a good head for figures.

While candidates who can boast A-level and degree qualifications often look good on paper, just having the certificate is no indicator that they will be able to make good business decisions. Academic learning can only get an individual so far, but candidates don’t always need the paper qualifications to have the innate feel for numbers and analytical skills which will see them thrive in a job. Sometimes, the best person for the role is the one who doesn’t shine academically, but has a natural affinity with figures.

It’s important that recruiters look beyond the glowing CVs when it comes to filling roles which require numerical ability, because sometimes their ideal candidate can come from a surprising place. For a better understanding of the numerical abilities of potential recruits, employers are increasingly coming to rely on ever more accurate numerical reasoning tests. These are specially designed to test candidates’ abilities, when it comes to analysing, interpreting and drawing logical conclusions from figures, tables and charts. They give recruiters a far more accurate picture of how well a candidate can make critical business decisions, based on the data provided to them.

Employers can learn a lot more about candidates through such tests. They can reveal just how strong an individual is when identifying business-related issues and addressing them, how well they can monitor performance through numerical metrics such as tables and charts, and how efficient they might be at drawing reasoned conclusions from the figures, financial results and analysis reports you might present them with. They can also show how well a candidate might be able to convey key numerical information to stakeholders through the use of their own charts and figures, a vital communication skill that is all too often overlooked.

For companies recruiting into accountancy or technical roles, or for those in the STEM industries, these tests can be a priceless addition to the recruitment process. The numerical reasoning tests available from Big 5 Assessments are a cost-effective, quick and simple way of finding the most numerically gifted candidates, who would be the best fit for the role. For more information about the specially designed tests we provide, please get in touch today.