Hire candidates who untangle real problems — not just the ones with textbook answers.
Interviews reward confident speakers, not the best problem solvers.
Use
our 15-minute, scenario-based test to see how candidates define problems, weigh
evidence, and reach practical solutions - before you commit to interviews or a
hire.
Why Test Problem Solving?
Problem solving is the single most predictive cognitive skill for job
performance — it shows how someone handles ambiguity, complexity, and real-world
constraints.
The problem? CVs list achievements, not the thinking behind
them. Heroify helps you see the thinking.
Without Testing
What you risk
- Hires who follow instructions well but freeze when facing unfamiliar challenges
- Teams that treat symptoms instead of root causes
- Slow decision-making because no one structures the problem clearly
- Recurring issues that never get properly diagnosed
With
What you gain
- Employees who break down complex situations into manageable parts
- Faster resolution of cross-functional and ambiguous problems
- People who propose solutions, not just surface issues
- Fewer escalations because problems get solved where they start
When to test for Problem Solving?
Use this test when the role requires:
- Defining problems clearly before jumping to solutions
- Working through ambiguous situations with limited guidance
- Analysing data and text to draw practical conclusions
- Prioritising competing demands with incomplete information
- Applying deductive and inductive reasoning in everyday work
- Proposing and evaluating multiple solution paths
Rule of thumb: If the role involves figuring things out — not just following a script — use this test.
Who Should Take This Test?
Problem Solving is critical for any role where success depends on navigating complexity, making sound judgments, and finding practical solutions under constraints.
Project Managers
resolving blockers and keeping complex initiatives on track
Software Engineers
debugging systems and designing solutions under constraints
Business Analysts
translating messy requirements into structured problem definitions
Operations Managers
diagnosing process failures and implementing fixes
Customer Success Managers
resolving escalations by identifying the real issue quickly
Consultants
structuring ambiguous client problems into actionable recommendations
Team Leads
unblocking teams and making decisions when the path isn't clear
Product Managers
balancing competing priorities and finding the best trade-offs
Any analytical or strategic role
where thinking clearly under pressure is part of the job
What Does The Problem Solving Test Measure?
The Problem Solving test shows how candidates:
Define and structure problems before attempting solutions
Apply deductive and inductive reasoning to real-world scenarios
Evaluate multiple options and select the most effective path
Prioritise actions when time and resources are limited
Our methodology is validated by I/O psychologists and based on decades of research into cognitive assessment. Each question is designed to reveal how candidates think, not just what they know.
How It Works
We don't use riddles or logic puzzles disconnected from real work.
Our test presents realistic scenarios requiring candidates to define problems, analyse
information, and choose the best course of action - just like they would on the
job.
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Takes 10-15 minutes, not half an hour
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Realistic work-like scenarios
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Balanced difficulty that actually differentiates candidates
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Scientifically validated
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Mobile-friendly, candidates can take it anywhere
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Benchmarking results against real candidates in similar roles
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Cheat-resistant signals based on behaviour patterns, e.g. unusual speed or tab-switching
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Candidates don't feel "examined". They feel challenged — in a good way
Your team's customer churn rate has increased by 15% over the past quarter. You have NPS data, support ticket logs, and usage analytics available. What is the most effective first step?
Select one answer:
Stop reading scores. Start reading insights that help you decide
Heroify doesn't leave you with a raw score.
You get clear,
AI-interpreted insights explaining how results translate to on-the-job performance.
Generic assessment
Generic: "Scored 80% on Problem Solving"
Heroify insight
Heroify: "This candidate excels at structuring ambiguous problems and evaluating trade-offs, but may over-analyse in time-sensitive situations where a good-enough solution is better than a perfect one."
- Break down complex situations into clear, manageable components.
- Identify root causes rather than treating surface symptoms.
- Evaluate multiple solution paths before committing to one.
- Make sound decisions even with incomplete information.
- Adapt their approach when initial assumptions prove wrong.
- Communicate their reasoning clearly to stakeholders.
Compare with other candidates
Plus:
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Specific interview questions to explore deeper, tailored to their results.
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Comparison dashboard to see all candidates side-by-side
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Red flags if suspicious behaviour is detected
This lets you:
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Focus interviews on real strengths and risks—not small talk
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Compare candidates on thinking quality, not confidence level
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Spot gaps early and avoid mis-hires
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Make faster decisions with actual data
96% Positive Feedback From Candidates
Candidates consistently describe Heroify tests as:
"Finally, a test that lets me show what I can do"
"Questions felt like actual job situations"
"Way better than boring personality quizzes"
Every candidate receives instant feedback on strengths and growth areas, so even rejected applicants leave with something valuable — and your employer brand benefits.
GDPR Compliant
Enterprise-grade security
Validated by I/O Psychologists
Science-backed assessments
AI-Enhanced Scoring
Faster, fairer results
Ready to Test Problem Solving?
Stop guessing. Start using data to identify candidates who tackle real problems and deliver practical solutions.