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Hiring is tough enough. Between resumes that all sound the same and interviews that don’t always reveal real thinking skills, how do you figure out who can actually think on their feet?
That’s where verbal reasoning testing tools come in.
These tools give hiring teams a structured, objective way to assess how candidates process written information, interpret meaning, and make logical decisions using language. If your role involves communication, policy interpretation, or customer interaction, this is a must-have.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to look for in a verbal reasoning test tool, compare top options, and explore how to integrate them into your hiring process.
What Is a Verbal Reasoning Test Tool?
A verbal reasoning test tool is a digital platform or software that helps employers evaluate a candidate’s ability to:
- Understand and analyze written information
- Draw conclusions based on logic and language
- Identify contradictions, assumptions, or implications
- Handle communication-heavy job functions with clarity
Why Use Verbal Reasoning Tools in Hiring?
Resumes show you where someone worked. Interviews reveal personality. But verbal reasoning assessments tell you how they think, especially when it comes to language, clarity, and logic.
Here’s what hiring teams gain from using these tools:
| Benefit | Impact on Hiring |
| Objective candidate comparison | Score-based, skill-driven filtering |
| Time-saving automation | Automatically grade and rank candidates |
| Bias reduction | Tests reasoning, not style, background, or confidence |
| Communication skill insight | Predicts email clarity, client communication, etc. |
In fact, using psychometric-style tools like these is a great way to enhance structured hiring. (Want more on this? Explore: Psychometric Verbal Reasoning Tests in Pre-Employment Screening)
What to Look for in a Verbal Reasoning Test Tool
Not all tools are built the same. Here are the must-have features to look for when comparing options:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Customizable test length | Short vs. long tests based on hiring stage |
| Auto-scoring and reporting | Saves time and increases consistency |
| Benchmarking options | Compare candidates against job-relevant norms |
| Integration capabilities | Connect with ATS, CRM, or HR platforms |
| Question variety | Inference, logic, grammar, reading comprehension |
| Accessibility/fairness | Language clarity, cultural neutrality |
| Data exports | PDF or CSV formats for records or comparisons |
If your test tool does all this, you’re well on your way to smarter, faster hiring.
Top Verbal Reasoning Testing Tools (Comparison Table)
| Tool / Platform | Strengths | Best For |
| Discovered Assessments | Job-specific verbal reasoning tests, easy dashboard UX | Mid-to-large hiring teams needing structure |
| Criteria Corp (HireSelect) | Cognitive + verbal suite, broad benchmark data | General hiring, psychometric pre-screening |
| SHL | In-depth psychometrics, global benchmarks | Enterprise use, especially for leadership |
| TestGorilla | Pre-built verbal tests + custom options | Startups and SMEs looking for quick screening |
| Harver | Integrates reasoning with situational testing | High-volume, structured hiring |
| ThriveMap | Scenario-based tests using job narratives | Real-world, immersive hiring contexts |
We recommend starting with tools that align directly with your hiring needs. For communication-focused roles, Discovered’s Verbal Reasoning Test is especially effective because it balances comprehension, logic, and grammar in a time-efficient format.
Want to go beyond verbal? Try combining tests like Cognitive Ability, Numerical Reasoning, and Matrix Reasoning for a complete cognitive profile.
How to Integrate These Tools Into Your Hiring Process
Here’s a streamlined flow to make the most of your verbal reasoning tool:
- Define the role’s communication demands
Will the person write reports? Talk to clients? Read legal documents? - Choose the right tool
Match your budget, company size, and hiring stage. Tools like TestGorilla are great for screening; SHL works well deeper in the funnel. - Customize your test setup
Tailor test length and difficulty level. You can use shorter tests for early filtering and detailed tests later. - Launch the test early in the hiring process
Ideally right after application or before interviews begin. - Review results alongside other test scores
Use verbal reasoning in tandem with numerical, matrix, or verbal + logical reasoning tools. - Make structured, informed decisions
Use scorecards or dashboards to ensure fairness and transparency in hiring.
Related Resources
Looking to build a full verbal reasoning testing strategy? Here are more cluster blogs you’ll want to check out:
- Verbal Reasoning Test Sample Questions for Employers
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests: What Employers Need to Know
- Verbal Reasoning in Cognitive and IQ-Based Hiring Tests
- Sample Verbal Reasoning Test Examples for Employer Use
FAQ: Verbal Reasoning Testing Tools
Q1: Can I build my own questions into the test?
Yes—many platforms like Discovered and TestGorilla allow custom questions in addition to pre-built libraries.
Q2: Do I need a long test to get good results?
Not necessarily. A 15-minute verbal reasoning test can reveal a lot. The key is question quality, not just quantity.
Q3: Are these tools only for high-level roles?
Nope. These tools are useful across entry-level to executive roles—just adjust the complexity based on job level.
Q4: What’s better: standalone verbal tests or bundled cognitive tests?
It depends. If the role heavily relies on communication, a focused verbal test works well. For broader roles, bundle it with Cognitive Ability Tests.
Final Thoughts
Verbal reasoning testing tools are no longer “nice to have.” They’re essential for any hiring team serious about quality, consistency, and fairness.
They help you stop guessing and start hiring based on how candidates truly think—and communicate. And when combined with other tests like Matrix Reasoning or Numerical Reasoning, you unlock a full picture of a candidate’s potential.
Ready to build your hiring tech stack with smarter assessments?👉 Book a Free Demo Now to see how our tools help teams like yours hire with confidence.
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