Best Verbal Reasoning Testing Tools for Hiring Teams

·  4 minutes read

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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?

    HR team discussing options for verbal reasoning assessment tools.

    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:

    BenefitImpact on Hiring
    Objective candidate comparisonScore-based, skill-driven filtering
    Time-saving automationAutomatically grade and rank candidates
    Bias reductionTests reasoning, not style, background, or confidence
    Communication skill insightPredicts 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

    Recruiter reviewing integrated verbal test scores in an ATS.

    Not all tools are built the same. Here are the must-have features to look for when comparing options:

    FeatureWhy It Matters
    Customizable test lengthShort vs. long tests based on hiring stage
    Auto-scoring and reportingSaves time and increases consistency
    Benchmarking optionsCompare candidates against job-relevant norms
    Integration capabilitiesConnect with ATS, CRM, or HR platforms
    Question varietyInference, logic, grammar, reading comprehension
    Accessibility/fairnessLanguage clarity, cultural neutrality
    Data exportsPDF 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 / PlatformStrengthsBest For
    Discovered AssessmentsJob-specific verbal reasoning tests, easy dashboard UXMid-to-large hiring teams needing structure
    Criteria Corp (HireSelect)Cognitive + verbal suite, broad benchmark dataGeneral hiring, psychometric pre-screening
    SHLIn-depth psychometrics, global benchmarksEnterprise use, especially for leadership
    TestGorillaPre-built verbal tests + custom optionsStartups and SMEs looking for quick screening
    HarverIntegrates reasoning with situational testingHigh-volume, structured hiring
    ThriveMapScenario-based tests using job narrativesReal-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

    Candidate taking a verbal reasoning test in a modern testing environment.

    Here’s a streamlined flow to make the most of your verbal reasoning tool:

    1. Define the role’s communication demands
      Will the person write reports? Talk to clients? Read legal documents?
    2. 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.
    3. Customize your test setup
      Tailor test length and difficulty level. You can use shorter tests for early filtering and detailed tests later.
    4. Launch the test early in the hiring process
      Ideally right after application or before interviews begin.
    5. Review results alongside other test scores
      Use verbal reasoning in tandem with numerical, matrix, or verbal + logical reasoning tools.
    6. Make structured, informed decisions
      Use scorecards or dashboards to ensure fairness and transparency in hiring.

    Looking to build a full verbal reasoning testing strategy? Here are more cluster blogs you’ll want to check out:

    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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      Fletcher Wimbush  ·  CEO at Discovered.AI
      Fletcher Wimbush · CEO at Discovered.AI
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