Job interviews can be difficult. The questions can seem strange. They are not like the questions you get in school. They test how you think, not just what you know. This can make you feel nervous. We want to help you get ready for these questions.
This article has many of these questions. We give you the answers, too. This will help you learn to think like your interviewer. You can feel more confident when you practise with our article.
Understanding Logical Questions
Logical questions are not your everyday interview questions. They are puzzles. These puzzles test how you think, not just what you know. Employers use them to see how you solve problems and make decisions.
They want to know if you can think clearly under pressure. Logical questions are different from other interview questions. They don’t ask about your past work. They don’t ask about your skills. They ask you to use your brain in new ways.
Why Employers Love Them
Employers love logical questions for a few reasons:
- They show your problem-solving skills. Everyone faces problems at work. Employers want people who can find solutions. Logical questions help them find those people.
- They reveal your critical thinking skills. Can you look at a problem from all sides? Can you see the big picture? Logical questions show employers how well you can do these things.
- They test your ability to think on your feet. Sometimes, things change quickly at work. Employers need people who can adapt. Logical questions help them see who can think fast and stay calm.
Now you know the basics, let’s look at the different types of logical questions you might face.
Types of Logical Questions
Logical questions test how you think, not just what you know. They’re common in job interviews and aptitude tests. Here are the main types you might see:
1) Deductive Reasoning
- What it is: You start with a fact or rule. Then, you use it to figure out something else.
- Example: “All dogs bark. Fido is a dog. Does Fido bark?” (Yes, because of the rule.)
- How to practise: Solve logic puzzles or riddles. Look for practice tests online.
2) Inductive Reasoning
- What it is: You find a pattern, then predict what comes next.
- Example: “2, 4, 6, 8… What’s next?” (10, because it goes up by two.)
- How to practise: Do number sequence or picture pattern exercises.
3) Abstract Reasoning
- What it is: You use shapes and symbols to find relationships.
- Example: A picture shows a triangle inside a square, then a square inside a circle. What comes next? (A circle inside another shape.)
- How to practise: Look for abstract reasoning tests or games online.
4) Lateral Thinking
- What it is: You think creatively to find new solutions.
- Example: “A man lives on the 10th floor. He only takes the elevator to the 7th floor and walks the rest. Why?” (He’s too short to reach the higher buttons.)
- How to practise: Try brain teasers and puzzles that have unexpected answers.
5) Riddles
- What it is: Questions that play with words or require a different way of thinking.
- Example: “What has an eye but cannot see?” (A needle.)
- How to practise: Read riddles and try to make your own.
6) Critical Thinking
- What it is: You judge if an idea is good or bad, and look for hidden problems.
- Example: “A study says chocolate is healthy. Should you eat a lot of it?” (No, the study might be flawed or only apply to small amounts.)
- How to practise: Read news articles and try to find weaknesses in the arguments.
Knowing these types is half the battle. Now let’s talk about why employers use these questions at all.
Why Employers Ask Logical Questions in Interview
Logical questions aren’t just a way to stump you. Employers use them to see how you analyse problems, think critically, and communicate your thoughts.
Beyond Technical Skills
Employers need more than just technical skills. They want people who can think clearly and solve problems. This is where logical reasoning comes in. It’s a skill you can use in any job.
Think about it. You may need to figure out why a process isn’t working. You may need to find the best way to use limited resources. You may need to make a decision with incomplete information. These situations call for logical thinking.
By asking logical questions, employers test your ability to think on your feet. They want to see how you approach problems and find solutions. This is important even if the job doesn’t involve complex calculations.
Personality Traits
Logical questions reveal more than just your thinking skills. They also show your personality. How do you handle pressure? Are you creative in finding solutions? Can you explain your thoughts clearly?
Employers value resilience. They want people who don’t give up easily when faced with a challenge. Logical questions test your ability to persevere. They also show if you can stay calm and focused under pressure.
Creativity is another important trait. Employers look for people who can think outside the box. Logical questions may have multiple solutions. Your approach shows how original and innovative you are.
Finally, communication is key. Employers want people who can explain their reasoning clearly. Logical questions test your ability to articulate your thoughts in a logical way. This is important for working with others and making decisions as a team.
Predictor of Success
Logical reasoning skills are a good sign of future success. Studies show that people with strong logical skills tend to perform better at work. They are also more likely to get promoted and take on leadership roles.
This makes sense. Logical thinkers are better at making sound decisions. They are also more adaptable to change. These skills are valuable in any industry and at any level.
Employers want to invest in people who will grow with the company. They see logical reasoning as a sign of potential. By asking logical questions, they identify candidates who are likely to succeed in the long run.
Now that you understand the “why,” it’s time to learn the “how.” Let’s prepare you for these questions.
How to Prepare for Logical Questions In the Interview
Interviews can be stressful, and logical questions can add another layer of complexity. Don’t worry, though! With the right preparation, you can confidently tackle these questions and impress potential employers. Let’s dive into actionable steps to help you master logical reasoning.
1) Practice
The more you practise, the better you become. It’s as simple as that. You can find many online resources like iScalePro that offer various logical reasoning tests. These tests simulate real interview scenarios, giving you a feel for the types of questions you might encounter.
Books on logical reasoning are also great resources. They provide a structured approach to understanding different types of logic problems, such as deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning.
Puzzles like Sudoku or KenKen are not just fun; they are excellent tools for sharpening your logical thinking skills. They force you to analyse information, identify patterns, and make deductions.
The key is to make practise a regular habit. Set aside some time each day to solve a few problems. Over time, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your logical reasoning abilities.
2) Analyse
Logical questions often come with a lot of information. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t panic! Take a deep breath and break down the question into smaller parts. Identify the premises (the given information), the conclusion (what you need to figure out), and any patterns or relationships between them.
Sometimes, drawing a diagram or a table can help visualise the information and make it easier to analyse. Don’t rush through this step; take your time to understand the problem thoroughly before attempting to solve it.
3) Think Aloud
This may sound strange, but verbalising your thought process can be incredibly helpful. As you solve a problem, explain each step out loud. This forces you to think clearly and systematically. It also helps you identify any flaws in your reasoning or areas where you get stuck.
You can record yourself and listen back to your explanations. This allows you to identify areas where you can improve your thinking process. You can also practise with a friend or mentor, who can provide feedback on your reasoning.
4) Seek Feedback
Don’t practise in isolation. Share your solutions and explanations with friends, family, or mentors. They can provide fresh perspectives, point out mistakes you might have missed, and offer alternative solutions. This feedback is invaluable for identifying your weak areas and improving your overall performance.
If you don’t have someone to practise with, consider joining online forums or study groups. These platforms provide opportunities to interact with other job seekers, share insights, and get feedback on your problem-solving skills.
Remember, preparing for logical questions is not just about getting the right answers; it’s about developing a structured and efficient approach to problem-solving. With consistent practice, analysis, verbalization, and feedback, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any logical question that comes your way in an interview.
Practice makes perfect, so let’s test your skills with some common interview questions.
Logical Reasoning Questions for Interview
Here’s a list of questions you might see in an interview. Use them to practise your thinking and communication skills.
1) If you have three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the other hand, what do you have?
Answer: Very large hands. This question is designed to test your ability to think outside the box and recognize the humorous aspect of the situation.
2) A father is twice as old as his son. In 10 years, the father will be 1.5 times as old as his son. What are their current ages?
Answer: Let the son’s current age be x.
Father’s current age = 2x
In 10 years, son’s age = x + 10
Father’s age in 10 years = 2x + 10
According to the given condition:
2x + 10 = 1.5(x + 10)
2x + 10 = 1.5x + 15
0.5x = 5
x = 10
Son’s current age = 10
Father’s current age = 2 × 10 = 20
3) A man buys a horse for $60 and sells it for $70. Then he buys it back for $80 and sells it again for $90. How much profit did he make?
Answer: Let’s break this down:
Bought a horse for $60, sold for $70. Profit = $70 – $60 = $10
Bought horse back for $80, sold for $90. Profit = $90 – $80 = $10
Total profit = $10 + $10 = $20
4) If you have only one match and enter a dark room containing an oil lamp, some newspapers, and a candle, which would you light first?
Answer: The match. Lighting the match first is the logical choice to light the other items.
5) A farmer had 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many sheep did the farmer have left?
Answer: The phrase “all but 9 died” implies that 9 sheep remained alive. Therefore, the farmer had 9 sheep left.
6) If you have two coins that total 30 cents, and one of them is not a nickel, what are the two coins?
Answer: One quarter ($0.25) and one nickel ($0.05). The total value of the two coins is 30 cents, and one of them is not a nickel, which means it must be a quarter.
7) A man builds a rectangular house with all interior angles being right angles. If one wall is 40 feet long and an adjacent wall is 30 feet long, what is the perimeter of the house?
Answer: Let’s calculate the perimeter:
One wall is 40 feet long
Adjacent wall is 30 feet long
The other two walls must be the same length as the adjacent wall, which is 30 feet each
Perimeter = 40 + 30 + 30 + 30 = 130 feet
8) If a glass of water weighs 1 pound with the ice cubes, and the same glass of water without the ice cubes weighs 8 ounces, what is the weight of the ice cubes?
Answer: 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water with ice cubes = 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water without ice cubes = 8 ounces
Weight of ice cubes = 16 ounces – 8 ounces = 8 ounces
9) A man was asked to identify a number. He was given the following clues:
The number is between 50 and 60.
The number is divisible by 3.
The number is divisible by 5.
The number is divisible by 7.
What is the number?
Answer: The only number between 50 and 60 that is divisible by 3, 5, and 7 is 105.
10) A man has 4 daughters. Each daughter has a brother. How many children does the man have in total?
Answer: The man has 8 children in total. For each daughter, there is a brother, and the man has 4 daughters, so there are 4 brothers. Adding the 4 daughters and 4 brothers gives us a total of 8 children.
11) A farmer had 100 animals, including chickens and rabbits. If the total number of legs is 280, how many rabbits did the farmer have?
Answer: Let’s break this down:
Chickens have 2 legs each
Rabbits have 4 legs each
Let the number of rabbits be x.
Number of chickens = 100 – x
Total legs = (100 – x) × 2 + x × 4 = 280
200 – 2x + 4x = 280
2x = 80
x = 40
Therefore, the farmer had 40 rabbits.
12) A man has 3 daughters. Each daughter has a brother. How many people are in the family?
Answer: The total number of people in the family is 8:
3 daughters
3 sons
The man
The man’s wife
So the total number of people in the family is 8.
13) A man buys a horse for $60 and sells it for $70. Then he buys it back for $80 and sells it again for $90. How much profit did he make?
Answer: Let’s break this down:
Bought a horse for $60, sold for $70. Profit = $70 – $60 = $10
Bought horse back for $80, sold for $90. Profit = $90 – $80 = $10
Total profit = $10 + $10 = $20
14) A farmer had 17 sheep. All but 9 died. How many sheep did the farmer have left?
Answer: The phrase “all but 9 died” implies that 9 sheep remained alive. Therefore, the farmer had 9 sheep left.
15) If a glass of water weighs 1 pound with the ice cubes, and the same glass of water without the ice cubes weighs 8 ounces, what is the weight of the ice cubes?
Answer: 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water with ice cubes = 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water without ice cubes = 8 ounces
Weight of ice cubes = 16 ounces – 8 ounces = 8 ounces
16) A man was asked to identify a number. He was given the following clues:
The number is between 50 and 60.
The number is divisible by 3.
The number is divisible by 5.
The number is divisible by 7.
What is the number?
Answer: The only number between 50 and 60 that is divisible by 3, 5, and 7 is 105.
17) If I roll two dice, what is the probability that I will get a two on the second roll?
Answer: The chance of rolling a two on a six-sided dice is 1/6. For two dice, I’d still have a one in six chance of rolling a two for each, so I’d multiply both probabilities to get the final probability of rolling two twos: 1/6 x 1/6 = 1/36. So, the probability of rolling to two twos is one in 36.
18) A farmer had 100 animals, including chickens and rabbits. If the total number of legs is 280, how many rabbits did the farmer have?
Answer: Let’s break this down:
Chickens have 2 legs each
Rabbits have 4 legs each
Let the number of rabbits be x.
Number of chickens = 100 – x
Total legs = (100 – x) × 2 + x × 4 = 280
200 – 2x + 4x = 280
2x = 80
x = 40
Therefore, the farmer had 40 rabbits.
19) A man has 3 daughters. Each daughter has a brother. How many people are in the family?
Answer: The man has 3 daughters and each daughter has a brother, so there are 3 brothers. Adding the 3 daughters and 3 brothers gives us a total of 6 people in the family.
20) If you have two coins that total 30 cents, and one of them is not a nickel, what are the two coins?
Answer: One quarter ($0.25) and one nickel ($0.05). The total value of the two coins is 30 cents, and one of them is not a nickel, which means it must be a quarter.
21) A man builds a rectangular house with all interior angles being right angles. If one wall is 40 feet long and an adjacent wall is 30 feet long, what is the perimeter of the house?
Answer: Let’s calculate the perimeter:
One wall is 40 feet long
Adjacent wall is 30 feet long
The other two walls must be the same length as the adjacent wall, which is 30 feet each
Perimeter = 40 + 30 + 30 + 30 = 130 feet
22) If a glass of water weighs 1 pound with the ice cubes, and the same glass of water without the ice cubes weighs 8 ounces, what is the weight of the ice cubes?
Answer: 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water with ice cubes = 1 pound = 16 ounces
Glass of water without ice cubes = 8 ounces
Weight of ice cubes = 16 ounces – 8 ounces = 8 ounces
23) A man was asked to identify a number. He was given the following clues:
The number is between 50 and 60.
The number is divisible by 3.
The number is divisible by 5.
The number is divisible by 7.
What is the number?
Answer: The only number between 50 and 60 that is divisible by 3, 5, and 7 is 105.
24) A man has 4 daughters. Each daughter has a brother. How many children does the man have in total?
Answer: The man has 5 children in total. For each daughter, there is a brother, and the man has 4 daughters, so there are 4 brothers. Adding the 4 daughters and 4 brothers gives us a total of 8 children.
25) A farmer had 100 animals, including chickens and rabbits. If the total number of legs is 280, how many rabbits did the farmer have?
Answer: Let’s break this down:
Chickens have 2 legs each
Rabbits have 4 legs each
Let the number of rabbits be x.
Number of chickens = 100 – x
Total legs = (100 – x) × 2 + x × 4 = 280
200 – 2x + 4x = 280
2x = 80
x = 40
Therefore, the farmer had 40 rabbits.
With practice, you’ll be ready for these questions. Let’s wrap up with some final thoughts.
Conclusion
Logical questions help employers see how you think. They are a part of many job interviews. Do not worry about them. Practice can help you get ready. You can find many practice questions online.
iScalePro is a great place to practise for your interview. It has many different types of questions. You can use it to learn how to answer logical questions. Try it out and improve your skills. Good luck with your interview!
Logical Questions for Interview FAQs
1) What are logical questions asked in interviews?
Logical questions are questions that test your problem-solving skills and your ability to think critically. These questions often require you to use your reasoning skills to arrive at a solution.
2) What are some logical questions?
Here are some examples of logical questions that you might encounter in an interview:
- If you have 5 red apples, 3 green apples, and 4 yellow apples, how many apples do you have in total?
- If a train leaves the station at 9:00 AM and travels at a speed of 60 miles per hour, how far will it have traveled by 11:00 AM?
- If you have a jar with 100 marbles, and you take out 20 marbles each day, how many days will it take to empty the jar?
3) What is the logic test for job interview?
The logic test for a job interview is a type of assessment that is used to evaluate your logical reasoning skills. This test may involve solving puzzles, answering riddles, or completing mathematical problems.
4) How to prepare for a logic interview?
Here are some tips for preparing for a logic interview:
- Practice solving logic problems. There are many resources available online and in libraries that can help you practice solving logic problems.
- Learn problem-solving techniques. There are a number of problem-solving techniques that you can learn to help you approach logical questions.
- Think critically. It is important to be able to think critically and evaluate different options when answering logical questions.
- Be confident. Confidence is key when answering logical questions. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take a risk.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in a logic interview. Remember, the key to answering logical questions is to use your reasoning skills and think critically.
