Acing the HireVue DigitSpan Game

Introduction

HireVue's suite of game-based assessments has revolutionized the way companies evaluate potential hires. These games provide a standardized and engaging method to measure cognitive abilities crucial for success in many roles. One of the cornerstone assessments in this suite is the DigitSpan game, a direct test of your short-term memory and attention. This blog post will guide you through the intricacies of the DigitSpan game, offering strategies and tips to help you perform at your best and showcase your cognitive prowess.

What is the HireVue DigitSpan Game?

The HireVue DigitSpan game is a cognitive assessment designed to measure your short-term memory capacity. The game presents you with a sequence of characters (either numbers or letters) that you must memorize and then recall in the correct order. The length of these sequences increases as you progress through the levels, making the task progressively more challenging. The game is timed, adding an element of pressure to the memory task.

Game Mechanics and Strategies

To excel at DigitSpan, you need to understand its mechanics and employ effective memory techniques. Here's a breakdown of what to expect and how to tackle it:

Core Gameplay: Forward and Backward Recall

The game primarily revolves around two recall variations:

• Forward Recall: In the initial levels, you will be asked to recall the sequence of characters in the same order they were presented. This is a straightforward test of your ability to encode and retrieve a series of items.
• Backward Recall: As you advance to higher levels (typically around level 30), the game introduces a significant twist: you must recall the sequence in reverse order. This requires an extra layer of mental manipulation, as you need to hold the sequence in your memory and then mentally reverse it before inputting your answer.

Key Strategies for Success

• Chunking: This is a classic memory technique that involves grouping items together. Instead of trying to remember a long string of individual numbers like "8-3-5-9-1-4," you can group them into smaller, more manageable chunks, such as "835" and "914." This reduces the number of items you need to hold in your short-term memory.
• Rehearsal: Silently repeating the sequence to yourself as it's being presented is a powerful way to reinforce it in your memory. This is especially useful for the forward recall sections.
• Visualization: For some people, visualizing the numbers or letters can be helpful. You might picture them written on a whiteboard or in a familiar font. The more vivid the mental image, the easier it will be to recall.
• Pay Attention to the Instructions: Before each level, the game will specify whether you need to recall the sequence in forward or backward order. This is a critical piece of information, so make sure you read it carefully.
• Use the Delete Button: The game provides a delete button for a reason. If you make a mistake while inputting your answer, don't panic. Use the delete button to correct your error before the level times out.
• Manage Your Time: DigitSpan has both an overall game timer and a timer for each level. While you don't want to rush and make careless mistakes, you also need to be mindful of the clock. Find a pace that is both comfortable and efficient.

Conclusion

The HireVue DigitSpan game is a direct and effective measure of your short-term memory, a cognitive skill that is highly valued in many professions. By understanding the game's mechanics and practicing the memory techniques outlined in this post, you can approach this assessment with confidence. Remember to stay calm, focused, and trust in your preparation. Good luck!

References

• Shell Cognitive Game Assessment Game 1 Digitspan - YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THoL3Fu2zok