HireVue DigitSpan Game: Tips & Strategies to Score Higher

HireVue DigitSpan is a short-term memory test where you're shown a sequence of numbers or letters and must recall them in order. As you progress, the sequences get longer and you may be asked to recall them in reverse - which is significantly harder. This guide covers how DigitSpan works, what it measures, and the strategies that will help you score higher.

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.

How HireVue DigitSpan works

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:

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.

What does HireVue DigitSpan measure?

HireVue DigitSpan measures the memory and attention skills you use to hold information briefly and reproduce it accurately:

Short-Term Memory: Your ability to store a sequence for a few seconds.
Working Memory: Your ability to manipulate the sequence, especially during backward recall.
Attention and Concentration: Your ability to stay focused as sequence length increases.
Encoding Accuracy: Your ability to take in each character in the correct order.
Recall Under Time Pressure: Your ability to reproduce the sequence quickly without losing accuracy.

DigitSpan tips & strategies to score higher

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.

How to practice for HireVue DigitSpan

Reading about DigitSpan is a good start, but the only way to actually improve your recall is to practice under real conditions - timed, with increasing sequence lengths, and with both forward and backward recall.

Candidate Falcon's DigitSpan practice module simulates the exact game mechanics: sequences that grow longer as you succeed, a switch to backward recall at higher levels, and performance tracking that shows you where your recall breaks down. Most candidates see measurable improvement after 2-3 focused sessions.

Practice HireVue DigitSpan on Candidate Falcon

Frequently asked questions

How long are sequences in HireVue DigitSpan?

Sequences start short (3-4 characters) and increase as you get answers correct. Advanced rounds can reach 7-9 characters.

What is backward recall in HireVue DigitSpan?

Backward recall means you must type the sequence in reverse order. For example, if you see 4-7-2, you would enter 2-7-4. This is significantly harder and tests working memory more intensely than forward recall.

How do I improve my score in HireVue DigitSpan?

Use chunking (group digits into pairs or triples), silent repetition, and practice with increasing sequence lengths. Candidate Falcon offers a dedicated DigitSpan practice module that tracks your performance at each level.

Is HireVue DigitSpan numbers only or also letters?

DigitSpan can include both numbers and letters, depending on the employer configuration. Be prepared for either format.

Other HireVue games you might face

HireVue assessments typically include 3-7 games selected by the employer. If you're taking DigitSpan, you'll likely also encounter some of these:

HireVue Flashback - N-back working memory game
HireVue ShapeDance - Match floating pattern pairs
HireVue Singularity - Spot the unique shape in a grid
HireVue Numerosity - Mental arithmetic under time pressure

View all HireVue game guides