How the Digitspan game works
Numbers or letters appear briefly, one after another. When the sequence ends, you type it back. Get it right and the next sequence is longer.
At higher levels you are reported to recall the sequence in a modified order rather than as shown. The instructions before the game explain which order your version wants, so read them closely. The game is reported to last three minutes.
How to remember longer sequences
Use the same method on every sequence:
- Say each item silently as it appears. Hearing it in your head holds it better than only seeing it.
- Group the items into chunks of three as they arrive, the way you remember a phone number.
- Keep a rhythm: chunk, pause, chunk. The rhythm helps you hold the order.
- When the order has to change, hold the sequence first, then rearrange it before you type.
- Type as soon as the sequence ends, while it is fresh.
Worked example
The sequence is 7, K, 3, F, 9, B. Chunk it as “7 K 3” and “F 9 B”, then type 7K3F9B.
Now suppose your version asks for numbers first, smallest to largest, then letters in alphabetical order. Keep the two chunks, pull out the numbers 7, 3 and 9 and sort them to 3, 7, 9, then sort the letters K, F and B to B, F, K. The answer is 379BFK.
Tips for the real Digitspan game
- Read the instructions for the order you must use. Recalling in the shown order when the game wants a changed order loses the level, however good your memory.
- Practise with mixed numbers and letters, not numbers alone. The real game is reported to use both.
- Keep your eyes on the centre of the screen. Each item is shown only briefly.
- Set the sound the way you like it. HireVue’s pause screen has a sound toggle.
- Sit it rested. HireVue advises candidates to be well rested and sharp.
Practise Digitspan on CogniPrep
Our Digitspan runs for three minutes. Items appear one at a time, each for just under a second, drawn from the digits 2 to 9 and eight letters, and you type the sequence on an on-screen pad. Sequences start at three items, grow by one when you are right and shrink by one when you are wrong, up to twelve. From six items on you enter them in ascending order: digits from low to high, then letters from A to Z. Your score out of 100 weighs the longest sequence you recall correctly most, then your share of correct answers, then the longest sequence you attempt.