Where can you find qualified {role_name}?

What are the best practices for headhunting {role_name}?

How to shortlist candidates?

Once you have started to get applications from applicants, a thorough screening process and shortlisting of prospects will help you make the most of your time spent with the most qualified ones. 

Automated shortlisting tools :

Automated screening quickly filters out unqualified candidates, saving time for manual review. This allows the manual process to focus on the most promising candidates, ensuring the best ones are considered for further evaluation.

Screening questions to auto-shortlist based on predefined criteria

like qualifications, location, experience, and skills. Either use job board or use an ATS such as whitecarrot. Here are some questions for {role_name}

• How many years of experience do you have with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks)?
  • Auto-Reject Criteria: Less than 3 years of experience
• How many years of experience do you have in vehicle dynamics or automotive systems engineering?
  • Auto-Reject Criteria: Less than 3 years of experience
• Are you located within [specified location] or willing to work remotely?
  • Auto-Reject Criteria: Not located within the required area and not willing to work remotely

Skill based question to auto shortlist candidate

Analyze the skill test data to automatically shortlist top-performing applicants. (recommended screening test time - 15 minutes). Here are some skill test questions for {role_name}

Automotive Systems

Assess knowledge in designing, optimizing, and maintaining automotive systems.

• Question: Which type of suspension system is most commonly used in high-performance vehicles for superior handling and ride quality?
  • Options:
    • MacPherson Strut
    • Double Wishbone
    • Torsion Beam
    • Leaf Spring
    • Correct Answer: Double Wishbone
• Question: What is the primary function of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) in modern vehicles?
  • Options:
    • Reduce the overall weight of the vehicle
    • Prevent the wheels from locking up during braking
    • Improve fuel efficiency
    • Increase engine power
    • Correct Answer: Prevent the wheels from locking up during braking
• Question: How does a turbocharger improve engine performance?
  • Options:
    • Increases the engine displacement
    • Injects additional fuel into the engine
    • Forces more air into the combustion chamber, increasing power output
    • Reduces exhaust emissions by filtering out pollutants
    • Correct Answer: Forces more air into the combustion chamber, increasing power output

Mechanical Engineering

Evaluate understanding of core mechanical engineering principles relevant to automotive design.

• Question: In thermodynamics, which law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another?
  • Options:
    • Zeroth Law
    • First Law
    • Second Law
    • Third Law
    • Correct Answer: First Law
• Question: What is the primary purpose of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine?
  • Options:
    • To convert linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion
    • To mix air and fuel before combustion
    • To cool the engine by circulating coolant
    • To regulate the timing of the engine's valves
    • Correct Answer: To convert linear motion of the pistons into rotational motion
• Question: Which material property is most critical when selecting materials for high-stress components like connecting rods and crankshafts?
  • Options:
    • Electrical conductivity
    • Thermal expansion
    • Tensile strength
    • Optical clarity
    • Correct Answer: Tensile strength

CAD Software

Measure proficiency in using CAD software for designing automotive components.

• Question: Which CAD software is commonly used in the automotive industry for designing complex vehicle components?
  • Options:
    • CATIA
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Microsoft Visio
    • SAP
    • Correct Answer: CATIA
• Question: When creating a 3D model of an automotive part in CAD software, what is the purpose of a "parametric design" approach?
  • Options:
    • To create a model that automatically updates based on predefined parameters and constraints
    • To render high-resolution images for marketing purposes
    • To simulate the aerodynamics of the part
    • To produce 2D technical drawings from the 3D model
    • Correct Answer: To create a model that automatically updates based on predefined parameters and constraints
• Question: In CAD software, what is a "finite element analysis (FEA)" used for?
  • Options:
    • To create detailed surface textures for aesthetic purposes
    • To analyze the structural behavior of a design under various conditions
    • To optimize the color scheme of a vehicle's interior
    • To generate animated sequences for design presentations
    • Correct Answer: To analyze the structural behavior of a design under various conditions

Note - Auto reject candidates if scores less than 70% in this section

One way video interview

Use tools like hirevue, whitecarrot.io to ask candidates pre-recorded questions about their experience and skills.

Use sample question given in scorecard.

Collect other information 

Collect data from shortlisted candidates, such as salary expectations and visa status.

Manual candidate profile shortlisting:

Thoroughly review the CVs of the top scoring candidates from the automated process

Look for evidence of the required skills, experience, and achievements

Review the candidate’s portfolio or GitHub repositories to see examples of their work.