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 chemical process design?
  • Less than 2 years: Auto-reject
  • 2-4 years: Keep for further review
  • 5+ years: Auto-shortlist
• How many years of experience do you have working in chemical manufacturing?
  • Less than 1 year: Auto-reject
  • 1-3 years: Keep for further review
  • 3+ years: Auto-shortlist
• Are you located within [specified location] or willing to work remotely?
  • No: Auto-reject
  • Yes: Keep for further review

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}

Process Design

Knowledge of chemical process design and optimization.

• Question 1: What software have you used for chemical process simulation?
  • Options: Aspen, MATLAB, COMSOL, None (Correct: Aspen, MATLAB)
• Question 2: How do you ensure process efficiency in a chemical plant?
  • Options: Regular monitoring, Use of advanced analytics, Cutting corners (Correct: Regular monitoring, advanced analytics)
• Question 3: What are the key considerations when scaling a process from lab to production?
  • Options: Cost, Safety, Time to market, None of the above (Correct: Cost, Safety, Time to market)

Safety Regulations

Understanding of chemical safety protocols and environmental regulations.

• Question 1: What does HAZOP stand for?
  • Options: Hazard and Operability Study (Correct), Hazard Operations Plan, Hazardous Operations Procedures
• Question 2: How do you conduct a risk assessment in a chemical plant?
  • Options: Identify hazards, Analyze risk, Apply controls (Correct: Identify hazards, Analyze risk, Apply controls)
• Question 3: Which safety standard applies to chemical processing plants?
  • Options: OSHA (Correct), ISO 27001, Six Sigma

Analytical Thinking

Ability to analyze complex data to inform decisions.

• Question 1: What tools do you use to analyze production data?
  • Options: Excel, MATLAB, Power BI, None (Correct: MATLAB, Excel, Power BI)
• Question 2: How would you handle unexpected variations in a production batch?
  • Options: Investigate cause, Stop production, Adjust parameters (Correct: Investigate cause, Adjust parameters)
• Question 3: What is the first step in troubleshooting an inefficiency in a chemical process?
  • Options: Collect data, Change process settings, Conduct a root cause analysis (Correct: Collect data, root cause analysis)

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.