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 SQL and database management systems (DBMS) such as MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Less than 2 years of experience.
• How many years of experience do you have with performance tuning and optimization of database queries?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Less than 1 year of experience.
• Are you located within [specified location] or willing to work remotely?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Not located within the specified region and unwilling 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}

SQL

• Question 1: What is the purpose of an index in a database?
  • Options:
    • To store large amounts of data
    • To speed up data retrieval
    • To manage database security
    • To back up data
  • Correct Answer: To speed up data retrieval
• Question 2: Which SQL command is used to remove a table from a database?
  • Options:
    • DELETE
    • DROP
    • TRUNCATE
    • REMOVE
  • Correct Answer: DROP
• Question 3: What does the SQL JOIN clause do?
  • Options:
    • Combines rows from two or more tables based on a related column
    • Removes duplicate rows from a table
    • Sorts the result set in ascending or descending order
    • Groups rows that have the same values in specified columns
  • Correct Answer: Combines rows from two or more tables based on a related column

Database Design

• Question 1: What is database normalization?
  • Options:
    • The process of backing up a database
    • The process of organizing data to reduce redundancy
    • The process of encrypting data
    • The process of indexing tables for faster access
  • Correct Answer: The process of organizing data to reduce redundancy
• Question 2: Which normal form is considered optimal for most database designs?
  • Options:
    • First Normal Form (1NF)
    • Second Normal Form (2NF)
    • Third Normal Form (3NF)
    • Boyce-Codd Normal Form (BCNF)
  • Correct Answer: Third Normal Form (3NF)
• Question 3: What is a primary key in a database table?
  • Options:
    • A field that uniquely identifies each row in a table
    • A field that can contain duplicate values
    • A field that is used to store passwords
    • A field that is not indexed
  • Correct Answer: A field that uniquely identifies each row in a table

Performance Tuning

• Question 1: What is a query execution plan?
  • Options:
    • A step-by-step outline of how the database engine will execute a query
    • A backup schedule for database queries
    • A security protocol for running queries
    • A method for indexing queries
  • Correct Answer: A step-by-step outline of how the database engine will execute a query
• Question 2: How can you improve the performance of a slow-running query?
  • Options:
    • By adding indexes on columns used in WHERE clauses
    • By removing all indexes from the database
    • By increasing the number of columns in the query
    • By running the query during peak hours
  • Correct Answer: By adding indexes on columns used in WHERE clauses
• Question 3: What is database partitioning?
  • Options:
    • The process of dividing a large database into smaller, more manageable pieces
    • The process of combining multiple databases into one
    • The process of encrypting database tables
    • The process of backing up a database
  • Correct Answer: The process of dividing a large database into smaller, more manageable pieces

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.