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., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA)?
  • Less than 1 year (Auto-reject)
  • 1-2 years
  • 2-5 years
  • 5+ years (Preferred)
• How many years of experience do you have in product design or a related engineering role?
  • No experience (Auto-reject)
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-3 years
  • 3+ years
• Are you located within [specified location] or willing to work remotely?
  • Yes
  • No (Auto-reject if location-dependent)
• Do you have experience working on designs for [specific industry] (e.g., automotive, aerospace, manufacturing)?
  • Yes
  • No (Auto-reject if industry-specific role)

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}

CAD Software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA)

Testing the candidate’s proficiency in using CAD tools.

• Question: Which of the following features is used to create 3D models in SolidWorks?
  • A) Extrude (Correct Answer)
  • B) Trim
  • C) Fillet
  • D) Split Line
• Question: In AutoCAD, which command is used to create a circle?
  • A) CIRCLE (Correct Answer)
  • B) RECTANGLE
  • C) POLYGON
  • D) ARC
• Question: In CATIA, what is the function of the ‘Draft Analysis’ tool?
  • A) To analyze the assembly of parts
  • B) To check draft angles on molded parts (Correct Answer)
  • C) To create technical drawings
  • D) To adjust material properties

Product Design

Assessing the candidate’s experience in designing and developing products.

• Question: What is the purpose of a prototype in product design?
  • A) To analyze technical specifications
  • B) To create a working model for testing (Correct Answer)
  • C) To finalize the manufacturing process
  • D) To document design changes
• Question: Which material is most commonly used in 3D printing prototypes?
  • A) Aluminum
  • B) PLA (Correct Answer)
  • C) Steel
  • D) Glass
• Question: In product design, what does tolerance refer to?
  • A) The weight of a component
  • B) The acceptable deviation from a specified dimension (Correct Answer)
  • C) The energy consumption
  • D) The color variation of materials

Prototyping

Evaluating the candidate’s knowledge of prototyping and testing.

• Question: What is the main purpose of a rapid prototype?
  • A) To create a final product
  • B) To test a design quickly for form and function (Correct Answer)
  • C) To produce large-scale manufacturing units
  • D) To conduct stress analysis
• Question: In which phase of the product development lifecycle is prototyping typically performed?
  • A) Concept phase
  • B) Development phase (Correct Answer)
  • C) Production phase
  • D) Disposal phase
• Question: What is one advantage of using 3D printing for prototyping?
  • A) Higher production volume
  • B) Low material costs
  • C) Fast iteration and testing (Correct Answer)
  • D) High durability for mass production

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.