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 in software engineering leadership roles?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Less than 5 years of experience in leadership roles.
• How many years of experience do you have managing large-scale software projects?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Less than 3 years managing large projects.
• Are you located in [location] or open to relocation/remote work?
  • Auto-reject criteria: Candidates not in the specified location and unwilling to relocate or 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}

Software Development

Understanding of modern software development practices and frameworks.

• Question 1: What is the primary benefit of using microservices architecture in large-scale applications?
  • Options:
    1. Simplicity
    2. Scalability
    3. Lower cost
    4. Easier testing
  • Correct Answer: 2. Scalability
• Question 2: Which of the following is a key component of continuous integration (CI)?
  • Options:
    1. Manual testing
    2. Frequent code commits
    3. Full-stack architecture
    4. Documentation updates
  • Correct Answer: 2. Frequent code commits
• Question 3: Which Agile methodology framework emphasizes daily standups and sprints?
  • Options:
    1. Kanban
    2. Lean
    3. Scrum
    4. Waterfall
  • Correct Answer: 3. Scrum

Team Leadership

Ability to lead and manage engineering teams effectively.

• Question 1: What is the most effective way to motivate a team facing a tight deadline?
  • Options:
    1. Enforce overtime
    2. Provide regular feedback and support
    3. Increase the workload
    4. Minimize communication
  • Correct Answer: 2. Provide regular feedback and support
• Question 2: What is a key responsibility of a Director of Software Engineering when managing a cross-functional team?
  • Options:
    1. Micro-manage tasks
    2. Align team goals with business objectives
    3. Limit team interactions
    4. Avoid discussing roadblocks
  • Correct Answer: 2. Align team goals with business objectives
• Question 3: How should a leader handle conflict within their team?
  • Options:
    1. Ignore the conflict
    2. Facilitate a constructive discussion
    3. Reassign the team members
    4. Take immediate disciplinary action
  • Correct Answer: 2. Facilitate a constructive discussion

Technology Strategy

Ability to align technical strategy with business objectives.

• Question 1: What should be the first step when planning a technology strategy for a new product launch?
  • Options:
    1. Hiring more developers
    2. Aligning the technology roadmap with business goals
    3. Purchasing new software tools
    4. Defining the budget
  • Correct Answer: 2. Aligning the technology roadmap with business goals
• Question 2: How often should a technology strategy be reviewed in a fast-paced environment?
  • Options:
    1. Annually
    2. Every 3 months
    3. Every 6 months
    4. Never
  • Correct Answer: 2. Every 3 months
• Question 3: What is a critical element of budgeting for technology projects?
  • Options:
    1. Cost estimation only
    2. Ongoing evaluation and adjustments
    3. Fixed budget without reviews
    4. Hiring consultants
  • Correct Answer: 2. Ongoing evaluation and adjustments

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.