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 software architecture?
  • Auto-Reject Criteria: Less than 5 years of experience
• How many years of experience do you have with architectural design software (e.g., UML, TOGAF)?
  • 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}

Architectural Design Software

Assess proficiency in using architectural design tools.

• Question: Which of the following is a widely used notation for modeling software systems in architectural design?
  • Options:
    • ERD (Entity-Relationship Diagram)
    • UML (Unified Modeling Language)
    • BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation)
    • XML (eXtensible Markup Language)
    • Correct Answer: UML
• Question: What does TOGAF stand for?
  • Options:
    • The Open Group Architecture Framework
    • Technical Open Group Application Framework
    • Technology Oriented Global Architecture Framework
    • The Operational General Architecture Foundation
    • Correct Answer: The Open Group Architecture Framework
• Question: In UML, what is the purpose of a "use case diagram"?
  • Options:
    • To model the static structure of a system
    • To show the dynamic behavior of a system over time
    • To depict the interactions between users and the system
    • To illustrate the physical deployment of software components‍
    • Correct Answer: To depict the interactions between users and the system

Project Management

Evaluate experience in managing technical projects.

• Question: Which project management methodology focuses on iterative progress through small, manageable segments?
  • Options:
    • Waterfall
    • Agile
    • PRINCE2
    • Six Sigma
    • Correct Answer: Agile
• Question: What is a "critical path" in project management?
  • Options:
    • The sequence of project activities with the least flexibility
    • The sequence of project activities that determine the project's duration
    • The sequence of tasks that can be delayed without affecting the overall project schedule
    • The sequence of activities that are most likely to fail
    • Correct Answer: The sequence of project activities that determine the project's duration
• Question: What is a key benefit of using project management software in architectural design projects?
  • Options:
    • It automates the entire design process without human intervention
    • It helps in resource allocation and tracking project progress
    • It guarantees that all project risks are eliminated
    • It replaces the need for a project manager
    • Correct Answer: It helps in resource allocation and tracking project progress

Building Codes

Check familiarity with industry standards and codes in software development.

• Question: What is the primary purpose of adhering to software development coding standards?
  • Options:
    • To increase the complexity of the code
    • To ensure the code is readable, maintainable, and consistent
    • To make the code more challenging to understand for new developers
    • To reduce the overall length of the code
    • Correct Answer: To ensure the code is readable, maintainable, and consistent
• Question: Which of the following is a widely recognized software development code standard?
  • Options:
    • ISO/IEC 9126 (Software Quality Characteristics)
    • IEEE 829 (Test Documentation)
    • SOLID Principles (Object-Oriented Design)
    • W3C Standards (Web Standards)
    • Correct Answer: SOLID Principles (Object-Oriented Design)
• Question: Why is it important for a System Architect to be familiar with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) when designing systems?
  • Options:
    • To ensure the system is optimized for performance
    • To ensure the system is compliant with data privacy laws
    • To design systems that can bypass security restrictions
    • To reduce the cost of system implementation‍
    • Correct Answer: To ensure the system is compliant with data privacy laws

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.