Work sample test and structured interview for {role_name}

After shortlisting, assess candidates' skills with a work sample task, followed by an assessment and thorough evaluation.

How to structure the interview to assess skills and cultural fit for {role_name}

Work sample test (Home assignment)

Recruitment Bullet

Assess the candidate’s practical skills by assigning a real-world task similar to the work they would do if hired.

  • Title: Embedded System Functional Test Design
  • Objective: Evaluate the candidate’s ability to design, implement, and document a functional test plan for an embedded system.
  • Requirements:
    • Develop a comprehensive test plan for a basic embedded system (e.g., a microcontroller controlling a sensor).
    • Identify key functional areas to test, including both hardware and software components.
    • Implement automated test scripts to validate system performance under different conditions.
    • Document the test plan, including test cases, expected outcomes, and any tools used.
  • Time Frame: 5 days

Questions based on home assignment : 

Recruitment Bullet

Once done with work sample test evaluate the candidate’s technical proficiency based on the work sample task.

Technical questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  • Question: How did you determine which functional areas of the embedded system to test in your work sample task?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe their process for identifying critical areas of the system that are most prone to failure or that have the highest impact on system performance.
    • Sample Answer: “I started by reviewing the system’s architecture and identifying the key components responsible for core functionality, such as the microcontroller and sensor interface. I prioritized testing the communication protocols between the microcontroller and sensor, as well as the sensor’s response to different environmental conditions, because these are critical to system reliability.”
  • Question: What tools did you use to automate the test scripts in your work sample task, and why did you choose them?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss the tools they used, why they selected them, and how these tools contributed to the effectiveness of the testing process.
    • Sample Answer: “I used Robot Framework because it is well-suited for automating tests in embedded systems, allowing for easy integration with various hardware interfaces. Additionally, I utilized a custom Python script to handle specific hardware interactions that weren’t directly supported by the framework, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the test cases.”
  • Question: Describe how you handled any unexpected issues that arose during the testing process in your work sample task.
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should explain how they identified, analyzed, and resolved issues during testing, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
    • Sample Answer: “During testing, I encountered intermittent communication failures between the microcontroller and the sensor. I traced the issue to a timing mismatch in the data transmission protocol. To resolve this, I adjusted the timing parameters in the firmware and implemented additional error-checking mechanisms to ensure reliable communication under all tested conditions.”

Behavioral questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  • Question: Can you describe a time when you had to collaborate with a hardware and software team to resolve a critical issue? How did you approach it?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should provide an example of cross-functional collaboration, explaining how they facilitated communication and problem-solving between teams.
    • Sample Answer: “In a previous project, we had a critical issue where the software was not properly interfacing with a new piece of hardware. I organized a meeting with both the hardware and software teams to discuss the issue and align on potential solutions. By facilitating clear communication and ensuring that everyone understood the problem from both perspectives, we were able to identify a firmware bug and implement a fix within a few days.”
  • Question: How do you prioritize tasks when you are working on multiple testing projects with tight deadlines?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss their approach to time management and prioritization, particularly in high-pressure situations.
    • Sample Answer: “When juggling multiple projects, I first assess the criticality and potential impact of each task. I prioritize tasks that directly affect product delivery or those that are blocking other teams. I also break down larger tasks into manageable steps and set clear milestones to track progress. If needed, I communicate with my manager to reallocate resources or adjust deadlines to ensure all critical tasks are completed on time.”
  • Question: Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a testing method that others were skeptical about. How did you handle it?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe how they communicated the value of their approach, addressed concerns, and gained buy-in from stakeholders.
    • Sample Answer: “In one project, I proposed using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing to validate our embedded systems before full integration. Some team members were skeptical due to the upfront time investment. I presented data from previous projects where HIL testing significantly reduced post-integration issues and provided a detailed plan showing how it would fit into our timeline. By demonstrating the long-term benefits and how it could ultimately save time, I gained the support of the team, and the HIL testing proved to be highly effective.”

How to evaluate and compare candidates after interviews?

After interviews, it's important to evaluate and compare candidates based on a set of predefined criteria.Use scorecard to evaluate each candidate.

Recruitment Bullet

Sample scorecard based on pre-defined criteria. Here’s an example:

Criteria Rating (1-5) Comments
Technical Expertise 1-5
Problem-Solving Ability 1-5
Cultural Fit 1-5
Communication Skills 1-5
Experience with Tools 1-5

What criteria should be used to make the final hiring decision?

Final decisions should be based on the candidate's overall evaluation score, with a focus on important qualifications. Prioritize technical skills above everything else for a {role_name}, but do not forget about communication and cultural fit.

Recruitment Bullet

How to communicate the decision to candidates

Sample offer letter for {role_name}

[Company Letterhead]

‍

[Date]

‍

[Candidate Name]  

[Candidate Address]  

[City, State, Zip Code]  

‍

Dear [Candidate Name],

‍

We are pleased to extend an offer of employment for the position of Embedded Test Engineer at [Company Name]. We were impressed with your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the potential value you can bring to our engineering team.

‍

Position: Embedded Test Engineer  

Start Date: [Start Date]  

Salary: [Salary Amount]  

Benefits: [List of Benefits]

‍

Please review the attached terms of employment and let us know if you have any questions. We are excited about the possibility of you joining our team and contributing to our success.

‍

Kindly sign and return this offer letter by [Offer Expiry Date] to confirm your acceptance.

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Sincerely,  

[Your Name]  

[Your Title]  

[Company Name]

‍

Sample rejection letter for {role_name}

[Company Letterhead]

‍

[Date]

‍

[Candidate Name]  

[Candidate Address]  

[City, State, Zip Code]  

‍

Dear [Candidate Name],

‍

Thank you for taking the time to interview for the Embedded Test Engineer position at [Company Name]. We appreciate your interest in our company and the effort you put into the interview process.

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After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate who we believe is a better fit for the position at this time.

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We were impressed with your qualifications and encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

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Thank you again for your interest in [Company Name]. We wish you the best of luck in your job search and future career endeavors.

‍

Sincerely,  

[Your Name]  

[Your Title]  

[Company Name]

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Hiring guide

About {role_name}

Job description

Source and shortlist candidates

Structured interview

Progression and salary