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: Equipment Calibration and Troubleshooting Task
  • Objective: Evaluate the candidate’s ability to calibrate engineering equipment, troubleshoot technical issues, and document the process.
  • Requirements:
    • Calibrate a specified piece of equipment (e.g., a pressure gauge or multimeter) to ensure it operates within the required parameters.
    • Identify and troubleshoot any issues that arise during calibration.
    • Document the entire process, including the steps taken, tools used, and any issues encountered.
    • Provide recommendations for improving the calibration process or maintaining the equipment.
  • Time Frame: 3 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: During the calibration of the equipment in your work sample task, how did you ensure that the device was calibrated accurately?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe the specific steps they took to ensure accuracy, such as using reference standards or following a calibration protocol.
    • Sample Answer: “I used a calibrated reference gauge to compare readings with the device I was calibrating. I also followed the manufacturer’s calibration procedure to ensure that all steps were conducted correctly. After calibration, I double-checked the readings at different intervals to confirm consistency.”
  • Question: What tools and techniques did you use to troubleshoot any issues during the calibration process?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss the tools and diagnostic techniques they used to identify and resolve any issues that arose.
    • Sample Answer: “I used a multimeter to check the electrical connections and ensure there were no faults in the wiring. Additionally, I ran a diagnostic test on the equipment’s software to ensure there were no calibration errors due to software glitches.”
  • Question: How do you document your calibration and troubleshooting process to ensure that it can be replicated by others?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should explain their approach to documentation, emphasizing clarity, detail, and the importance of keeping accurate records.
    • Sample Answer: “I maintain a detailed log of each step taken during the calibration and troubleshooting process, including the tools used, settings adjusted, and any issues encountered. I also include before-and-after calibration readings to show the improvement. This documentation is stored in our central database so that others can replicate the process or review it if needed.”

Behavioral questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  • Question: Describe a situation where you had to work under tight deadlines to complete a critical maintenance task. How did you manage your time and ensure the task was completed accurately?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss how they prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
    • Sample Answer: “In my previous role, we had a critical piece of equipment go down just before a production deadline. I prioritized the task by immediately assessing the problem, gathering the necessary tools, and working in a focused manner. I communicated with my supervisor to keep them updated on the progress and completed the task on time, ensuring that the equipment was fully operational before the deadline.”
  • Question: How do you approach teamwork when you need to collaborate with engineers and other technicians on a project?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe their communication and collaboration skills, and how they contribute to team efforts.
    • Sample Answer: “I believe in clear and open communication, so I always start by ensuring that everyone understands the project’s objectives. I listen to my teammates’ input and share my own insights to find the best solutions. I also make sure to coordinate tasks so that we can work efficiently without overlapping efforts.”
  • Question: Tell me about a time when you identified a safety issue in your work environment. What actions did you take to address it?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe how they handled a safety concern, emphasizing their attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.
    • Sample Answer: “During a routine maintenance check, I noticed that one of the machines was making unusual noises and vibrating more than usual, which indicated a potential safety hazard. I immediately shut down the machine and informed my supervisor. I then conducted a thorough inspection and found that a critical component was worn out and needed replacement. After replacing the part and verifying the machine’s safety, I documented the issue and recommended a more frequent inspection schedule to prevent future occurrences.”

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
Problem-Solving Ability
Cultural Fit
Communication Skills
Experience with Tools

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 Engineering Technician at [Company Name]. We were impressed with your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and the potential value you can bring to our engineering team.

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Position: Engineering Technician  

Start Date: [Start Date]  

Salary: [Salary Amount]  

Benefits: [List of Benefits]

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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.

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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 Engineering Technician 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]

‍

Hiring guide

About {role_name}

Job description

Source and shortlist candidates

Structured interview

Progression and salary