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: Simulated Cash Handling and Customer Interaction
  • Objective: Assess the candidate’s ability to handle cash transactions accurately and interact positively with customers.
  • Requirements:some text
    • Handle a series of simulated transactions using a mock POS system.
    • Resolve a customer complaint during the transaction.
    • Issue receipts and ensure the cash drawer balances at the end of the simulation.
  • Time Frame: 1 hour

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 would you handle a situation where the cash drawer does not balance at the end of your shift?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should explain steps such as recounting the cash, reviewing transaction logs, and reporting discrepancies to a supervisor.
    • Sample Answer: "First, I would recount the cash in the drawer to ensure that I didn't make a mistake. Then, I would review the transaction logs to identify any discrepancies or errors in the transactions. If I still cannot resolve the issue, I would report the discrepancy to my supervisor for further investigation."
  • Question: Describe the process of voiding a transaction in the POS system.
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should outline the steps for voiding a transaction, such as selecting the transaction, choosing the void option, and confirming the action.
    • Sample Answer: "To void a transaction, I would locate the transaction in the POS system by searching for the receipt or transaction number. Next, I would select the 'Void' option and follow the prompts to confirm the void. I would ensure that the transaction is correctly voided and update any necessary records."
  • Question: What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when counting change for a customer?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should mention counting the change back to the customer, using the register’s displayed change amount, and double-checking their calculations.
    • Sample Answer: "I would first use the register’s displayed change amount to ensure accuracy. Then, I would count the change back to the customer to confirm the correct amount. Finally, I would double-check my calculations to make sure that there are no errors."

Behavioral questions

Recruitment Bullet

Duration : 10 minutes/question

  • Question: Can you describe a time when you handled a difficult customer? How did you resolve the situation?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should provide a specific example, explain the situation, their actions, and the outcome.
    • Sample Answer: "Once, a customer was upset because they received the wrong item. I listened carefully to their concerns and apologized for the mistake. I offered to correct the error immediately by providing the correct item or issuing a refund if preferred. The customer appreciated the prompt resolution and left satisfied."
  • Question: How do you manage stress during busy periods?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe strategies such as staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a calm demeanor.
    • Sample Answer: "During busy periods, I stay organized by prioritizing tasks and focusing on one thing at a time. I also take deep breaths to stay calm and ensure I am not overwhelmed. I try to keep a positive attitude and maintain efficient workflow to manage stress effectively."
  • Question: Give an example of a time when you had to multitask. How did you handle it?
    • Expected Answer: The candidate should describe the situation, how they managed multiple tasks, and the outcome.
    • Sample Answer: "At my previous job, there was a peak period where I had to handle multiple registers while assisting with customer queries. I managed this by staying focused, efficiently switching between tasks, and prioritizing urgent requests. I successfully managed the workload and maintained a high level of customer service."

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:

Candidate Evaluation Criteria
Criteria Sample Question Rating (1-5) Comments
Cash Handling How would you handle a situation where the cash drawer does not balance?
POS Systems Describe the process of voiding a transaction in the POS system.
Customer Service Can you describe a time when you handled a difficult customer?
Communication Skills How do you ensure accuracy when counting change for a customer?
Problem-Solving What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when counting change for a customer?
Attention to Detail Describe a time when you caught a mistake before it became a bigger issue.
Time Management How do you manage stress during busy periods?
Cultural Fit Discussion about company values and mission

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}

[Your Company Letterhead]

[Date]

[Candidate's Name]
[Candidate's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

We are pleased to offer you the position of Restaurant Cashier at [Your Company Name]. We were impressed with your skills and experience, and we believe you will be a valuable addition to our team.

Position: Restaurant Cashier
Start Date: [Start Date]
Salary: [Salary Amount] per hour
Benefits: [Brief Overview of Benefits]

Please confirm your acceptance of this offer by signing below and returning this letter by [Acceptance Deadline].

We look forward to welcoming you to our team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]

Sample rejection letter for {role_name}

[Your Company Letterhead]

[Date]

[Candidate's Name]
[Candidate's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Candidate's Name],

Thank you for your interest in the Restaurant Cashier position at [Your Company Name] and for taking the time to meet with our team. We appreciate your effort in the application process.

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate who more closely matches our current needs for this role. This decision was not easy, as we received applications from many qualified candidates, including yourself.

We will keep your resume on file for future opportunities that may align with your skills and experience. We encourage you to apply again in the future and wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Thank you once again for your interest in [your company name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company Name]

Hiring guide

About {role_name}

Job description

Source and shortlist candidates

Structured interview

Progression and salary