How to Design Effective Assignments for Candidate Evaluation?
Following successful screening and exploratory interviews, the next step in the hiring process is the design and implementation of candidate assignments.
These are used only if candidates successfully pass the initial stages and are designed to assess their practical skills and interest in the role. Let's explore it in detail.
Objective of Assignments:
The main objective of assignments is to primarily evaluate candidates’ approaches to real-life problems. And secondarily, their intent and interest in the company or the wider industry.
It is crucial for the hiring manager to have clear objectives when designing the assignment to ensure it effectively tests the necessary skills and aptitude.
Example: An assignment might involve solving a typical problem the company faces or proposing a strategy for a hypothetical scenario, which helps in assessing how the candidate might handle similar situations on the job.
Formats of Assignments:
Assignments can vary in format, such as take-home tasks or case studies conducted during interviews. For take-home assignments, it is important to set clear expectations and deadlines, as these tasks require a significant time and effort investment from the candidate.
Example: Candidates might be given a week to complete a project, with specific goals outlined at the outset, ensuring both parties are clear about the requirements and evaluation criteria.
Assignment Design:
Assignments can be multi-part, with each section designed to test different objectives such as problem-solving abilities, primary research skills on customer research, secondary research capabilities, and data synthesis and analysis skills. This comprehensive approach allows evaluators to gain insights into various competencies of the candidate.
Example: An assignment might include a segment requiring candidates to gather new data about potential markets, another part asking for analysis of existing data to identify trends, and a third part to present findings in a structured report.
Takeaway:
Designing effective assignments is a critical step in the hiring process, allowing for a detailed assessment of a candidate's practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to the role.
By clearly defining the objectives and structuring the assignment to cover multiple aspects of the required skills, hiring managers can better identify the most suitable candidates for their teams.