The task was to find a project manager for the marketing department who doesn't necessarily have to be a marketer but is a strong organizer who can get things done. After detailed discussions with department leaders, we created a list of criteria for the ideal candidate:
When scoring candidates, these criteria are weighted as follows:
To accurately assess these criteria, we identified indicators for each and devised a detailed approach for scoring. More important criteria have multiple questions to evaluate from different perspectives, minimizing candidate biases about themselves.
Here is the finalized questionnaire. Each question is linked to an indicator, which in turn is linked to a specific criterion.
- Doer: The primary attribute. Someone who acts and makes things happen.
- Logical Thinking: Department leaders are logical and have engineering backgrounds; they want someone who can integrate quickly without needing much training.
- People Management: Tasks involve finding and managing contractors, so understanding people management and aligning with ethical business practices and lean approaches is important.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Includes independence and the ability to take responsibility, meaning someone who doesn't need constant direction or approval. It's better to make mistakes than to do nothing.
When scoring candidates, these criteria are weighted as follows:
- Doer: 4
- Problem-Solving Skills: 3
- Logical Thinking: 2
- People Management: 1
To accurately assess these criteria, we identified indicators for each and devised a detailed approach for scoring. More important criteria have multiple questions to evaluate from different perspectives, minimizing candidate biases about themselves.
Here is the finalized questionnaire. Each question is linked to an indicator, which in turn is linked to a specific criterion.
We gathered responses and calculated the results, which are shown in the picture below. For safety reasons, all personal data have been removed.
The columns represent different indicators, each scored individually. The RESULT column shows the overall score, considering the weight of each criterion (each indicator has the corresponding criterion's weight).
The columns represent different indicators, each scored individually. The RESULT column shows the overall score, considering the weight of each criterion (each indicator has the corresponding criterion's weight).
Department leaders selected one of the candidates from the green area and conducted an interview. They ultimately hired this candidate. Several months have passed, and the leaders are happy with the hire. This approach not only saves time for key managers by avoiding interviews with irrelevant candidates but also saves time and money by ensuring you work with people who meet your expectations.
This streamlined method has proven to be effective and efficient, ensuring that we hire the right person for the job.
This streamlined method has proven to be effective and efficient, ensuring that we hire the right person for the job.