Have you ever used unconventional technique for assessing talent and fit for a potential hire? What was it?

Hi,

Yes, I was looking for sales manager and asked him to prepare a presentation about himself to sell himself to me as a product. The presentation was conducted infront of small group of people in order to know how far he will be able to convert himself as a product and sell it to the audience.

Also, another case I was looking for business development manager, I have invited all the shortlisted candidates to a meeting and all sit together in a brainstorming session to provide their ideas and views and construct each other.

STAR METHOD in Interview:

1. Situation or

2. Task

3. Actions

4. Result

I always stick to my intuitions to take the final call while selecting someone, though the bench marking standards must be met to ensure I get the best candidate in terms of skill and expertise, I see to the same as well. Once while hiring for my small start-up, i asked the few shortlisted candidates to write about their5 minutes of experience talking with me, what kind of person I am, both in terms of intellect and appearance etc, my intention was solely to check their creativity and how they present it or sugar coat it, rather conceal it using their skills. I was looking for a copywriter. I selected the person, who is still working with me and we are friends and professionals at the same time. The small start-up is both of our passion as well. I believe that unconventional ways can filter out certain precious gems for us if we do it the right way. P.S. I am not an HR professional. Thank you for the good question.

For mid-level and above positions, we go for conventional methods or steps of evaluation which includes;

1 – Initial interviews.

2 – Panel interviews.

3  - Technical Assessments (including, system based, communication and panel presentations for marketing plans)

4 – Medical Examination.

As far as unconventional technique  is concern, we did On job evaluation for entry level, group discussion based for Management Trainees program and etc) most of the time, we go for conventional  methods for selecting the right candidate.