How to filter out bad applicants

Posted On Sunday, 07 August 2011 00:12

by Joey Ricard

I was recently asked my advice on how to hire the right people, and I started drafting a “How to” that I thought was pretty interesting.

Something I have encountered numerous times is how many people have employees in their organization that are in the wrong position. This doesn’t mean a bad employee; it typically means someone who is not well fit for that specific position.

I am looking for a person that has good logic, but more importantly, has application and reasoning.

A calculator has great functionality with numbers, but try to use it to change a tire. There is a purpose for every one, and you have to hire based on that purpose and customize the questions around that applicant.

Did you know a guy actually sued the police force because his IQ score was HIGHER than what the police academy allowed to be a police officer? They actually have a maximum IQ score allowed at some places to filter out people that may be to smart. If you’re to smart, you get bored, or learn to work the system to your advantage I guess. Here's the link:http://d.pr/3irG

The questions I created where aimed at finding someone who is a little more tech savvy compared to the average office personnel. That person would also have good logic and worldly application, be ok with relocation, traveling, and various cultures.

These are some of the questions that I created; which should be asked in person, with that person sitting in front of you so you can test their natural responses. It also allows you to dig into other questions from there.

Questions:

Have you ever traveled? Where? And how long have you stayed?

Do you currently live with any family? How close in distance is your closest family member?

Have you moved away from home for school or work before? How far away in miles?

Do you have a specialized education, and if so, what field?

What college did you attend?

Was it the same college location throughout your education?

What software platforms are you familiar with?

What technology or hardware are you familiar with?
Fax Machine, Scanner, etc

Have you ever completed a mail merge?

Do you know what a PDF is?

What’s the difference in a PDF and a DOC?

Do you know what an XLS document is?

Do you know what fields are typically on the front of a business card?

What’s the first letter of your Drivers license? Why?

What is 3^3 (3 to the power of 3)?
They have to understand basic math principals like “the power to” don’t say 3x3x3

What is the difference in BCC and CC when doing an email?

Which way did the entrance to our office face?

What’s the probability of flipping a quarter heads? What about 3 times in a row?

What are the percentages are your monthly expenses versus your income?
This tests cash flow understanding and if they can manage yours, even the basics

What are typical compound rates on a credit card?

In general terms, can you please describe what a compound rate is?

In our head, what is 2700 divided by 300?
This is the same as 27/3 = 9, just some people get confused.

How did you like my questions? Did you know everything asked?

This is a good way to get an understanding of the person, how they think, and if they can do some “basic” functions to what I personally want of a coworker these days. It also lets me see if they understand things other than their direct field of study. If they don’t know the answers its fine, but if they are interested in the answers, then it shows they have a thirst to seek answers.

I like to find people who not only can figure out things, but also can find solutions on their own.

These questions are good to start in an interview process. They can also be asked over the phone so you can filter out people that do not have sharp logic and aptitude.

If you have any additional questions to add, put it in a reply comment at the bottom :)