The Mentra Publication

Embracing Neuroinclusive Recruitment: Best Practices for Project-Based Interviews

TL;DR

The importance of effective candidate assessment in recruitment and the role of project-based interviews.

Exploring why project-based interviews are valuable for assessing candidates.

Best practices for optimizing project-based interviews

The importance of making project-based interviews inclusive for all candidates.

How project-based interviews can be tailored to different job roles.

In the ever-evolving landscape of recruitment, the significance of effectively assessing a candidate's skills in real-time scenarios cannot be overstated. One methodology that stands out in its ability to capture this is the project-based interview. It offers a snapshot of how candidates would perform on the job. However, like any tool, its efficacy lies in its application. Let's delve into the best practices that elevate the project-based interview from a mere task to a pivotal moment of mutual discovery between the candidate and the organization.

A group of people in a video conference.

Why A Project-Based Interview?

Two women sitting on a couch talking to each other.

While traditional interviews assess a candidate's past experiences and qualifications, project-based interviews test their problem-solving capabilities, adaptability, and actual job performance. It's a more tangible metric, especially when trying to assess skills that aren't readily apparent in a conversational setting.

In the final stages of recruitment, project-based interviews have proven to be an invaluable tool for assessing a candidate's aptitude in real-world scenarios. But to optimize this approach, there are specific guidelines and best practices that should be kept in mind:

Clear Context and Purpose:

Begin by ensuring that the context for the challenge is clearly presented. Candidates should understand the specific pain-point or objective they are trying to address.

Transparent Instructions:

Clearly outline what's expected of the candidate in terms of deliverables. State how they should present their solutions, be it in a presentation, a report, or via specific software.

Evaluation Criteria:

Share with the candidate the parameters upon which their project will be assessed. This keeps the evaluation process transparent and gives candidates a clearer focus.

Time Management:

Offer multiple scheduling options for the project-based interview, allowing the candidate to select the most convenient one. This demonstrates respect for their time.

Open Communication:

Ensure candidates have a direct line to ask questions, whether about the project, the role, or any accommodations they might need.

Complexity Balance:

The challenge should be intricate enough to test the candidate but not so complex that it feels burdensome or that they are providing "free work."

Timelines and Expectations:

Clearly specify the expected duration for the project. This ensures the candidate can manage their time effectively and that there are aligned expectations between both parties.

Resources:

If the challenge requires access to specific tools or software, either provide these or clarify the expectation around the candidate using their resources.

Feedback Mechanism:

After the project, always offer feedback, irrespective of the interview outcome. Recognize and respect the effort a candidate puts into the task.

Confidentiality and Usage Rights:

Assure candidates that their project submissions will remain confidential. They must also be informed that their work will not be used for commercial purposes without appropriate compensation or a formal hiring agreement.

Project-based interviews, when effectively executed, provide hiring managers with a practical snapshot of their potential role.

By following the best practices outlined above, the process evolves into a holistic assessment, allowing both the organization and the applicant to determine if they're a mutual fit.

This structured, neuroinclusive approach ensures that interviews are not just a formality but a meaningful exercise to determine the best fit for both the organization and the candidate.

Project-Based Interview in Action: Examples Across Role Types:

Recruiters:

Task them with designing a recruitment strategy for a hypothetical role. Assess their research capabilities, outreach strategy, and evaluation techniques.

UX Designers:

Present a problem statement, like improving the checkout process for an e-commerce site. Evaluate their approach to user research, design thinking, and solution execution.

Software Engineers:

Provide a buggy piece of code or a feature requirement. Gauge their coding, debugging, and problem-solving skills.

"Project-based interviews, when effectively executed, provide hiring managers with a tangible preview of a candidate's alignment with the role's daily tasks. By following a neuroinclusive and structured approach, we ensure that interviews transition from being a mere formality to a meaningful endeavor.

This proactive approach not only ensures a better fit but also streamlines post-hire integration by understanding the individual's work style from the outset.

About the Author

Jhillika is the CEO and cofounder at Mentra, a fellow neurodivergent, Forbes 30 under 30 Social Impact awardee, honorary degree recipient and TEDx speaker for diversity and neuro-inclusion. Her experiences as the sister of a non-speaking autistic individual served as a catalyst for Jhillika to cofound Mentra— empowering companies to tap into the talents of those who society often overlooks… the neurodiverse.