← all ideas

Quick Recruiting Tip

The idea

If you're hiring for a position that doesn't require a master's degree and involves tasks that are relatively simple, you might expect to receive applications from a wide range of candidates. One quick tip to help filter through the less qualified candidates is to ask them to send a calendar invite for a 15-minute slot in Central Standard Time. The argument is that many candidates will struggle with time zone calculations, leading to incorrect durations or incorrect time slots. For example, a candidate might set up a one-hour appointment instead of a 15-minute one, or send a calendar invite for 9 a.m. instead of the requested 10 a.m. If a candidate makes these mistakes, it might be a sign they lack attention to detail, which is crucial for many roles. While this isn't a foolproof method, it can save you time by quickly identifying candidates who might not be the best fit for the role.

Why it works

• The argument is that sending a calendar invite for a specific duration in a particular time zone can reveal a candidate's attention to detail. One view holds that candidates who send an invite for an incorrect duration, like an hour instead of 15 minutes, show a lack of care or basic understanding.
• The founder suggests this test because it's a quick and efficient way to filter out candidates who are likely to be unprepared or unprofessional, saving time for both the candidate and the employer.
• By requesting a calendar invite, the employer can easily spot candidates who fail to follow instructions or make simple errors, which can be indicative of their overall level of professionalism and attention to detail.

The playbook

1. Ask for a calendar invite: Request candidates to send you a calendar invite for 15 minutes at a specified time. Ensure they understand to send it in Central Standard Time.
2. Specify the time: Clearly state the exact time for the invite, for example, 10 a.m.
3. Monitor the response: Watch for any discrepancies in the duration or time. A common mistake is sending an hour instead of 15 minutes.
4. Correct any errors: Politely point out any errors and ask for the correct invite to be resent.
5. Evaluate the response: If a candidate sends an incorrect invite, consider it a red flag and move on to the next candidate. This quick test can save you time by filtering out unqualified candidates early in the process.

Where people get it wrong

• Sending the wrong time zone: The candidate sends a calendar invite in the wrong time zone, causing confusion and delays. Instead, ensure the time zone is correctly set to the one you requested, such as Central Standard Time.

• Inaccurate duration: The candidate mistakenly sets the meeting duration to an incorrect length, like sending an hour-long slot instead of the required 15 minutes. Always confirm the exact duration to avoid rescheduling.

• Poor follow-up: Not following up on the initial request for a Loom video or calendar invite can indicate a lack of initiative. Promptly respond and provide clear instructions to ensure the candidate takes the process seriously.

Do this next

• If someone sends a calendar invite with the wrong time zone, adjust it to the correct time and ensure it's for the right duration.
• If the invite is for 15 minutes, make sure the duration is exactly that and not an hour or more.
• Pay attention to the time zone specified; if it's not your local time, convert it accordingly.
• Send a quick follow-up if the invite is off by a significant amount, reminding them to correct the time and duration.