Hiring the right candidate having the relevant skills, caliber, and diligence for a job position is of paramount importance for the success of any organization. While a candidate's qualifications and expertise are important, it is equally essential to assess the candidate's proactiveness as well , whether they have the capacity to get trained swiftly and learn the relevant skills required for the job if he or she is a newbie and not a seasoned job seeker.

Here are some handy strategies shared by Xelate, an illustrious training institute founded in 2017, to help narrow down a properly trained candidate during the evaluation process. 

Clearly defined job requirements: Before evaluating candidates, it is essential to lay out crisp,  concise,and realistic job descriptions that are  attainable enough to attract apt candidates,so that the entry-level  job seekers applying for the position should not get overwhelmed after checking them. 

This will serve as a guideline for evaluating candidates and narrowing down those who possess the required training.

Review Resumes and Applications: Start by reviewing the resumes and applications of the candidates. Look for relevant education, certifications, and training programmes they have completed. Pay attention to any specialized training or courses that directly relate to the job. This initial screening will help you identify candidates who have the foundational training you are looking for.

Do not blindly reject any candidate only on the basis of a non-relevant degree, poor academics  or career gaps. Sometimes companies miss out on potential good candidates by neglecting such candidates. In many scenarios, students possessing a non-relevant degree or with average academics yet having completed specialized relevant training can prove to be good resources for the company.

Do look for candidates who have completed hands-on training involving practical elements instead of just theory.

At Xelate, we provide a comprehensive 3-phase industrial training programme incorporating phase 1 (Industry Exposure), phase 2 (Specialization), and phase 3 Project and Placement). 

Conduct structured interviews: Interviews provide an opportunity to assess a candidate's training more comprehensively. Develop a structured interview process with a set of predetermined questions that focus on the candidate's training and its practical application. Ask them to provide specific examples of how they have applied their training in previous roles or projects. Look for candidates who can articulate their training experiences and demonstrate their relevance to the job at hand.

Utilize Practical Assessments and Simulations: In addition to interviews, consider incorporating practical assessments or simulations as part of the evaluation process. This could involve asking candidates to complete a task or solve a problem that is directly related to the job. For example, if you are hiring a software developer, you might ask candidates to write code or troubleshoot a technical issue. Practical assessments provide insights into how well candidates can apply their training in real-world scenarios.

Check References and Verify Credentials: Take the time to conduct thorough reference checks and verify the credentials of candidates. By reaching out to their supervisors or mentors to inquire about their performance or their training stint credibility. Validate any certifications or training programmes they have listed on their resumes. This step helps ensure that candidates' training claims are accurate and reliable.

Assess Cultural Fit: While evaluating a candidate's training is important, it is equally vital to consider their cultural fit within the organization. Assess their values, work ethic, and ability to collaborate with colleagues. A candidate may have the right training, but if they are unable to adapt to the company culture or work well with the team, their effectiveness may be limited.

Consider Continuous Learning Mindset: Lastly, consider a candidate's mindset towards continuous learning. Training and education should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Look for candidates who demonstrate a passion for learning and personal development. Ask about their commitment to staying updated with industry trends and their willingness to pursue further training if necessary.

In conclusion, narrowing down a well-trained candidate requires a systematic and comprehensive evaluation process. Clearly define job requirements, review resumes, conduct structured interviews, utilize practical assessments, check references, assess cultural fit, and consider a candidate's mindset towards continuous learning. By following these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of identifying candidates who have received the right training and are well-equipped to excel in the role.