Know-How Exchange : Career/Training

If you haven't already, ask them to write up the results of previous job efforts as a case study. That'll allow you to see how they analyze, write, and report.

Also, ask them to prepare a 3-minute presentation on what they see as opportunities for improvement in the organization, and how they'd proceed. This is a test of how much a self-starter they are: interviewing people, doing research, and presenting their own ideas to your team.

Many tests with traditional questions don't really predict how candidates will perform on the job. Use Jay's approach instead.

I've also had excellent experience with the so-called "profile" instruments that compare a candidate's personality and preference factors with those of individuals who have been successful/unsuccessful in the same job in the past. It's almost uncanny how accurately they can predict success.

One client used that instrument exclusively for several months and then compared success of people selected that way to those selected the "old way" (mostly subjective interview evaluations), and found that the instrument-tested hires were at least twice as likely to work out as the others -- 33% vs. 70%. (I forget how they defined "work out" but it was relevant to them.)

I would take the major functions of the job you are trying to fill and ask specific questions related to how the candidate's past matches this. For example, if the person is expected to promote the sea port, ask them to tell you how they did similar activities at prior jobs.

Set out some customer related questions pertaining to perceived problems, price gripes and dockside issues which impact ships.

The get a friend who is a Sea Captain to ask them and carefully observe the reactions.

Steve Alker
Xspirt

Ask them what communitie they are subscribed to?

What feeds and white papers are they receiving?

How many points do they have here on marketing profs :-))))

But more importantly, ask for work samples. What clients / Campaigns have they handled, where is the proof of the quality fo their work? Get specific metrics on the success that they achieved with the campaigns.

If you are selling me a gadget online, then I want Proof and testimonials and a money back Guarantee :))

Why shouldn't I ask the same form an emplayee?

Proof - show me the work samples
Testimonilas - independent references
Money Back - That's a tough one but it is perfectly fine to hire someone on a 3 month evaluation before signing the full contract.

Good Luck,

Matthew