HR pre-qualification: select the best candidates, double your recruitment performance

Pre-qualification is an essential stage in the recruitment process. It enables you to quickly assess whether a candidate is suitable for the position on offer. By optimizing this phase, you can save time and identify the talent that will make the difference within your company. Find out how to conduct an effective pre-qualification using the right methods and tools.

How do you pre-qualify a candidate?

Pre-qualifying a candidate is a crucial phase that takes place after sourcing and sorting applications. Its aim is to check that the candidate's profile matches the job requirements. Here are the main steps to successful prequalification:

Sourcing and sorting CVs

CV sorting is the first filter. The recruiter must analyze the applications received to identify those that best match the position to be filled. This phase saves time by focusing on relevant candidates. You can use tools such as a recruitment CRM to facilitate this task.

Focus on telephone pre-qualification

This is a quick first call to validate certain essential criteria. It usually lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. For example, you can check the candidate's availability, level of motivation for the position and salary expectations. This stage can also be used to briefly present the company and the professional opportunity.

Let's say you're looking for a bilingual sales representative. During the telephone interview, you can test their language skills by continuing the conversation in English. This allows you to quickly assess whether the candidate meets the job requirements.

How do you conduct a pre-qualification interview?

Building a relevant pre-selection grid

Develop a grid that helps you standardize the process and be objective. Identify the key questions that will enable you to assess the candidate's skills and experience. For example:

• Training: What is your level of training? Do you have any specific certifications?
• Professional experience: Can you describe your most recent assignment in relation to the proposed position?
• Motivation: What motivates you to join our company?
• Availability: What is your availability date?
• Geographical mobility: Are you willing to move or relocate?

What questions should I ask during prequalification?

The questions you ask must be precise and focused on the essential criteria of the job. Here are a few examples:

• Technical skills: Are you familiar with tools X, Y, Z? Can you give us an example of a project where you have used them?
• Interest in the job: What appeals to you most about this opportunity?
• Salary expectations: What are your salary expectations?
• Availability: Are you available for an interview in person or by videoconference next week?

By asking these questions, you can quickly assess the candidate's suitability for the position. You can then decide how to proceed with the recruitment process.

What happens after a qualification interview?

After this initial discussion, it's important to decide quickly on the next steps.

If the candidate fits the profile, schedule a face-to-face or video-conference interview with the relevant manager. For example, send a confirmation email with details of the interview.

If not, keep them informed in a clear manner to maintain a good candidate experience. A simple message thanking the candidate for his time and explaining that his application has not been retained is appreciated.

How to optimize the HR pre-qualification process?

Why use artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) can greatly improve the efficiency of your recruitment process. AI solutions enable automated pre-qualification by analyzing CVs and assessing candidates' skills and interests. For example, AI can identify specific keywords in applications, such as technical skills or relevant work experience.

This saves you time and helps you identify ideal candidates more quickly. What's more, artificial intelligence reduces the risk of human bias by using objective criteria.

Marvin, your HR sourcing and pre-qualification tool

Marvin Recruiter is a comprehensive solution that integrates sourcing and pre-qualification functionalities. Usingartificial intelligence, Marvin analyzes applications on the job market. It then proposes a selection of relevant candidates.

For example, Marvin automates CV sorting, identifies key skills and even sends clear, personalized communications to candidates.

This solution enables you to optimize your recruitment strategy and maximize your chances of success. You save time and can concentrate on in-depth interviews with the most promising candidates.

What are the challenges of a good pre-qualification?

First of all, it saves you a considerable amount of time. It allows you to concentrate your efforts on relevant applications and improve the quality of your recruitment. For example, by reducing the number of unnecessary physical interviews, you optimize your time and that of your candidates.

This translates into lower turnover and a better match between job and employee. By optimizing this stage, you also improve thecandidate experience, which strengthens your employer brand. Good pre-qualification contributes to more efficient human resources management and better overall company performance.

HR pre-qualification FAQs

To go further, discover how to create a high-performance career site or learn how to create a pool of candidates for future recruitment.

Also explore how to digitize your HR processes or improve your recruitment CRM to maximize the effectiveness of your recruitment strategy.